The article that this post is drawn from can be read here.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/story/2008/05/22/loveguru-protest.html
This movie has yet to be released, but already it has stirred much controversy over claims that it harshly lampoons Hiduism. I have seen the trailer, and many other related features. I can see where these advocacy groups are coming from, but it seems as if this film is poking\lampooning the false gurus of the sixties, and seventies.
Yet the question remains, is this film just using racial humor\religious stereotypes to make a quick buck. I am just curious what everyone thinks about this, and if anyone thinks this controversy is undeserved.
Comedy
I went to the link, and as soon as the picture of Mike Myers loaded I started cracking up! These people are freaking out over nothing - nobody would take Mike Myers seriously, and its true there have been a lot of fake gurus!
-- Useless and derogatory like most everything in secular media, but not offensive in a serious way, and with Mike Myers - potentially funny.
Haribol
I agree with that : )
8*P
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ISKCON North America's Official Statement on The Love Guru
ISKCON North America’s Official Statement on The Love Guru
By Anuttama dasa
On June 20, 2008, Paramount Pictures releases The Love Guru nationwide. The film tells the story of Guru Pitka (Mike Myers), a westerner raised at an Indian ashram, who grows up to be a high-profile and eccentric holy man come west.
While the level of humor contained in the film is crass, the comedy has drawn significant attention even before its official opening - both pro and con - and from Hindu-Americans concerned that it violates appropriate boundaries in dealing with a religious subject.
On behalf of the North American chapters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a Vaishnava, or devotional Hindu organization with an ethnically diverse membership, we understand that many Hindus are concerned that the film may mock their faith. At the same time, having seen the film in its entirety, we find it to be a typical satire that does not intend to hurt religious sentiments.
While we respect the rights of others within the community to draw their own conclusions, we disagree with the calls to protest or boycott the film. We encourage the Hindu-American community to view the film in its context as a comedy, and to draw on the tolerance and broadmindedness that are hallmarks of our faith.
The Love Guru is a satire, a genre that typically replaces reality with contradictions and exaggerations. If however, some mistake satire for truth, then rather than be angered, we could take the opportunity to clarify misrepresentations and educate others about our authentic traditions. If approached in a constructive and proactive way, the film may even lead to increased tolerance, dialogue, and understanding between Hindus and non-Hindus.
We believe that pressuring filmmakers to censor , re-rate, or otherwise limit their artistic freedom is generally antithetical to the spirit of pluralism and tolerance within the Vedic, or Hindu culture. We recognize that, in certain cases, media depictions may so egregiously distort or maliciously denigrate our faith that boycotts, petitions, and other acts of protest are warranted. The Love Guru, however, is not such a case.
Members of most faith traditions are sensitive about aspects of their tradition being used as sources of humor. However, The Love Guru reminds us that it is wise for people of faith to also maintain a sense of humor-and to take the time to laugh (even at ourselves) once in a while.
Anuttama dasa
ISKCON Minister of Communications
http://www.dandavats.com/?p=5981
well done
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This movie is definitely not
This movie is definitely not Krishna conscious but I do not think it is offensive. I think that it is no problem to poke fun at false gurus.
Are their many movies that are KC
Are their many movies that have been made by Hollywood in the last few decades that have been Krishna Conscious. It seems to me that all the entertainment industry wants to do is sell the agenda of materialism, and the modes that follow it. I think many are ready for a change in the entertainment field, where positive god conscious ideas are accepted.
They have many talented folk in entertainment who are wasting that talent promoting illicit sex, drugs, and wanton violence. Just think of all the great things that could be acheived with a majour KC move in entertainment.
Yes definitely, therefore
Yes definitely, therefore one can take shelter the good assortment of wonderful devotional films of India's past,
Such as
Tukaram (1936)
Harischandra
Malik
The Mahabharata TV series (which stopped all of India, everyone closed shop just to see this show) about 94 episodes
The Ramayana TV series
The Krishna TV series
This is Life
Sita's Wedding
Maya Bazaar,
so many wonderful movies
I
thanks
I have been checking those out online, and they are very good. It is nice to see a form of entertainment that is devotional, and everyone can enjoy