Disney blocks John Oliver’s new episode critical of India’s PM Modi (techcrunch.com)

Article summary

Disney-owned Hotstar, an Indian streaming service, has blocked an episode of John Oliver's show that criticized India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The episode discussed questionable policies and recent protests in India. The move has sparked anger among Hotstar's customers ahead of Disney+'s launch in India. The episode is still available on YouTube, where it has garnered over 4 million views.

Main themes

• Censorship and free speech
• Power structures and social change
• Entertainment and escapism
• Personal responsibility and agency
• Social justice and activism
• Global politics and cultural sensitivity

What commenters say

• Opting out of controversy can be seen as tacit approval of existing power structures, which can perpetuate harmful systems.
• Some people may choose not to engage with controversial issues due to feeling unqualified or not wanting to speak on behalf of others.
• The decision to ignore or avoid certain topics can be seen as a form of passive acceptance, allowing existing structures to remain in place.
• Others argue that not taking a stance on an issue does not necessarily mean one is complicit in or supporting the status quo.
• The world is constantly changing, and individual choices can contribute to this change, even if it's just through inaction or preference.
• Entertainment can be used as a tool for escapism, but it can also be used to avoid confronting and addressing important issues.
• There is a fine line between needing relaxation and entertainment, and using it as a means to avoid engaging with the problems of the world.
• Individuals have different reasons for engaging or not engaging with controversial topics, and these choices can have varying impacts on the world around them.