Anxieties of Indian
Democracy:
Cartoon as a Barometer
Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee
A barometer is a scientific instrument used in meteorology to
measure atmospheric pressure. Pressure tendency can forecast short term changes
in the weather. Cartoon can measure the social tolerance threshold, which again
is the measure of maturing of democracy. The way cartoons and cartoonists are
treated in a society speaks volumes not only on the aesthetic and intellectual
quality of the society, but also on its socio-political ethos and status.
What is a Cartoon?
A cartoon is any of several forms of illustrations with varied meanings that evolved
from its original meaning. In modern print media, a cartoon is a piece of art,
usually humorous in intent. This usage dates from 1843 when Punch magazine applied the term to
satirical drawings in its pages, particularly sketches by John Leech. The art
usually acts as a visual metaphor to illustrate a point of view on current
social and/or political topics. At times it aims to create pure humour to entertain
and at times to ridicule and/or criticize. Cartoon does three acts with considerable
overlapping: it comments, it lampoons and it creates humour/mirth. Humour
and/or satire are integral part of a cartoon. Satire, at its basic level is
humour plus ridicule. Irreverence is
another vital element of cartoon. Cartoons by nature have to be irreverent, to
be effective.
What is Democracy?
Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible
citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy
allows eligible citizens to participate equally—either directly or through
elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws. It
encompasses social, economic and cultural conditions that enable the free and
equal practice of political self-determination.
Today most countries in the world are democracies: three in
every five countries of the world choose their leaders in free and fair,
multiparty elections. But elections are not the only determinant of a
democracy. There are other elements.
8 Elements of Democracy
By and
large, democracy as a form of government survives, sustains and grows under
certain conditions, which we may call: elements of democracy. Here are the
eight basic elements of democracy:
1. Rule of law. Everyone must adhere to
the same laws.
2. Human Dignity. Citizens should
protect and uphold the dignity of all people.
3. Political Equality. Everyone has the
same right to vote and run for office and to speak on public issues
4. Political Freedoms. People can speak
freely and vote without intimidation.
5. Common Good. Citizens work towards
the common good (what will make people safe and happy).
6. Being Informed and Getting Involved.
Citizens should participate individually and collectively in issues that shape
their community, nation and world.
7. Personal Freedom. People enjoy
freedom of religion and freedom of expressions.
8. Respect. Citizens should respect the
rights of others.
Cartoon and Democracy: Where is the
linkage?
Combining graphic art, diverse allusion, comment, critique
and humour, the cartoon has illuminated and enlivened political discourse for
more than two centuries in the civilised world[1].
But more than that, Cartoons actually help democracy to prosper, flower and
take deeper root.
How Cartoon helps in strengthening
Democracy
·
Cartoons
as a facilitator for participation: Democracy warrants participation of the
citizens. Citizens have an obligation to become informed about public issues
and to monitor the conduct of their leaders and representatives. Cartoons through its sharp comment and
critique pave a way for lively and free participation.
·
Cartoon
as a safety mechanism for social tension: Call it a ‘de-tox’ mechanism. By
laughing at the high and mighty, by ridiculing and poking fun at the system, Cartoon
eases social tension. It acts as a safety valve to release steam.
·
Cartoon
as a Mirror: Cartoons like journalism
reflect the actual picture of the society, with its warts and all. It shows our
follies and foibles, the way we act.
·
Cartoon
as watchdog: By revealing the wrong, again like journalism, it acts as a
watchdog.
·
Cartoon
as a reminder device: Besides showing ‘what is’ Cartoon reminds us ‘what ought
to be’. It acts like a light house, throwing beams of light to warn the ships
and also in a way to assure them of safety. In a democracy authority flows from
the people and is based upon their consent. Cartoon, with its irreverence
towards the seemingly high and mighty is a reminder of the ultimate authority
of the people.
Though cartoon enlivens the political discourse, helps democracy
to mature and in general spreads an aura of mirth, it has been attacked. Cartoonists
have been attacked, increasingly so in recent years- across the world. Cartoons
are increasingly being misrepresented as a form of expression that is, by definition, offensive.
Attack against Cartoon: What does it
signify?
·
Growing
intolerance to different views, a sure fire recipe to kill democracy. The
survival of democracy as a form of government depends on two major factors:
participation of the people in the process and tolerance of divergent views.
·
Iconification
of historical figures and deeming them above scrutiny. It is a deterrent to
free thinking, an important element for democracy to grow and mature .
·
Growing
tendency for hysteria rather than reason to be the guiding force in public
debate, in Parliament or outside. This is a prescription for mobocracy and majoritarianism, and a threat to democracy.
·
Danger
of political expediency undermining academic rigour. This ultimately leads to mobocracy.
What can we do?
We should raise our voice in defence of the art of cartooning
in any which way, if we value democracy and our freedom of speech and
expression. In a democracy, it is the peoples’ voice which matters the most.
Silence only helps the silencing process.
Caveat
However, we should remember that freedom is not absolute. For
Art. 19 (1) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and
expression, there is Art. 19 (2)- reasonable restrictions. Grounds
contained in Article 19(2) show that all the restrictions are concerned with
the national interest or in the interest of the society. The first set of
grounds i.e. the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State,
friendly relations with foreign States and public order are all grounds
referable to national interest, whereas, the second set of grounds i.e.
decency, morality, contempt of court, defamation and incitement to an offence
are all concerned with the interest of the society.
Conclusion
The question
remains who decides, what is in the interest of the society? When we see the
interest of the society, do we see short term interest or long term? For
democracy to flower and prosper, free thinking and freedom of expression must
have a wide space. The atmosphere of tolerance must be there. Cartoon acts as a
barometer by testing the tolerance threshold. Wider the tolerance threshold,
more mature is the democracy.
If we want
democracy in our country to prosper, we have to widen the tolerance threshold
of our society. We have to provide space for divergent views. We have to
relearn the art of laughing at ourselves.
***
May 8, 2013
About the Author:
The author, a journalist turned media academician presently heads the Eastern
India campus of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) located at
Dhenkanal in Odisha. He is presently writing a series: 50 Great Indian
Cartoonists.
He can be contacted at mrinalchatterjeeiimc@gmail.com
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