Taj makes it to the list
The Taj Mahal has found a place in the ‘coveted’ list of the New Seven Wonders of the world. A great achievement. Believe me, I’m glad, really glad to see it there. This is going to increase the tourism manifold and is definitely going to help our economy.
But what is the significance of the Taj finding a place on this list? UNESCO has detached itself from the entire thing. Just because a random Swiss adventurer wakes up in the morning one fine day and realizes that the seven wonders of the world had been decided by a guy in 200 BC doesn’t mean that this voting process is the most important thing in the world. If what UNESCO says has got no importance at all, then tomorrow why don’t I set up a site inviting people to vote for the 8th wonder of the world and earn a fortune in the process? Innumerable lists can be made in this fashion. Most beautiful cities, best beer…no limits there. And all of these people stand a chance to gain that kind of worldwide popularity and a couple of million hits, if they can match up with the crisp promotion.
And what exactly does a wonder of the world mean? Are they looking for places with intriguing history, or are they mere architecture awards? How can engineering achievements like the Eiffel Tower or Sydney Opera House be put in the same category as the Acropolis or the Colloseum?
I realize that a lot of people may not agree with me. But I’m entitled to my opinion, right?
And what is it with these news channels and SMSs? First it was the Vote For Taj campaign where the voters stood a chance to win iPods, and now it is the congratulate Taj campaign. Really…
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1. I’ve thought of the importance of this list too. I’ve thought about how anybody can start up a campaign for something. However, IMO, it’s not really so simple. This campaign was started in ‘99, I think, and the only reason it generated so much interest is because the world was already aware of pre-existing 7 wonders, etc etc. The significance of this list is that it’s been voted for by the people. Hail democracy. IMO, it’s bullshit. There’s no proper criteria for what a wonder of the world should be. Statue of Liberty in the same list as structures like the Colosseum and the Chichen Itza? Excuse me?
2. SMS. By now you should realize that every opportunity the media gets to milk the public out of every single SMS paisa they have, they will jump at it. SMS for voting for Taj, SMS to congratulate Taj, SMS to pray for Sunita Williams, SMS to congratulate Sunita Williams, SMS to support Shilpa Shetty, etc etc. And you know what? People are stupid enough to do it too!