There are few things more ridiculous then indecency laws, particularly in countries where such laws are generously distributed for something as silly as a kiss. Luckily, the government of India is willing to show to the world both its lack of maturity and sense of humor by issuing an arrest warrant after actor Richard Gere kissed Bollywood actress, Shilpa Shetty for an AIDS awareness event last month. Now, I’m not the biggest Gere fan, but the charges could net the actor 3 months in jail plus a fine, seem pretty over the top for kissing a woman repeatedly on the cheek. What seems equally ridiculous is that following his creepy display of affection, a riot broke out, and effigies of the actor were burned, with people yelling “death to Shilpa Shetty”.
Why is it that burning Gere dolls and issuing death threats are somehow acceptable, but kissing someone on the cheek (on an event meant to help save people’s lives) merit the ire of all? India may excuse itself with the “tradition” defense, but there is something powerfully telling about a society that punishes an action intended to be affectionate, and condones others marred with violence and anger.
source:”Gere faces Indian arrest warrant” BBC News, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6596163.stm, Thursday, 26 April 2007
Ryan Harkness and Jacob Fortin are both writers and comedians, as well full time godless heathens.
