The Silence Of The Writer

For once Goa was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Amidst the swaying palms, sandy beaches and melting sunsets, gory news made way to the front page. News that made the scenic backdrop fade away.

Source: Jerry Pinto's page on Facebook

Eight years ago, a workshop was conducted by a group of veteran writers and editors native to this idyllic state.  Perching themselves on stools between bookshelves at a local bookstore, the Goa Writers Group (GWG) took birth. These monthly meets were an adaptation from the structure of New York based Two Bridges Writers Group where an original piece of work would be circulated prior to the meeting; at the meet the writers would offer a critique.  The group grew in size as well as shape. Along with critiquing literary offerings, workshops, writing challenges, presentations, debates and seminars got added to the list. The writers’ clan grew and even started playing host to renowned authors such as Orhan Pamuk and Amitav Ghosh. Sharing a camaraderie that was adding depth to the literary world, this group was setting a perfect example for fellow writers to follow. What more could one want? - Definitely not the scandal that brought about its sudden demise. 

Yes, a scandal. “Literati” and scandals are not words one usually finds in the same sentence yet there they were. A set of individuals strung together by their creativity and a “refined” outlook towards society engulfed in a despicable and undignified episode. An episode that replaces every ounce of respect with nothing but shame. 

So what ruined GWG? - One Writer’s weakness and his inability to control his fantasies. The moderator of the online mail group could not stop himself from harassing the women writers. As hard as it might seem to believe; he was caught condescending/bullying the writers and sending them abusive and sexually suggestive chat messages. 

When the harassed women got together, the jigsaw pieces fell in place, revealing an extremely horrific image. When questioned the group was abruptly dissolved and a new one formed with the same name, deleting all old records/archives that could point fingers at anyone. The women did not join. One would think the matter ended here; a harassment issue buried deep enough not to be raked again. It probably would have, had it not been for the Tejpal news that made headlines recently. 

Source: Jerry Pinto's Facebook Page

A journalist took a stand against the harassment she suffered at the hands of Tejpal, just like those women writers did from GWG. However there was one glaring difference as far as the latter were concerned. One particular male writer, a member of GWG and a close friend of the moderator who had ignored their request for support was now expressing solidarity to the Tehelka journalist. Jerry Pinto was blasted from all directions for his alleged hypocrisy. While in the GWG harassment case he had stood by his friend, the moderator, saying strong women cannot be harassed, here he was sympathizing with a victim going through a similar patch. In response to the questioning, Jerry did what most do – delete the messages and “unfriend” the women writers who questioned him.  His reaction was natural said he; however impulsive it might have seemed coming from a supposedly creative and professional writer.

Explanations were given and stood by, but it did nothing to wipe off the duplicity. It did however strengthen a feeling of cynicism as far as faith in mankind was concerned. This was the same person who had spoken some golden words on his Facebook page when Nirbhaya was brutally raped and abused in December 2012. Words that moved hearts and questioned the respect men have for women. Lines that made one believe that all was not wrong with the world; there were people like Jerry who did not let it down.  

Hypocrisy and avoiding confrontation is as much a crime as the harassment; coming from the “educated” and “intellectual” strata of society it further questions the action. Jerry is not the only one; Shoma Choudhury’s responses and actions in Tejpal’s case were equally disappointing.  Many such stories might be lying buried across workplaces and social gatherings alike…. Cans of worms waiting to strew open in the least expected places. One wonders if it is the absence of a conscience that leads to such a drastic disregard for dignity and respect.

If individuals who earn their credibility through their outlook and perspective towards life are capable of such hypocrisy; can one expect objective behavior from a bus driver or the office boy? None of the heinous crimes are justified, they never will be. However one does need to acknowledge the reality as well – crime is not limited to the act of abuse nor is it limited to the under privileged sections of society. Unjustified mindsets and a lack of conscience prevail in the “refined and elite” classes as well.

Regardless of the field of work, the education or apparent culture and development; trust and faith have become misnomers in the existing society. Yes, whether the masses like it or not this ambiguity is here to stay; because when people you look up to belie all expectations, that confidence dies a slow death; never to come back to life.