Is “Humor in Uniform” a thing of the past...?

Having a robust “Sense of Humour” is a sign of Self-Confidence. 

In earlier days – Military Officers were known for their resilient “Sense of Humour”. 

Those days – there were plenty of dramatic activities in the Navy – and – I remember seeing (and participating in) comedy skits lampooning senior officers who took it in their stride and had a hearty laugh and got the message too (humor is the best way of getting a message across).

However – I observe – that nowadays – Defence Officers and Veterans have become “over-sensitive” – and – “Humor in Uniform” seems to have become a thing of the past. 

Let me give you an example.

Sometime ago – I was a member of a group called “HUMOUR IN AND OUT OF UNIFORM” (HIAOOU)

Unlike many passive members – I was one of the active contributing members who posted “Humour in Uniform” Stories regularly.

The biggest joke about this “Humour” group was that – most members of this “Humour” group did not have “Sense of Humour” 

One day I posted the “Humour in Uniform” story below – and – I was promptly expelled from the group – at the behest of some non-contributing “Killjoys” who thought that this story painted the services in a poor light. 

(Of course – most of these humourless “Killjoys” had never contributed anything to the “Humour” forum – the only thing they did was to criticise the posts of others)

Dear Reader: 

Please read the story – and – tell me – why do you think that this innocuous story upset the humourless “Killjoys” in Uniform (and out of Uniform)...?

Have present day Defence Officers really lost their “sense of humour” and have become overly sensitive to any criticism – albeit true – even if made in a humorous way...? 

Here is the story: 

RECRUITMENT ADVERTISEMENTS ARE LIKE FASHION SHOWS

A Story for Cadets and Subalterns

By

VIKRAM KARVE

The young under-trainee direct entry Sub Lieutenant who had just joined our ship appeared quite dejected. 

Impressed by the sleek Navy recruitment advertisements and jingoistic hype – this young officer had quit a corporate job – and – he had joined the Navy.

And now – the truth had dawned on him – that there was a big difference between hype and reality.

Life in the tough prosaic real-world Navy was quite different from the romantic imagery portrayed in recruitment advertisements.

In order to put the young disillusioned Officer in good humour – I told him this famous Mulla Nasrudin Teaching Story called “FASHION SHOW”:

FASHION SHOW – A Mulla Nasrudin Story

One day Nasrudin went to a prestigious fashion show.

When he returned – his friends asked him how he liked the fashion show.

“They cheat you...” Nasrudin complained, “the fashion show is a complete swindle.”

“What are you saying...? The fashion show is a swindle...? They cheat you...? How...? Tell us. How do they cheat you...?” all the friends asked.

Nasrudin said to them: 

“Yes. The Fashion Show is a swindle. They cheat you. First – they Show you the Women – and then – they try to Sell you the Clothes...” 

Well – this was the story I posted on the forum – which upset the humourless “Killjoys” in Uniform

Now – Dear Reader – Here is the “MORAL OF THE STORY” 

Recruitment Advertisements are like “Fashion Shows”

Do remember this story if you are thinking of “job hopping” – especially of you are thinking of quitting your good civilian job and joining the Armed Forces – like the Sub Lieutenant mentioned above did.

Remember – metaphorically – Recruitment Advertisements are like “Fashion Shows”.

Just like Fashion Shows – which try attract you by showing you glamorous “women” – and then – they try to sell you the clothes – in the same way – Military Recruitment Advertisements show you the “glamorous side” of Military Life – and then – they try to recruit you to undergo the tough life of hardship in the Armed Forces.

And later – you may get be disillusioned – when things don’t turn out as you had imagined them to be – and military life is not as glamourous as portrayed in the glitzy recruitment advertisements.

Do remember this FASHION SHOW story – especially if you are thinking of a Military Career – because the real life in the military is tough and hard – and – life in the Armed Forces is not all glamour and adventure as portrayed in recruitment advertisements. 

Do join the Defence Services – but – make sure you do so after due diligence.

Take a realistic view – and ask yourself: Do you have it in you to join the Military..? 

Dear Reader: 

Do have a look at the glamorous recruitment advertisements on TV enticing youth to join the Army, Navy and Air Force. 

Talk to some serving and retired Defence Officers about the actual life in the Armed Forces. 

Then – you will understand the import of the metaphor: 

“They show you the Women – and then – they try to sell you the Clothes...” 

I think this metaphor applies to all organisations – military, non-military and corporate.

Doesn’t it...?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is a revised and updated re-post of my story FASHION SHOW posted online earlier a number of times including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/12/life-is-like-fashion-show.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/07/recruitment-advertisements-are-life.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/10/fashion-show.html  and  http://creative.sulekha.com/the-fashion-show-and-the-recipe_74988_blog  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/05/have-defence-officers-lost-their-sense.html etc