Not all Hindus and Muslims hate each other in India. This Hindu sadhu, or holy man (right), embraced his Muslim friend after the latter returned to Bhopal from his pilgrimage to Mecca. (www.sfgate.com)

The tensions are running high in India, whether its relating to the riots in Gujarat or the constant conflict of which country Kashmir belongs to. In every other story you read, it always has to do with Muslims VS Hindus, India VS Pakistan, and Muslim Militants VS Hindu Militants. There are two things that sell in the media: sex and violence. The sex and violence is like the tuna fish and as a society we're the cats who crave to read these stories. You can deny the fact and say, "Oh, I don't like to read about violence or sex."

But let me give you an example by asking you which of the following titles catches your attention first?
*Salman Khan beats up Ashwaria Ria in a love scandal.
*Two Men: Muslim and Hindu: Show the World an Example of Peace.

Which one of these titles speaks out to you? An interesting question isn't it? A survey done claims that over 65% would me more tempted to read the love scandal, and 35% would be more moved to read the example of peace.

Everyone has the right to their own views of the world, whether they are biased views or not. In the media, I feel that biased views shouldn't be allowed, and technically we aren't allowed to portray them. But you do see poor journalism in the media all of the time these days. For example, when the riots broke out in Gujarat, there was a comment made on CNN saying that they had to do with the war on terrorism. Which gives the viewers the idea that all Muslims are causing problems worldwide. But going back to that statement made about the riots having something to do with the war on terrorism is so far fetched. If the journalist did their homework, they would realize that there are many factors and history between the Hindus and the Muslims. The fights in India aren't in direct response to the war on terrorism.

The above picture spoke out to me because I think with all of this negative coverage that we are seeing from South Asia, we need to realize that not everyone hates each other. I would like to see the mainstream media show more of this, but I guess that's just wishful thinking on my part. These men don't live in segregation but offer each other respect for the other's belief. The next time you tune into your TV and you see the riots, don't think of it as Hindus VS Muslims, but Ignorance VS Fears of the Unknown.

Do you have any thoughts on this? Feel free to send Peta an e-mail @ Peta Cooper.