FILM EVALUATION: “Youth of Today”

Plot Analysis: The plot of this short film highlights the views and thoughts of today’s youth. There are five young people from different walks of life who express their views on five different current, relevant topics. The five persons are: Payal who is a fashion designer from Pune, Rahul a gay photographer, Shivani a 21 year old T.Y. B.Com student who has just ended a relationship and is now pregnant, Martin a 29 year old free thinker and Peter a young man who is HIV +ve. The topics they share their view about include: relationships, God, lifestyles, family and regrets. The climax of the movie highlights the underlying need for love in a passionate appeal from Peter to be loved and cared for.

Technical Analysis: The camera work is quite good. Though the settings are repeated, the different angles get you thinking that it might be a different place and this keeps your interest piqued. The sound track is just right. It fills in at the right times and matches the emotion of the scenes to perfection.

Sociological Analysis: The problems highlighted are all youth issues. The method of presentation is morally good. It gives the impression that no judgments are being passed but the message is quite clear in the last line by Peter. The shallowness and superficiality of the individual’s choices is also quite evident in their choices and the reasons for these choices. There are varying philosophies behind the various individual characters. Martin is a free thinker. Payal believes in the maturity of the individual and common moral standards.

Educational Analysis: The film can be used to raise awareness among young people of the pitfalls of the choices they make. It can be used to highlight certain social issues, to form in the young healthy attitudes to life and to make them realize the true source of happiness. Watching this film was an enriching experience for me as it presented the essence of life as the need for live, care and belonging.

Cl. Swithin Moraes SDB

The Problem of Double Meaning as Hermeneutic Problem and as Semantic Problem

In this essay, Paul Ricoeur delves into the problem of the different approaches to symbolism which represent different strategic levels. Hermeneutics is a single strategic level of texts, whereas semantics is on two levels: the first being the level of lexical semantics (referring to words or names), the second being the level of structural semantics (referring to molecular units). The approach taken up is an interdisciplinary one (phenomenology, psychoanalysis, structuralism) wherein the problem of multiple meaning (called as allegory in language) i.e., while saying one thing to also say another without not saying the first. There is a conflict between philosophy of interpretation and structural science. Employing the way of analysis discovers the element of signification and employing the way of synthesis he reveals the function of signification.

            The Hermeneutical level: The length of the text, the internal organization (relation between internal and external form) and the entire signifying whole of the text articulate multiple meanings which Ricoeur approaches on a single strategic level (the homogenous plain of the text). There is diversity in various hermeneutics based on the technique used, intent, the rules of interpretation and the sense drawn from it. Symbolics is the means of expressing extra linguistic reality. Language is a closed system whereas hermeneutics is a open state. This open state is essential for interpretation to operate. Thus double meaning is the means of detecting a condition of being and symbolism is a breakthrough point of a text towards something other than itself. This breakthrough/opening is saying and this saying is showing. This is both the strength and weakness of hermeneutics. Hence he concludes that symbolism reveals the equivocalness of being.

            Lexical Semantics: Here Ricoeur breaks up the text into lexical units (lexemes). Polysemy, the possibility to have more than one meaning, is a synchronic concept (holding different meanings at the same time). Polysemy and symbolism are a part of the constitution and functioning of all language. Thus he manages to keep semantics and its problem of multiple meaning inside the closed system of language. The philosophical import of symbolism is that in symbolism equivocalness of being is conveyed by means of the multivocity of our signs. The science of this multivocity (science of linguistics) requires that we remain within the enclosure of the universe of signs. Thus Ricoeur draws out the relation between hermeneutics as philosophy and semantics as science.

            Structural Semantics: Language object, the language in which the elementary structures of the previous level are described, language in which the operant concepts of this description are elaborated and the language in which we state axioms and define the preceding levels form the clearly articulated hierarchical levels of language of structural semantics. Here one takes the analysis of the underlying structures instead of words (lexemes). This is called semic analysis (analysis of semes). Ricoeur seeks to outline semic systems where the object terms would be wholly defined as a collection of semes containing only conjunctions - disjunctions and hierarchies of relations. He uses analysis of contextual function to begin anew his explication of the problem of symbolism.

            Through this change of levels Ricoeur pursues the Leibnizian universal characteristic through a scientific method. With a twofold explanation he ends the enigma of symbolism: First through lexemes he shows how symbols just like any other word could have multiple meanings without being exceptional. Second he explains how in symbolism’s relation to discourse equivocalness exists. 

            There are two ways of accounting for symbolism: by means of what constitutes it and by means of what it attempts to say. What constitutes it is dealt with in the realm of structural analysis. And what it attempts to say highlights the mystery of language (expressivity).

            In conclusion he says if there is an enigma of symbolism, it resides wholly on level of manifestation, where the equivocalness of being is spoken in the equivocalness of discourse. 

Bibliography

Ricoeur, Paul. “The Problem of Double Meaning as Hermeneutic Problem and as Semantic           Problem”, The Conflict of Interpretations. ed. Don Ihde (London: Athlone Press Ltd,         2005) 61-76.

F - A - M - I - L - Y

What makes a family a Family??? Let’s take a closer look at the word FAMILY!!!!

F - Free. A family is a place where we are free. We don’t have to wear masks. We can be who we are and still be accepted. We know that if we go off track we will be gently pulled back.

A - Advice. A family is the place where we find our best advisors.   They are the people whom we can turn to for inputs at crucial junctures, trusting in their honest feedback and desire for our good.

M - Moulded. A family is a place where we are moulded into the persons we are. They influence us during our most tender years when we learn fast. They instil in us the framework on which we build our ideas of what’s right and wrong.

I - Identity. A family is a crucial part of our identity. It represents our roots, our background, our culture, language and values.

L - Love. A family is held together by mutual love. As is always the case when different individuals live together, there are contrasting ideas and conflicts arise. Yet, what keeps the family together is love.

Y - Yearning. A family is built on the foundation of faith, a deep yearning for God. The family prayer is an expression of this yearning. A family that prays together stays together.

            Finally, the family is about US, it’s about putting the others at the centre. If anyone puts themselves at the centre, the family will struggle to be a family.

            So, let’s put the others before us and let’s build our families…Let’s build better and stronger families in 2016!!!

Unemployment in India – A Social Conundrum

                   Down the centuries and in every civilization, there has been this hot potato topic of unemployment. Some have been able to deal with it better than others. In India, it is something we are still figuring out how best to deal with. And while we do our figuring out, there are social repercussions that force us to take brave steps and do so in a hurry.

                   Unemployment is a situation where a capable, willing workforce doesn’t get work. There are basically three types of unemployment. Frictional unemployment which is those looking for their first job. This can be abated by spreading information on various job openings. Then there is seasonal unemployment which is specific to certain industries. This can be dealt with be encouraging these people to take up alternative employment in the off season. Finally there is Structural unemployment caused due to a change in structure of the economy, change in patterns of consumers and increasing technology. It is the most vicious. Yet it can be approached by providing retraining opportunities.

                   In India, another stumbling block is overpopulation. 66% of the Indian population is under 35. This is the largest population of youth in the world. Added snag in the process of providing employment is the lack of a varied skill set even though the education levels have increased. There are also other forms to unemployment which include Disguised unemployment, where many workers are employed for a small job and all appear to be employed. Under employment where a worker is not given work to his capacity and wages too are not in accordance to his capacity. In India, unemployment records are maintained by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

                   The effects of unemployment are varied. It causes hardship and frustration especially among the young people. It increases the burden on the family. The worst ramifications are the increase in crime related activities by youth to survive and earn a living. Another sad outcome is that the intelligent youth migrate to foreign countries for better opportunities.

                   The government set up a committee headed by M. Bhagavati to suggest measures and based on this study set up the following schemes to deal with unemployment. The Rural Works programme, Agro-service centers, Crash programme for rural employment, National Rural employment programme and Food for work programme. These schemes are not progressing well owing to the rampant corruption, preparation of bogus musters, paying less than stipulated wages, bureaucracy in administration and lack of effective representation of poor in the implementation of the schemes.

                   When we look at the quandary of unemployment and reflect on it, we can say that there is no simple solution but we could alter our outlook to life. We need to be focused more on skills and putting our theory in to practice. We need to see the dignity of work and eliminate the evil of unemployment. While we might not be able to provide easy solutions to such a complex solution, we could refurbish our educational setups to provide better skill training with more advanced techniques.

                   We also need to look at our openness to do different kinds of work. Quite often due to our inherent thought pattern of the caste system, we are reluctant to do certain types of work which we feel is not ‘ours’ or we are hesitant to change our occupation.

                    Let us toil together to eradicate this social evil. As a country, as the  young generation of India, we can do achieve any good that we agree to work towards. So, let’s strive to provide the best milieu for gainful employment and just wages.

Integral Characteristics of Salesian Spirituality

                   Reflecting of our Salesian Spirituality, I have tried to highlight here some of the characteristics which I feel are essential. I have grouped them into the three themes we have been reflecting: Mystics of the Spirit, Prophets of Fraternity and Servants of the Young.

Introduction

          When we begin to think of the Salesian Spirituality left us by Don Bosco, we must look at the two people who were crucial in the creation of this beautiful spirituality. They are St. Francis de Sales, the saint of gentleness whom Don Bosco took as a model and Mamma Margaret who instilled in the young Johnny Bosco much of his understanding of God, his style of prayer and most importantly the love of God and nieghbour.

Mystics of the Spirit

          At the core of the Salesian Spirituality is Union with God. The Salesian sees life as prayer. There is no dichotomy between life and prayer. Every decision is keyed on the question ‘What would Jesus do.’ There is always an invocation, a word of thanksgiving, a silent petition on the lips of the Salesian. This overflows into a deep Trust in Divine Providence. This is something that was a part and parcel of Don Bosco’s life. He began building basilicas while he was still in debt. The Salesian too relies on the Lord to provide for his work.  ‘Everything is the work of the Madonna.’ Don Bosco was known to say. The Salesian also looks at Our Blessed Mother as mother, teacher and guide. Life and prayer are characterized by a Filial devotion to MHOC. ‘Da mihi animas caetera tolle’ this was Don Bosco’s motto. The Zeal for Souls is at the root of the untiring work of the Salesian for the youth at risk. Don Bosco held up The Sacraments as the means to salvation and a sure path to obtain the grace to overcome sin. The Short Visits to the Blessed Sacrament is another practice of piety which Don Bosco offered his Salesians and young as a means to obtain many graces. For his Salesians, Don Bosco stressed a Devotion to the Church and the Vicar of Christ.

Prophets of Fraternity

          The Salesians of Don Bosco live out this Spirituality in a community and in the context of a larger community – the Salesian Family. Living together they follow the rule or the Constitutions of the Society of St. Francis de Sales. One of the important tenets of this community life is Family Spirit, where each individual is accepted and loved as a member of a family. It is this that makes each one welcoming, open, understanding and loving towards the other. Another characteristic is Optimism and Joy. This means that no matter what the difficulties and hardships faced with, the Salesian learns to look at the positive side of life and keep going this stems from a trust in the Lord and that he will see to the fulfillment of his works. It was said of Don Bosco that the more burdens and tensions he had the more cheerful and smiling he would appear. He also stressed on the fact that sanctity is about being cheerful. This characteristic of joy is the most appealing in the Salesian Spirituality. This is augmented by a spirit of Flexibility and Creativity in all our works. Flexibility is essential for the smooth functioning of the mission as well as of community. It is in our flexibility that we are able to understand the other and make love the other. The Salesian ministry oozes creativity. If not for this creativity, the young would not be so enraptured by the Salesian Spirit.

Servants

          As Christ called all to a servant leadership, the Salesian too is at the service of the young to whom he is sent. He follows Christ by forming in himself the Heart of the Good Shepherd. This fills him with the zeal to reach out to the lost, the last and the least. Each young person is unique and worth every effort we can make to reach out and enhance their life. This is expressed in the practical aspect of Salesian Presence. This refers to a presence that is animating and encouraging. The Salesian is always with the young as a friend and father, guide and teacher. A unique legacy that Don Bosco left us is the Salesian Preventive System. This comprises three crucial parts: Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness. Reason is the first pillar of the Preventive system. It implies that the Salesian should not be one who just makes rules but who explains to the young the why behind every rule. Being reasonable means being able to understand the young in their own situation. Religion is the second pillar which implies that the Salesian who is centered on Christ is able to give the young such an experience of his love. The Salesian must also strive to help the young understand God’s will for their life. The third pillar is Loving Kindness. The Salesian infused with the love of God reflects this love to the young. Don Bosco said, “That you are young is enough for me to love you.” Our mission is centered on the young and we are called to love them as they are and to challenge them to be the best they can be. Another wonderful tool that Don Bosco employed with his young was the Word in the ear. It is a method of correction that is personal and very effective. The young person knows that you want the best for them. They may not like to be corrected publicly so this means of correction is very effective.

Conclusion

          One can never say it all but I hope I have done justice to the main concepts of the Salesian Spirituality. In conclusion I need to mention that for the Salesian, Spirituality is about life lived as  a Contemplative in action. It is an Experience of Christ that forms in us the zeal to live life always in awareness of the Lord’s will for us.

DON BOSCO WITH THE YOUNG FOR THE YOUNG

In the little hamlet of Becchi

Was born little Johnny

A bright, young, fun loving boy

Sought only good to employ

His companions round him gather

Fun, games and lots of chatter

With acrobatics and tricks he held sway

A prayer and sermon besides the play

At the age of  nine a dream he had

To be a priest, a man of God

Then struggle and toil and the long road

Prayer and discernment

and the fruits really showed

As a young priest in Turin the streets he trod

The pain and abandonment of

the young he absorbed

For the wages and rights of his boys he fought

Their tender broken  hearts quickly he caught

Among his youth he felt at home

For them he provided love and a home

His work, study, prayer and life with the young

New leaders and collaborators from among them sprung

200 years since that day in Becchi

 His work continues to grow quickly

That for you is Don Bosco WITH the young FOR the young.

A beautiful Day

I open my eyes to see the first rays of the sun creep into my darkened room and as it reflects of the gleaming floor, I remember its Monday today! A new day, a new week, a new lease of life. The me that slept yesterday is gone forever and a new me sees a beautiful day ahead with many dreams to pursue and many wishes to be fulfilled. As I savour the first moments of the day and listen to the birds chirping gloriously, I know it's "A Beautiful Day"