Slumdog Protest

With ten Oscar nominations and a strong favorite to capture best picture, SLUMDOG MILLIOANAIRE has everyone involved on cloud nine. But as these things often go, someone, somewhere is out to put a damper on their parade. The “someone” in question this time around, are the slum residents of Mumbai, India–where the story takes place–who claim that the word “slumdog” in the film’s title is insulting. In anticipation of the film’s Indian release, a number of Indian citizens have gone against the grain, and staged protests against the film’s objectionable title.

A large portion of India does not share this sentiment, as the film has done much to promote the country and prominently features a variety of Indian actors in crucial roles. Screenwriter Simon Beaufoy says that people shouldn’t read too much into the title. “I just made up the word. I liked the idea. I didn’t mean to offend anyone,” he said.

I guess nobody likes being called a dog, except maybe Clifford, but really–I don;t quite get what all the fuss is about. Nicholas Almeida, a social activist who organized the protest, said he planned to file a lawsuit on Friday to get the name changed, which is just plain absurd. What are your thoughts on this–do the people of India have reason to cause such a furor, or are they just being sensitive little babies?