Loss of Innocence

It's not a question of loss of childhood. It's hard not to find a child these days who doesn't already think like an adult. It's about the roles parents are thrusting upon them-am I the only one who gets angry every time Sushmita Sen goes to press conferences with her favourite accessory, her daughter Renee, who is made to sing songs, kiss her mommy and look adorable? Is it not enough that the Rakhi Sawants of the world are dancing, prancing, posing, and primping for our attention in Bigg Boss? (Children, by the way, are the biggest viewers of the show, unlike in Big Brother, which is strictly for adults). Now little children are doing so as well, touching feet when asked to, weeping copiously on demand, and singing, seemingly non-stop, for our consideration. What happens when another child comes along, perhaps cuter, perhaps in greater need? Anyone remember the conjoined twins, Farah and Saba, who not only invaded our living rooms for several days last year but also made it to Salman Khan's? Or the body-benders who crowd episode after episode of the obnoxious and never-ending dance show Boogie Woogie?

Let the children go back to doing what they do best. Being themselves, sometimes idiotic, often affectionate, always inquiring. Let Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt make fashion statements of their children if they will.