Is 3 Idiots Hypocritical in Its Messaging?
Is '3 Idiots' Hypocritical in Its Messaging?
While '3 Idiots' became a cultural phenomenon and received significant praise, it also has its detractors. Many argue that the film's message is undermined by its hypocrisy and toxic elements. This article delves into the core issues that make the film's messaging appear self-contradictory.
Genre: Film Critique, Rating: PG
In this analysis, we explore why some find the movie's narrative and moral lessons to be insincere and harmful. We will break down the critical points of why the film can be seen as hypocritical.
General Hypocrisy and Toxicity
The film '3 Idiots' presents a character named Rancho, who embodies the spirit of standing up against societal norms and encouraging a more intuitive and less rote learning approach to education. However, when scrutinized, this message appears inconsistent and rather paradoxical.
The Rancho-Chatur-Virus Equation
Rancho praised Chatur and Virus for their minimalistic and tough approach, yet Rancho himself engages in behavior that is essentially the same as what he criticizes. For example, he humiliates Chatur by putting him on stage, despite striving to be a figure of respect and intellectual independence. This dual standard is a clear case of hypocrisy.
Misleading Students and Hypocrisy in Success
Rancho preaches that success comes through knowledge rather than direct pursuit of success. Despite this, his actions show he is still driven by success. This is a prime example of socratic irony, where the teacher behaves contrary to what they espouse. His approach to education is seen as a double standard, as he himself is striving to achieve success in a traditional sense.
Fake Humility and Deception in Seeking Success
Rancho appears to achieve success without putting in effort, leading his peers to follow a false path. This is inherently deceptive and shows a clear lack of integrity. The film suggests that true success is achievable with minimal effort, which is a misleading and harmful message for students who must put in hard work.
Not Wanting Rote Learning and Definitions
The film promotes the idea that rote learning, definitions, and jargons are outdated and harmful, especially in STEM. However, this message is selectively applied, criticized in non-STEM fields while promoted in STEM. Here, we examine how the hypocrisy is rooted in the selective application of this ideology.
Hypocrisy in Other Fields
In language and linguistics, rote learning is essential, and definitions and jargons are crucial for comprehension. The film criticizes these elements in STEM yet enforces them in non-STEM fields, such as film-making, music, sports, dance, and commerce. For example, actors memorize lines, musicians rely on lyrics, and sportspeople practice techniques—none of which align with the film's narrative of rejecting definitions and jargons.
Fake Humility and Deception Continued
Film-making, for instance, is a field known for its technical jargon and precision. The actors must memorize their lines, just as in traditional linear narrative. Similarly, in music, musicians rely on lyrics and notation, just as sportspeople practice techniques. The film's character Rancho, who preaches against rote learning and definitions, contradicts this in his own field. The hypocrisy is clear, and the message is damaging to aspiring professionals in these areas who must adhere to the norms of their fields.
Conclusion
The film '3 Idiots' presents a superficial critique of the educational system and society, but it fails to address the hypocrisy in its own message. By selectively promoting certain aspects of knowledge while critically opposing others, the film creates a confusing and harmful narrative. Understanding this hypocrisy is crucial for viewers to critically evaluate and separate the film's true value from its counterproductive elements.