Markers of Cultural Maturity …
By Asma Mahmood
Recently I was invited to a concert by an Indian singer who was visiting Canada. Usually I avoid all such banquet hall events but I have special admiration for this artist so I went on to attend the concert along with some non south Asian friends. The singer was spectacular despite the poor production and presentation on part of the organizers. However what made me really upset was the attitude of the crowd. I was taken a back when after 4th song, people started shouting for “ fast numbers!” Now what are these fast numbers one would wonder? Those are actually the Bollywood item songs that have contributed so much towards destroying the soul of both Indian cinema and musical tastes of Indian audience.
I realized then the major reason why Canada is considered backwards and unliked market by the serious artists and performers. Audience wants instant gratification despite the fact that they don’t even dance or allow their women to dance in such concerts. Despite the fact that most of them did not even pay for their tickets and came on complimentary tickets, another curse disguised as elitist attitude, they behaved in insulting attitude toward the artist on stage.
As a person who organizes one of the largest free South Asian events in north America, I came to a couple of rapid conclusions. First, if you are in the audience, you will have to learn to appreciate an artist who traveled such distances to perform for you. These performers have invested years of their lives perfecting their skills and got to a level of recognition due to their hard work. Please appreciate that.
I often see that concerts of mainstream performers get sold out within minutes of the opening of ticket sales. This enables the organizers to make sure that their production costs are sure to be met and gives them support to present a completely professional show that meets the high expectations of their visitors . Our audience on the other hand wait till the last moment to buy the tickets or support any such event. However when the show turns out to be sub standard, then they vent their emotions with anger at the artist who really is not to be blamed for poor production. If you did not buy the ticket, did not invest in the show or did not support the show by buying tickets ahead of time, then please again hold your horses. You did not do anything to deserve a better concert.
In a country like Canada where our diverse communities live as one big family , it is only the cultural events that make it possible for us to represent our roots and come together on the basis of language and common culture. Religion can never do that, yet investment in temples and mosques is way more than art and culture, yet another reflection of a ghettoised mentality that our religious organizations would rather promote in their own self interest.
If tomorrow your children refuse to accompany you to your cultural and social events, please take some time to think seriously about your own attitudes. Think about your investment in their cultural upbringing and artistic attitudes.. Bollywood is no body’s culture nor should it be taken as true representation of Indian subcontinent just as Hollywood is merely one of the many entertainment business of USA.
Asma Mahmood is a visual artist and arts activist based in Mississauga Canada.