Amodini's Book Reviews

Book Reviews and Recommendations

We want more, more, more ….

Written By: amodini - Oct• 25•05
I’ve watched a couple of episodes of “Men Maange More” on Star One, and its hosted by Yudhishtir (or Yudi as he calls himself) a former Channel [V] veejay. Touted, I think, as the metrosexual man’s guide to gadgets, gizmos, fashion and all things hip, it elevates superficialness to an art form. The latest plasma TV, the snazziest Mercedes coupe and the trendiest digital camera are all reviewed for your viewing pleasure and your purchasing power. Got extra moolah ? Spend it on this BMW ! Dangle on your wrist these oh-so-cool watches which will oh-so-impress the ladies ! Be a real man – accesorize !

I am not sure who this program targets – the super-duper rich of India, the stars, socialites, the Page 3 people, the ones who need guidance when buying that 5th or 6th car to stock up that 10 car garage ? Is Star One beamed to only such homes ? Honestly, I have no problems with the content if that content is honestly potrayed. But to purport to be a fashion-passion entertainment guide for THE man, when all it really is is prettied up advertisements for extremely expensive products, is a farce, and chock-ful of artifice.

Actually shouldn’t really be complaining – haven’t we heard the same thing, only targeted at women for ages ? So now men too are climbing onto the bandwagon. Then, what really is the problem ? It’s vague, amorphous and takes different forms, but it encompasses all those programs, books and magazines, which sell you the look, an external look and the message that upon gaining the look, hitherto unlocked doors will open and the poor schmuck will gain entrance into the upper echelons of whatever he/she is aiming to get into. Yes, clothes (and bikes) maketh the boys. But only marginally so. Brains and common sense maketh THE man.

My problem is not with money either. It is an important accesory, that which makes the world go around. It is the flaunting of money, and the in-your-face distinction that “MMM” makes between the haves and the have-nots that churns my stomach. With programs like “MMM”, India and it’s populace seem to be on the fast-track to commercial consumerism. It’s like flying without having walked first. In it’s unabashed marketing aimed at the super-rich, only-the-moneyed-can-be-cool attitude, and it’s unashamed puffery, “MMM” makes itself odious and the bane of sane television.

Categories : _media

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

2 Comments

  1. Raj says:

    Its a stupid show. It is aimed at stupid men who may or may not have money to buy these things but watching these things on TV is enough to make them drool. Fortunately, i am not one of them.

  2. AMODINI says:

    Good for you, Raj !