MTV Roadies

Pop psychology is in. Somehow, the idea of getting blasted on television, doing tasks that make perfectly decent kids look like idiots is acceptable. They will not be lectured by their parents and teachers, but some pretentious MTV producer called Raghu Ram can throw four letter words in their face, abuse them in the foulest language possible and they are fine with it. Coming out of a ridiculous interview where they are asked in turn to be ‘interesting’ and witty’ at the drop of a hat, they either break down or speak glowingly about the chance to become ‘roadies’. It’s like boot camp made for TV. Not just guys but pretty girls as well.

It gives Mr Raghu the chace to play God. And does he revel in it. His claim to fame is that he’s produced a successful reality show. Done 92 shows at a trot. Abused his way to glory. There’s no background as to where he came from or what gives him the chance to permanently scar some poor souls who were looking at some shortcuts to fame and fortune. The promos show a task where guys are whacked in the testicles. It keeps playing. The guys are strung with their legs spread wide, hands tied waiting to be hit right between their legs. And their agonised reactions when they are struck where it hurts.

Makes for good television, all in the name of fun and reality shows. Tells you that we haven’t moved very far from the time when entertainment was about hangings and lynching people in public.