Slumdog Millionaire and Very Young Girls
Monday April 20, 2009
As horrific and shocking as it is, news that the father of Rubina Ali, the nine year old girl who played Latika in the Indian blockbuster Slumdog Millionaire, was trying to sell his daughter to the highest bidder should -- most unfortunately -- come as no overwhelming surprise. At least not to people who've been paying attention to the information disseminated by documentaries. For the Indian situation, take a look at Born Into Brothels and Highway Courtesans. For a picture of what's going on closer to home, view Very Young Girls.
We should know that this rabid form of child abuse is rampant. And, this particular incident about Rubina Ali indicates, too, that instant celebrity provides not only privilege, but also a certain precariousness--especially for youngsters who are thrust into the limelight.
Now, don't we really need to pay some attention to what we know, and do something about it? Your thoughts?
(PHOTO: Slumdog Millionaire's Rubina Ali. Courtesy Celedor Films/Fox Searchlight).
I am really offended by your characterization of this incident. A British tabloid engineered a situation, where a poor, illiterate family was manipulated into appearing like participants in a Jerry Springer show. And instead of questioning the ethics of this tabloid, everyone screams abuse.