Mr Ladoo Singh deserves some respect

Dear Director and Producer of Nickelodeon Sonic,

At the outset credit where it is due, my 7 years old son started taking more interest in cycling a couple of years ago after watching “Shiva”, the cartoon series which is very popular among the kids in India.

Shiva’s larger than life character at such a young age, his swanky bicycle — which may even give Tesla a run for its money, his adventures — which defy all the laws of physics and his power — stronger than Bahubali, is a perfect recipe for good entertainment. I cannot have a quarrel with you on this part of your creative freedom. I am also not arguing here that the cartoon may actually create a false sense of confidence among kinds or shows too much violence.

But I do have a strong objection to your depiction of Mr Ladoo Singh, the police officer. I am not speaking about his physical attributes or an innocent voice. I am also not complaining on how Mr Ladoo Singh would reach crime scene after Shiva has finely executed his job of savings life of Vedas city locals and capturing infinite number of criminals.

But your cartoon portrays Mr Ladoo Singh as a weak, coward police officer and often ridicules him.

Mr Director and Producer, You are perfectly entitled to retain your artistic expressions. BUT by showing a policeman in such a vulnerable position against enemies frame after frame, you are leaving a very very negative impression on the unadulterated minds of your young viewers.

Imagine what 3–8 years old child must be thinking when he watches a policeman getting humiliated by his opponents or when a policeman is eventually saved by a young boy (one tenth of his age)? You know that kids love watching bashing of the policeman and that they have a good laugh at it, isn’t it? It may be good for your TRPs but certainly NOT for the development of thought process of the future generation.

Parents and society often teaches kids to show respect for the police. While a few individuals there may not be as good, we MUST respect the Institution and the brave men. Unfortunately, your shows make every attempt to destroy the respect for those who maintain law and order in our cities. The impressions created at the early age are usually long lasting.

Ofcourse you mature professionals know that kids at that age are not in a position to distinguish between what is good and wrong. The irony is that censor in India works furiously for moderating the content to be shown to adults (i.e. those who can judge and are able to think rationally & independently). Why not consider a voluntary censorship against showing such loose characters considering your unique viewership?

I hope you will consider restoring the pride and respect to Mr Ladoo Singh.

Thank you

A Father, A proud citizen