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April 19, 2007
Playaz join in on burning effigies of Richard Gere; also encourage burning of American Idol's Sanjaya
The Playaz joined an enraged Indian mob in the burning of effigies of Richard Gere for his brazen display of public affection towards Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty, as well as their general distaste for the actor.
In addition, the Playaz encouraged not only the burning of Gere, but also effigies of recently ousted American Idol Sanjaya Malakar.
The Playaz kicked and stamped the flaming effigy of Malakar, shouting epithets such as "Death To Sanjaya", among the gathering of angry Indian protestors.
Most men were enraged by Gere's actions, considered a violation of Indian culture, but some were confused about the Playaz anger towards the fan-favorite Sanjaya in this year's "Idol".
"He is not a very good singer, but do we really need to burn his likeness? Richard Gere? Yes. But Sanjaya? Are we going too far?" one Indian man was quoted as saying.
The Playaz quickly convinced the horde that Sanjaya was an effeminate meat-eater, who, despite appearing on a show titled "American Idol", worshipped no idols himself. This sent them into a furious rage at which point effigies of Malakar, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell were also burned.
Posted by Phil at April 19, 2007 5:17 PM
Comments
I don't care what Gere did. I just don't think burning an 'effigy' is enough.
Ya know what I'm saying? (wink wink nudge nudge)
Posted by: Wayne Ordinary American at April 20, 2007 2:26 PM
I'm thinking of opening an on-line effigy store. Every time I needed an effigy to burn I have had a heck of a time finding one so I've become pretty darn good at making them. Now all I have to do is come up with a catchy name for it.
Posted by: Brianf at April 21, 2007 11:11 AM
The Sanjaya effigies probably go up in flames really easy, what with all the hair spray.
Posted by: AUA at April 22, 2007 12:58 PM
For a society who has been deeply damaged by colonialism can one think of a more offensive image of a white guy grabbing a daughter of India and forcing himself upon her? It is so symbolic. It is right in line with the image of the white colonist forcing himself upon a country and just taking whatever he wants.
Richard Gere should pay the ultimate price for this.
What bothers me however is those who would blame Shilpa Shetty for this.
Too often women victims of rape in India are blamed for what happened like they wanted the rape to happen or it was their fault the rape happened even when the truth might be that the rapists brutalized them and they couldn't stop the rape from happening.
While of course Richard Gere didn't actually rape Shilpa Shetty, I still see this whole "Blame the Woman Victim" dynamic in place. From what I saw from the video Shilpa Shetty did nothing to cause Richard Gere to act the way he did, and was in fact as shocked as everyone else was that he would act in such a disgraceful manner.
We need to defend this daughter of India, not blame her for this white man's assault upon her.
Posted by: Scott at April 23, 2007 1:26 AM
We stand with you Scott! I am prepared to execute this white man, Richard Gere, if you will just deliver him to me.
Posted by: Bon at April 23, 2007 7:29 AM
Scott - that may be the best comment we've ever received here at Playaz Ball..
Posted by: Phil at April 23, 2007 8:51 AM
+ Scott, you will be pleased to know there is a warrant out to arrest Richard Gere.
Posted by: Phil at April 26, 2007 4:39 PM
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