"Malls represent everything that is wrong with our culture",lamented a thespian in a recent Hindi film.I am going to try and analyze that statement with what I know of this scenario.Basically,malls are a place where the well-off see fit to wile away non-working hours.On the other side of the city,the poor and the deprived only stay unprivileged.I feel that these modernized versions of shopping complexes entice the gullible with flashy,avoidable things while huge sums of money are rolling in business.
There is massive wastage of electricity - which can be utilized in power-starved areas of our land.Plus,we can't afford to lose existing energy sources when a scarcity is imminent.
Exploitation of water - we know our tendency to take advantage of available resources,otherwise the oncoming crisis could be averted.
Canvassing - creating a feeling that you don't fit in if you don't possess the latest brand apparel or whatever(the media,especially advertisements,also contribute to this)so that hordes of people flock in to these multi-purpose shopping centres,
Multiplexes - We were doing just fine with single screen theatres when larger access to the world necessitated the need for a leap in technology;now we can watch mutiple films at convenient showtimes,without budging from the spot.
Selfie hotspots - ah,the infamous self-portrait mania gripping all of mankind at the moment.Malls are obviously a favourite spot for that much-longed-for photograph.It is no longer about creating memories, but about the number of 'likes'.Wonder if Narcissus would like to reincarnate in this century.
Parking - When in truth this service should be availed free of cost(since only 0.01% of the crowd that goes into a mall will come out without buying anything)consumers are forced to spend further cash on account of their halting there for a few hours.
Traffic - it is not uncommon to see urban roads getting clogged on weekends,with families racing to the nearest mall,thus adding to ever-present traffic woes.
Good old - parks, zoos, museums, historical monuments and other sights of any given place are no longer a favourable abode,atleast for a majority of youngsters, who seek "the bubble reputation".
Fast food - malls serve as a hubbub for lovers of unhealthy eating habits.The fact is that,often,our stomachs remain more or less empty while our pockets are drained.
Malls have a part to play in creating the idea that a movie sans popcorn is unbearable.
Of course, malls have been far from unsuccessful despite its adversely affecting the urban psyche.It does offer some conveniences - a one-stop shopping destination, a safe movie-going experience for women,and so forth - but I feel the negatives outweigh them.
There could be more disadvantageous consequences;I just shared what came to mind.If you have dug further,do share your observations.
*Naseeruddin Shah in 'Waiting'.
There is massive wastage of electricity - which can be utilized in power-starved areas of our land.Plus,we can't afford to lose existing energy sources when a scarcity is imminent.
Exploitation of water - we know our tendency to take advantage of available resources,otherwise the oncoming crisis could be averted.
Canvassing - creating a feeling that you don't fit in if you don't possess the latest brand apparel or whatever(the media,especially advertisements,also contribute to this)so that hordes of people flock in to these multi-purpose shopping centres,
Multiplexes - We were doing just fine with single screen theatres when larger access to the world necessitated the need for a leap in technology;now we can watch mutiple films at convenient showtimes,without budging from the spot.
Selfie hotspots - ah,the infamous self-portrait mania gripping all of mankind at the moment.Malls are obviously a favourite spot for that much-longed-for photograph.It is no longer about creating memories, but about the number of 'likes'.Wonder if Narcissus would like to reincarnate in this century.
Parking - When in truth this service should be availed free of cost(since only 0.01% of the crowd that goes into a mall will come out without buying anything)consumers are forced to spend further cash on account of their halting there for a few hours.
Traffic - it is not uncommon to see urban roads getting clogged on weekends,with families racing to the nearest mall,thus adding to ever-present traffic woes.
Good old - parks, zoos, museums, historical monuments and other sights of any given place are no longer a favourable abode,atleast for a majority of youngsters, who seek "the bubble reputation".
Fast food - malls serve as a hubbub for lovers of unhealthy eating habits.The fact is that,often,our stomachs remain more or less empty while our pockets are drained.
Malls have a part to play in creating the idea that a movie sans popcorn is unbearable.
Of course, malls have been far from unsuccessful despite its adversely affecting the urban psyche.It does offer some conveniences - a one-stop shopping destination, a safe movie-going experience for women,and so forth - but I feel the negatives outweigh them.
There could be more disadvantageous consequences;I just shared what came to mind.If you have dug further,do share your observations.
*Naseeruddin Shah in 'Waiting'.
Comments
Post a Comment