When Rich and powerful, famous and iconic in some way, fall on the altar of morality we often wonder why? Sreesanth, Phaneesh Murthy are recent torch bearers of such homo sapiens. Why do they risk everything? Why do they play with fire, when they do not need to and knowing well that the same fire could annihilate everything else that they have built worth by any measure?
Sridevi KR in her ET article 'Why Icons Fall. It's the Power, Stupid'. attributes such behaviours to intoxication of Power. Power gives them a feeling of invincibility and also makes them more adventurous. In other words, those suggesting this theory seem to state that power creates a feeling within the person a certain sense of ‘I can get away with this, even if something goes wrong!’
Is this only power that corrupts the mind of the likes of Sreesanth and Phaneesh? In that case cases of immorality like gambling and misconduct must only be attributed to rich and powerful. No commoner should fall prey to such vice. But the real world presents a much different reality. Vices such as gambling and moral misdemeanors have been prevalent randomly across the social strata.
With charges still to be proved against both Sreesanth and Phaneesh, it may not be right to reach a conclusion that they wronged but assuming for some time that such charges are true, then can their acts be only attributed to them being rich, powerful, famous and iconic?
In fact, it may be a mistake to look at Sreesanth and Phaneesh case in the same light. While the case of Phaneesh seems to be inkling closer to the opinion of the experts. He enjoyed super power status within the company by the virtue of his CEO position. He was in an advantageous position rather a disadvantaged one. Plus there is no instance of him being wronged by anyone. Phaneesh may have taken advantage of his power and position.
However I feel that Sreesanth’s case gives an impression of high degree of Vulnerability of his state of mind. This is not to absolve him of the alleged mistake that he has done or to portray him as a victim. That vulnerability of his state of mind came from a variety of factors. Incidents like ‘slapgate’, him being treated indifferently in the dressing room all added to his vulnerability. It appears that his feeling of being ‘wronged’ by his team mates was very high. Probably it was also Sreesanth’s low ability to self-regulate his own self, as has been clear from his public behaviours on and off the ground. In fact some reports have suggested that bookies targeted him after watching him weeping uncontrollably on television after being slapped publicly by Harbhajan Singh. Hence unlike Phaneesh, Sreesanth had the perception of being ‘wronged’ and also unlike Phaneesh, Sreesanth did not enjoy any powerful position. He was neither captain of any team, nor a senior player, nor had a very successful run as a bowler on a consistent basis.
Sreesanth taking money for spot-fixing can be seen as any other employee committing a fraud in a company (Rajasthan Royals). In effect, many stakeholders, including the viewers, may have felt cheated. But Sreesanth intentional crime instead of being a case of power-play adventure like that of Phaneesh, is his vulnerable state of mind falling prey to larger sharks with larger ambitions and evil desires.
In short, while ‘Power ‘may create a feeling of invulnerability in the beholder, being ‘wronged’ and being ‘disadvantaged’ (lack of power to change the circumstances) may create a vulnerable state of mind among the beholder. Both can set-up a person to falter on the altar of morality.
2 comments:
Let me be little general in terms of solution to such problems. Looking at the culture of 'winning and owning' these events are ought to happen. We are always told, 'come first in class/Competition' but no one tells , 'come first in humanity', 'Come first in knowledge owning'. The worst part is if we are hear these statements, its usually to become successful.
I feel time has come to realize our reponsibility and ensure that we imbibe real knowledge in our younger generation....and if we also understand, its excellent :)
In my opinion morality is moral only when it is voluntary. Sometimes we abide by laws, rules and regulations for fear of being publicly exposed and punished. Such attitudes encourage hypocrisy. Those who follow rules because they are convinced in their justness, act out of moral strength. Some as you said are driven by power. Power is not the only motivator for lack of morality. Seeking quick and easy routes to success also induces these people to err in their values and ethics. Today, Sreesanth joins other sporting icons such as sprinter Ben Johnson, Olympic gold medalist Marion jones and most notably Lance Armstrong, who were disgraced because they had taken performance enhancing drugs. They may win a brief season of public adoration and adulation. But ultimately, shortcuts and tricks can only get one so far. The bigger you are, the harder you fall.
It all comes back to what we are. We are in a sab chaltha hai zamana and most of us are not ashamed of illegal gratification let alone moral degradation streaks. God also may not come to our rescue if at all if He is there.
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