Flash Post 211!

Button, as I watched a digital film on my handset, familiar sounds and music emerging from the handset that Dost was holding made me realise that he was watching the same film!

And…

Don’t you see the ridiculousness of two people holding separate handsets while watching the same film!

Not really. While I understand the point that you are trying to make, you must also see the exercise from an alternate point of view.

Which is?

That you saw the film when you chose to watch it and Dost watched the same film in his own time and space. I quite like that because then you are not doing the same thing in a group hence doing so because you are obligated to.

I somehow feel that watching a film–big or small– or watching a play is a group activity and there is more fun doing those things as a family or a group of friends where some bonding takes place, conversations happen, sharing of ideas or even plain chit chat takes place which is a healthy act. Even gossip is good and healthy and nice.

You can do all of that after watching the films separately. And whoever determined that one has to watch a film with one’s family or friends? What happens very often is that you wish to watch a particular movie and members of your family or friends do not wish to see the same film or are busy and cannot make the time so you end up not watching the film of your choice.

Therefore, what you are saying is that each of us should do our own thing in our own time and space and be alone and friendless! Isn’t that what you are trying to say?

Not really. You can bond over other things too like having a meal or taking a walk. It’s not like you don’t watch a film with family or friends ever but once in a while, when time or something else does not permit you to do those activities in a group, you have the option of doing it on your own if you feel strongly about it. For instance, if you want to watch a particular film, go ahead and watch it if no one else has the time or wishes to watch it. Where’s the harm?

But you must admit that there is a lot of fun and closeness shared when people do things in groups. I see aloofness, loneliness and selfishness in present-day society. There was a time when joint families lent succour to a family member who was unwell and needed attention. Now, it is all about “you do your thing” and “I’ll do mine.”
Perhaps. But I can also say that modern-day society is more self-sufficient and capable of handling any given situation on their own.