Documentaries

There are so many documentaries that are broadcast that it is impossible to keep track of all the ideas, theories and new approaches that are proposed. It is quite exasperating to think that the makers of these documentaries may have taken the subject too lightly, or may have taken an angle on the subject that is intended to strike a chord with their audience, especially television viewers.

Take for example documentaries about religion or history. So many theories are expounded that finally fiction does sound stranger than truth. But, one may readily ask, what is the truth? Nobody has a monopoly on the truth especially when putting forward hypothesis on what may have happened, or why something may have happened, but a production with the required credentials does go a long way to making its valid points.

It is important to separate the wheat from the chaff, and to do this one must make sure that the makers of the documentaries are serious, studious and that the proper research has been carried out by qualified people. Many such documentaries exist and are a real pleasure to follow, but others sound hollow, follow a pattern as if made of cardboard and just aim to make sensational claims that have no real basis in fact or even fiction.

The same problem exists with websites. As soon as a website is put up, it takes on an aura of knowledge, expertise and truth. A critical eye towards all published content, including this write-up, would not go amiss to ascertain the relevance, objectivity and seriousness of the publication.

Documentaries suffer from the same ailment, and it would be wise to establish by whom they are produced, the research team involved and the experts who express their opinions. Otherwise, one should treat them as simple entertainment, and not put too much weight on their theories and conclusions.