The Times of India is one of the largest newspapers in circulation in India, and is also one of the most respected. I have been a reader since I was a kid and over the years have seen this newspaper go through many changes. The one thing I have always admired this newspaper for is its boldness; the way this newspaper has always been able to depict the truth without hesitation for the reaction and consequences. However, I was a little surprised today to read a note from the editor which said that TOI has chosen to block any gory images of the Mumbai blasts from the public as they were concerned that this may only further increase the grief and anguish that Bombayites have already been through. For some reason, this just doesn't seem right to me.
Although I have been in NY for 4 years now, I have been born and brought up in Bombay and I pride myself in being a Bombayite to the core. TOI has taken a noble stance in not portraying the gore associated with such atrocities, but in doing so it may leave out the crux of the message, which is, death and destruction occur when senseless violence strikes. Over the years our city has not only transitioned from Bombay to Mumbai, but has also turned into a city which heals too quickly and forgets too fast. Keeping that in perspective it is essential to embed this unfortunate incident in the mind of every Bombayite and it can be done only by showing the truth and not hiding it. As an editor it would be a tough call to make, but in my opinion it would also be wise to balance what is portrayed. Although sensitive, it would be unwise to completely obscure what has really happened. A balance needs to be struck in how much gore is portrayed, as the goal is to sensitize the people and not numb or anger them towards what has happened.
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