THE LATEST weapon in the market is branded shoes and flip-flops. Yes, this is the latest trend, to speak your mind, to show protest or even just to get some camera attention on you, all you have to do is hurl one shoe at the politician or speaker before you and you are done!
Different designer shoes, flip-flops are the emerging voice of people who want to stand up for their rights.
It is increasingly replacing a garland for welcome in election rallies. It is rather a status symbol for the campaigner the number of shoes he gets or the kind of footwear he is awarded with.
The trend that started in the West with George Bush being the target of a shoe has caught up in India very well.
This new phenomenon is throwing up a lot of questions like- does this really bring to the surface the kind of frustration the people of the country are feeling seeing their leaders? Have they lost all their faith in the fundamental rights and other ways by which they can register their anger and disapproval?
Or it is more of anger and disillusionment at their own choices? Maybe they feel cheated by the way their ‘vote’ was taken.
A mere shoe on the other hand, has landed up being the mediator in the whole situation. Being hurled like this to show their dissatisfaction the lifeless thing has acquired an all new meaning.
It is as if the poor shoe is asking people that if human beings, with such intelligence and capabilities can’t express themselves in the right way and raise their issues, how will a lifeless thing be able to do it? How can you expect it to change the world and make a difference just by hitting someone?
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