Imagine you're on your way to work, college, or any other destination, Simply going about your day, suddenly, something catches your eye—a person, standing alone, starts dancing wildly. It could be a bustling metro station, a crowded train platform, or even an airport terminal. You find yourself witnessing an impromptu performance, perhaps to a catchy Bollywood tune or a popular song. While some may find it amusing or entertaining, for many others, it's anything but comfortable. While bewildered onlookers exchange glances of confusion and mutter disapprovingly, the performer remains unbothered, seemingly fueled by the desire for online approval.
From Likes To Discomfort
These occurrences have become increasingly common in recent months, reflecting a larger trend towards turning personal expression into a commodity and chasing after online popularity at any cost. Whether it's someone breaking into Bollywood-inspired moves at Mumbai airport or an anonymous individual twerking on the Delhi metro, the message is clear: people are willing to sacrifice public comfort for the sake of digital validation.
The performers, driven by the desire for online attention and validation, seem oblivious to the discomfort they may be causing those around them. As they enjoy the virtual applause of likes and shares, commuters and bystanders are left feeling awkward and uneasy.
The rise of social media platforms has transformed the way we communicate, connect, and share content with others. What was once a private moment or a spontaneous expression of joy has now become fodder for digital consumption, eagerly devoured by millions of users craving their daily dose of entertainment. But what happens when these moments of self-expression spill over into the public sphere, disrupting the normal flow of daily life and infringing upon the comfort of others?
Woman Dances Bang In Middle Of Busy Street
A video from Nawanshahr, Punjab, shows a middle-aged woman filming dance videos in the middle of a busy main road. The woman propped a chair and a stool as a makeshift tripod on the street and started shooting the reel. She seemed unfazed as she danced while big vehicles like tractors and buses drove dangerously close to her. According to reports, the incident caused a traffic jam. Social media users criticised her behaviour and urged police to arrest her.
Woman Dances For Reel As Toddler Runs Towards Speeding Vehicles
In a viral video on social media, a woman was seen dancing for reels while a toddler, purportedly her daughter, was running towards a busy highway. The child was seen getting dangerously close to the oncoming traffic when another child, slightly older than the former, brought this to the attention of the dancing woman. She then rushed and grabbed the child right in time.
While the relationship between the woman and the children is not confirmed, several social media users claim that she is the children's mother. Netizens criticised her for being occupied on her phone instead of the safety of her children. One user on X commented, "This is where our society is heading. It’s really depressing.” Another agreed, adding, "If this were America, she would have been jailed, and her daughter taken away. Parenting rules there are very strict.”
Woman Endangers Child For Views
Several social media users have gone to extreme lengths to go viral. In one such instance, a woman put herself and a child in a dangerous situation just for the sake of a reel. In the video reposted to X, the woman is seen sitting at the edge of a deep well with a child clinging to her leg. The X user, @RawAndRealMan, captioned the video, "Parental Alienation."
The woman's reckless behaviour has sparked criticism from netizens, who expressed concern over the child's safety. "Only for view people can do everything even risk own child life so ridiculous," wrote one user. "She should be in jail," another said. A third questioned, "Any legal action against this woman for risking the life a child?"
Passenger’s Dance on Flight Sparks Online Debate
A now-viral video shared by Instagram user Salma Sheikh has stirred a debate online. In the clip, the woman is seen wearing a black saree and dancing in the aisle of an aircraft. She performed the song Style Style by AR Rahman and SP Balasubrahmanyam while other passengers looked on and the flight crew attended to their duties.
The Instagram reel has gained significant attention, with over 1.6 million views and 16,000 likes since it was posted. However, the video has also faced backlash from many internet users who found her actions inappropriate. The video has clearly divided opinions, with some people questioning Salma's choice to dance on a plane, while others acknowledge her boldness in sharing the moment publicly.
The Delhi Metro Incident
Similarly, incidents aboard the Delhi metro have garnered widespread attention and condemnation. In one viral video, an unidentified woman was seen engaging in 'explicit' dance moves, including twerking and belly dancing, much to the bewilderment of fellow passengers. Witnesses described scenes of discomfort and disbelief as the woman unabashedly gyrated and gestured, seemingly unfazed by the discomfort of those around her.
The video, claimed by Instagram user @manishadancer, quickly went viral, provoking a barrage of criticism and calls for retaliation in online communities.
The Line Between Talent And Sensationalism
At the core of the issue lies a fundamental question: where do we draw the line between genuine talent and gratuitous sensationalism? While there's no denying the value of self-expression and creative freedom, it's essential to consider the context and impact of our actions on others. What may seem like harmless fun or a bid for online fame to some can be deeply unsettling and intrusive to others, particularly in shared public spaces.
Consider a different situation on the Delhi metro, where two teenage girls were video themselves participating in a Holi celebration, dressed in traditional Indian attire, applying coloured powder to one another's faces, and making intimate gestures. While the girls may have intended it as a lighthearted homage to the festival of colours, many viewers found their behaviour inappropriate for a public setting, which sparked outrage and calls for action, leading to an investigation by Delhi police and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
A Need For Boundaries
While there's nothing wrong with showcasing talent, there's a time and place for everything. Public spaces are meant for everyone to share and enjoy, not for individuals to use as their personal stage for gaining online fame. It's important to differentiate between genuine expressions of talent and attention-seeking behaviour that disrupts others.
Social media offers a platform for self-expression and creativity, but it shouldn't come at the expense of others' comfort and well-being. We need to strike a balance between sharing our talents and respecting the boundaries of public spaces. Ultimately, the solution lies in promoting empathy and awareness among individuals. Before posting a video online or engaging in public behaviour, we should pause to consider how it might affect those around us.
Views expressed are the author's own.
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