Rhythmic Rain...

Thursday, November 02, 2006

We, The People

I recently came across a blog, while surfing. Clear from her post, she is in India on a holiday, and decided to post her attempt at “unraveling the exotic tapestry of mystery that is India”. I have never read a larger piece of patronising writing in my life.

She notices women dropping out of school at grade 4, but forgets to notice that we are the only country in the world to have an entire state of 100% literacy - Kerala. Or that right from the beginning, our constitution gave equal rights to women. Indian women never had to fight for the right to vote!

She notices our lack of efficiency and infrastructure, but forgets to notice that we are one of the few countries in the world with free press and the freedom to express opinion without being arrested.

Granted, all the problems she mentions exist. But India is not unique in its problems! Economic disparity is a problem the world over. The poor in the Americas aren’t any less worthy of sympathy simply because they live in so-called developed countries!

I would really like to know which part of India she is generalising the rest with. She says that we blare western music, without understanding the lyrics. Sorry to burst your bubble there, but EVERYONE I know can perfectly understand the lyrics of Nickelback, Alanis Morrissette, Usher and Alicia Keys, and enjoy them immensely, without forgetting the splendour of an Amjad Ali Khan or Ravi Shankar as well. Most people my age wear western clothes without having their chests “gawked” at, and frankly, I would be more uncomfortable walking down the streets of New York late at night, than Bangalore.

In any case, we aren’t half as backward as she seems to think we are. Today, Americans and Europeans lose their jobs everyday to more qualified or more articulate Indians. Ever heard that being replaced by a software engineer from Bangalore is now officially called “being Bangalore-ed”? These are the very Indians, who grew up in this – as she sees it – overpopulated slum.

It’s convenient isn’t it; to overlook that India has the oldest history, the richest culture, the largest film industry, and most free, enthusiastic and alive people in the world!

What really annoys me is that she still calls herself “proud to be Indian!” I wish she would refrain from doing so, if she is going to come here, talk about silk carpets and the Taj Mahal, and go back to talk about load shedding.
I say, either come and leave as a tourist, or do something proactive HERE to give yourself the right to crib. And PLEASE. If you think the same way she does, save your patronising sensitivity for someone other than us “poor Indians”.

posted by @ 9:50 am  

24 Comments:

  • At 12:44 pm, November 08, 2006, Blogger Pritha Reads said…

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

     

  • At 12:46 pm, November 08, 2006, Blogger Pritha Reads said…

    I deleted it the first time around because I wanted to add this: I have posted your comment in my blog...I don't believe in telling one side of the story, and I do welcome criticism. I also posted THIS particular comment as a reply in my blog as well as yours.

    You never read the last paragraph apparently. I mentioned in my last two paragraphs the GOOD work being done. I also mentioned that I'm living in India for two and a half months. Forgive me for NOT mentioning that I'm working with an NGO here, IN the slums, trying to help educate the children here.

    I never brought up the problems that North America faces because they are problems of North America and completely separate from those that India, as a nation, face. Forgive me for not going in-depth about the homelessness, the poverty and the drug addictions of Canada and America. I wasn't aware that I was supposed to compare two cultures who are so totally different in history, viewpoints and solutions.

    I'm sorry if I sound patronizing. As I said in the beginning, this is only my ATTEMPT to outline what I see in India. The first things people notice when they come is the huge disparity. Yes, we have a rich culture (of which I am fully aware, since I have learned Classical Vocal Music as well as Bharat Natyam and am fluent in Bengali), but on the other hand, what is the legacy that we're leaving behind for children? My generation, us unfortunate "mixed breeds" because we're of Indian descent but born Canadian, has little or no knowledge of India.

    Forgive me for trying to gain some of that valuable knowledge.

    Before you judge my reasons for writing this, perhaps you should read it carefully. I am merely trying to understand a world that I don't understand. I'm groping for words to explain to a population for whom India is a place they will never see and they will never experience.

    I did not, on the other hand, say that "India is an overpopulated slum". The people who are well-to-do and who CAN afford it, do indeed, achieve great things. It's the rest of the people that get swept under the rug. That's the situation whether I'm here in India or I'm at home in Canada. Those of us who are "dark" or "don't speak the language" or don't read and write, those of us who just happen to be born in a certain place at a certain time, don't have options. I'm pointing out that it's vitally important to OBTAIN those options for people out there.

    I'm sorry you seem to take such offence to an "Non-Indian" in your midst. Perhaps, you should practice "saving your patronising sensitivity" for someone who actually deserves it, because I AM Indian, I was born that way, whether in India or in Canada it doesn't make a difference, I'm made of the same mould as you are.

     

  • At 6:33 am, November 09, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    "I say, either come and leave as a tourist, or do something proactive HERE" - Did you READ the last 2 paragraphs of the blog entry (which you are using to criticize the author - with)?

    And who are YOU to say who is Indian (or someone of Indian Descent) or not?

    Should I assume that you are going to selectively read this comment, as you have apparently done with that blog entry? Have you done the same - with the original Author's comment (that she has left here), as well?

    There is clearly going to be some sort of culture shock - whenever anyone visits another country (for whatever period of time - they stay there). And, clearly, there is going to be some differences.

    "Today, Americans and Europeans lose their jobs everyday to more qualified or more articulate Indians. Ever heard that being replaced by a software engineer from Bangalore is not officially called “being Bangalore-ed”?" - And some of these 'replacements' will choose to live in those countries - and have their children born and grown up (in those countries). What about those future kids? You have condemned them, along with their parents. Afterall, they are looking after their welfare - and not their country's.

    You have come to these conclusions - with that person's blog entry - with a lack of understanding. And do you not have respect for anyone? Why are you publicizing the link to someone else's blog? And publicizing without their approval - as you have clearly indicated. Your actions bears ressemblance to that of the mob - that you experienced, shortly after the "auto" hit the front of the car. Both are the same - at the core. I wonder if you have realized this.

    Rather than enlighten, you chose to attack someone, and their perspective. Rather than simply moving past a blog entry, you write up this long (half-witted) essay - in response to it. Bit of a tiff. It appears that I am prolonging this - by attacking you, and your perspective, myself.

    "It’s convenient isn’t it; to overlook that India has the oldest history, the richest culture, the largest film industry, and most free, enthusiastic and alive people in the world!". Who was ignoring the history? Where does that thought play in this? Why are you generalizing - and comparing the enthusiasm of a nation's population (against another)? And against which nation, is this being compared? How are YOU comparing this? By the way, it has only been just under 60 years that the People of India had gained Indepedence... Well, since the British, the Persians, the Moghul Empire. How many centuries have the people of India been dominated? Remind me.

    "If you think the same way she does, save your patronising sensitivity for someone other than us “poor Indians”." So you have figured out how an individual thinks - so easily? Hey, isn't the Indian Government being pressured, by the world, to clean up their act? What is the current level of corruption? So what are you doing about that situation? On Another note - exactly one week from November 2nd. Wow! Have there been any more actions that "express opinion without being arrested", lately?

    "I would really like to know which part of India she is generalising the rest with. She says that we blare western music, without understanding the lyrics. Sorry to burst your bubble there, but EVERYONE I know can perfectly understand the lyrics of Nickelback, Alanis Morrissette, Usher and Alicia Keys, and enjoy them immensely, without forgetting the splendour of an Amjad Ali Khan or Ravi Shankar as well. Most people my age wear western clothes without having their chests “gawked” at, and frankly, I would be more uncomfortable walking down the streets of New York late at night, than Bangalore.
    " - What makes you think she was making a general statement?

    "The poor in the Americas aren’t any less worthy of sympathy simply because they live in so-called developed countries! ... If you think the same way she does, save your patronising sensitivity for someone other than us “poor Indians" - Have you been to "the Americas" to know about the poverty there? Have you done anything about it? I'm just going along wihth your logic on this. Please refrain from discussing another country's problems - if you have NOT been proactive... Perhaps you should use your time to ensure that not only Kerala is an "entire state of 100% literacy". Not your Problem? So you alienate yourself from your own country?

    You have selectivly read a blog entry (and I wonder what else you are selectively receptive to). I have selectively taken peices (of information) that work to my advantage. Anyone can be manipulative - but it does not necessarily lead to improvement of a situation.

    "Granted, all the problems she mentions exist." You seem rather ashamed of these problems. Only one line? Is it that you run away from problems - and simply have others take care of the mess?

    The experiences that you (and your friends have) are different from the one that was outlined. The author even said that there was more to India than the negative aspects. Do you deny this? I am not sure if you have actually done anything - besides reading textbooks, and typing away (on a computer keyboard). It sounds as if you have done absolutely nothing - but criticize anything that anyone says that offends you. Note, I said "sounds". Do you even question anything, or anyone, about what is said and done?

    I am also not aware that the Indian Government appointed an Ambassador - to the Internet. Wait, is that Ambassador or an HR officer? Either way - lowsy job, done.

    You sound like a Brochure, in this blog post of yours. You do not sound like a person.

    Refrain from logging onto the Inernet - it's better with less spam.

     

  • At 8:51 am, November 09, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    P.S. If you are wondering why I even bothered commenting, it because disgraceful people like yourself (who parade as if you are Indian) make me feel ashamed to be Indian. You're disgusting.

     

  • At 5:21 pm, November 09, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Ms. Rain,

    Reading your vent, if one can call this crashing house of cards a vent - this train wreck, this stampede of filthy pigs running over each other masquerading as "thoughts" - my nose curls, repulsed by the pungent odour of hatred and animosity you hold towards someone who has absolutely NO ill purpose in her words.

     

  • At 4:49 am, November 11, 2006, Blogger Meghna said…

    Wow... You have a lot of friends Pritha.

    First of all, let me apologise for putting your blog link on the post. Vishan is right, it wasn’t right for me to put it there without your consent. I have removed it from the post. I put it there to give those who read my blog a fair perspective of exactly what I was commenting on.

    I, by the way, didn’t know that you were working in an NGO here. That’s awesome, and we need more of those around here. I will say however, that when you post an opinion on a public forum, you are going to get responses from people who don’t know you from Adam. Just like I just got bombarded with comments from your friends – who I am not going to bother responding to because I think they are incredibly insulting. They don’t know the first thing about my background. The ironic thing is that they accuse me of judging you without knowing you. I refuse to justify their sarcasm and insults with a response.

    In any case, I didn’t take your opinion, or express mine, in reference to who you and I are. The fact that you learned Bharathnatyam, are a mixed breed, or are fluent in Bengali is just as irrelevant as the fact that I learn Odissi and classical music, spent the first half of my life in a foreign country, and am fluent in Hindi and Bengali. This entire conversation SHOULD have been beyond your personality and mine.

    I am just as disturbed by the problems here as everyone else. But we can’t hope for any change if that’s all we see. My objection was to how one sided your view of the country is.

    When you make a statement, or express a view, there are always going to be people who disagree with you. I thought that disagreement led to discussion. What I got from you and your friends, was merely defensive and offensive responses. None of you said anything new. So I am backing off. Go right ahead, and glory in what YOU think and experience. No need to refer to anything that contradicts it!

     

  • At 4:49 am, November 11, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    My God! Is this Vishan Pritha's boy friend or something? Only love can blind one to all logic and norms of courtsey like that. Also, has anyone told him that brevity is the soul of wit?

    For a person who aspires to such high moral grounds, Pritha sure has a lot of offensive friends. Perhaps, Meghna, you hit it where it hurts! LOL!!!

    Jyotsna

     

  • At 4:54 am, November 11, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Interesting, reading this argument and counter-argument. Clearly both Pritha and Meghna love India and are interpreting it in the way that matches their unique experience.

    What's important to me, though, is to make this distinction: “Indian” is not just a cultural or spiritual recognition; it is more a social and political identity. And to get that, you need to live in India for slightly more than two and a half months. The desire to understand India and perhaps thereby understand one’s own self is a common pursuit of the Indian Diaspora and this is extremely irritating to young Indians born and bred in India having no such confusions.

    Perhaps Pritha would do well to acknowledge that what she’s doing is trying to define her own self, not understand the country that is India and her diverse citizenry.

    I was a bit puzzled at the third comment, though. It was neither well written, nor a cogent argument. It only sounded like it intended to offend. Which kind of Indian is that?

     

  • At 12:17 pm, November 11, 2006, Blogger Pritha Reads said…

    As for the insults, Meghna, there were none intended, at least on my end. I didn't actually realize that one of them had commented.

    I will admit, I was hurt and insulted that you suggested that I was ONLY willing to see India through one angle, and that I should not "call myself Indian." It's a battle I've had to fight for most of my life. I can't call myself "Indian" because of "social and political identity". Despite being socialized as an Indian, my political geography demands that I am Canadian.

    If you WOULD like a discussion (of which, I'm completely open to) I'd love to get into one. A friend of mine was mentioning that she agreed with both your post as well as mine. When it comes to music, I think of the way music is heard in malls (i.e. Ciara "Loosen up you buttons") as something like how we (Indian-Canadians) listen to hindi music...we know the meaning of the words, we might even hum along with it...but we don't THINK aobut the meaning. When it comes to women, yes, India has given women the right to vote from the beginning...but they've given women precious little else. Child marriages, the rights of widows, the rights of daughters, wives and mothers have all been neglected through lack of education.

     

  • At 3:40 pm, November 11, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Jyotsna - Yes, the entry did strike a chord. I applaud you for your observation skills.
    My relationship, with Pritha, is not the Topic. I care for her, and I will tolerate any injustices – brought onto her.
    Thank you for the response. This is not a laughing matter. Kindly "LOL", and assume, elsewhere.

    Meghna – Was I incredibly insulting? I wonder if you have stopped to consider that you might have been incredibly insulting as well. “Patronizing Garbage”? Did you stop to think that you yourself were patronizing? Because you have more or less said - “Excuse me, did you know a b c about India? No, you didn’t know it, so you’re stupid”. Now, we can go back and forth like this. But that is as petty as giving a critique about the writing style (or lack thereof) - in this situation – when it is the point that really matters.

    It really annoys me when people are judged, labeled, and/or seen in a negative light, whilst having their good work, efforts, and character - disregarded. To top it off, Indo-Canadians calling other Indo-Canadians - coolies and outcasts (or not – depending on the individual). I live in North America. A number ‘non-Indo-Canadians’ do send the message, in numerous ways, that Indo-Canadians do not belong in North America.

    That has taken its toll on myself. There have been numerous occasions and words, that I have fought against, with regards to this topic. I have been defending those - who have Indian ancestry - for quite some time. And now, you present another addition, another angle. Perhaps I made a mistake with you when I designed my response. I don't know you. However, every encounter that I have had - regarding this topic - has always proven to be futile, and the individual(s) proved to be quite ignorant. In some cases, they have made what I have written - in your comment section – appear to be polite in comparison. Old habits have given way for darts, just as much as rationale gives way for anger (at times). And so Eye-openers, inadvertently, become attacks. This is the first time I have stopped to reflect on that. You can compliment yourself for that one.

    Thus, from my point of view, pointing fingers is insulting. That is what I saw when I read the original words of the your entry.

    Finally, to understand my perspective, keep in mind that I understate things quite frequently. Thus, certain topics, and actions, have a magnitude that is greater than the expression.

    Perhaps I would owe you an apology – in the future. I cannot truly apologize today. The anger has simmered down. But it has not completely subsided. I feel it when I read everything again. I think about it - how misinterpretation/skipping (sections) here and there had lead to unwarranted statements. We'll see what the future holds.

    I am uncertain if you are aware of the sensitivity surrounding this topic. I suggest you tread carefully.

     

  • At 3:42 pm, November 11, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Edit: ...I will not tolerate any injustices – brought onto her.

     

  • At 10:08 pm, November 11, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey... must join in again!

    Pritha, your point is well made. Vishan, grow up! And yes, you do owe Meghna an appology. She really is a very special girl, as you'll know if you only went through her blogs, even without meeting her or knowing the good she does without ever talking about it.

    The question of identity is tough enough; geographical issues just complicate it further. I'm reminded of John Lenon's 'Imagine' and Rabindranath Tagore's lines: "Where the world has not been broken up into fragments of narrow domestic walls; into that heaven of freedom my Father, let my country awake!" The whole world needs it!

     

  • At 10:44 pm, November 11, 2006, Blogger Meghna said…

    Hey Pritha…

    Nice to know that you are open to discussion. I guess we both immediately took each other’s posts and comments without really thinking about it. It’s an issue very sensitive, and coming from two completely different sides of it, I blew before thinking.

    I can imagine what it’s like to have to fight that kind of battle. It is important to have a strong sense of identity somewhere, and in that kind of situation, it is hard to define it.

    India is only 59 years old! We aren’t nearly over colonial shock! There are bound to be problems that need to be dealt with; poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and of COURSE the population explosion. But for a country THIS large, and this young…I’d say we are pretty well off…! The percentage of people below poverty line decreases every year. Huge majorities of metropolitan cities are expanding, creating new place and employment opportunities to those who need it. Literacy rates are rising…

    I have always thought that its really cool that India being this young has had prime ministers and presidents who have been Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, male AND female…while a country like the US, more that 200 years old, is yet to have a president who isn’t white, Christian and male!

    It is a gradual process of progress. Nothing will happen overnight. What we need isn’t more people pointing fingers at the problems. What we need, is people with energy and the productivity to do something about them!

     

  • At 3:32 am, November 12, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Jyotsna, no. You first - I mean that you should grow up. This post of mine was supposed to be her apology... In a couple of days. You should not have 'joined in'. You really have no idea about who you are addressing.
    The really concise version (of all that is written above) - Be Quiet.

    Meghna, I assume that you have either rolled your eyes, or ignored the comment. My apologies. I seem to be getting into a rediculous argument with this Jyotsna character. And now I am done.

    That is all that I wanted to say - with regards to this twist.

     

  • At 3:45 am, November 12, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    You know, I’m finding this a little pathetic.

    I’m an NRI who chose to come back, with my entire family, bag and baggage. (Obviously I’m a lot older than you people seem to be!) It’s delightful to be back in India, though it is completely different from the India I left behind many years ago. There is liveliness in all the mess and the confusion, a desire to ‘adjust’ and survive no matter what the situation and a mish-mash of real and concocted values that is a constantly a source of entertainment. To be part of the newly vocal and empowered middle class makes living here worthwhile, never mind the physical discomfort. Now, more than ever before, one feels that one can make a difference.

    This is my choice. There are plenty of people of Indian origin who choose not to return and have integrated with the culture and value-system of the country of their citizenship, as completely as they can.

    Pritha and Vishan, surely, your confusions would cease if you made a choice – decide, are you Indian, or Canadian, or North American and then don’t look back once that decision is made. The fact that you are unable to resolve this vital issue cannot be the reason to vent your anger and frustrations on some poor kid!

     

  • At 9:35 am, November 12, 2006, Blogger Pritha Reads said…

    Actually Varsha, I didn't realize that trying to forge an identity of my own was something I shouldn't do. Are you suggesting that we all live in a world where everyone decides on who they are and never, ever, questions or re-examines it? That would be a little dull.

    As for venting my frustrations, I think, somehow Meghna and I have reached a rather amicable agreement to continue discussing while still understanding our points of view will be different.

    Varsha, why can't I be Indian AND Canadian? (I actually do have an entry discussing that in my own blog if you'd like to read and understand my point)

    Meghna, you're right when you say that India is very young, as an independent country. Yes, each country has always had problems as it's moved towards so-called "development". Every time I have come to India (this isn't my first time) I've fit right in, no questions asked. This time, I find it to be different. Maybe it's because (juvenile though it may be) my parents aren't here with me. Or maybe it's because my Indian "side" wasn't ready for the onslaught of development, in some ways, it only highlights the problems that still exist here. In North America, development happened at the same time for everyone...in India, it's like half the population (an overexaggeration I'm sure) still doesn't have running water, electricity or drainage and the other half has all the trappings of modernity.

    Here's a question: What would YOU do to start changing things for the poor in India? Where would YOU start?

     

  • At 9:21 am, November 13, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Point well made, Pritha.

     

  • At 6:59 pm, November 14, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey Meghna. Consider this: from time immemorial man as an entire race has been fearful of change. This primal reason is that it is only within his grasp to be afraid of the unknown. Hence rather than embrace change he rather stick with tradition. It is hard for the world to realize the full extent of the dynamic nature of the ever changing face of India. I think that the blog you came accross is a direct testament to this theory. I believe that your counter questioning is a good method of making such individuals see the truth. What about you? Rishi

     

  • At 10:40 am, November 17, 2006, Blogger Meghna said…

    Varsha – I think you were either agreeing with, or defending me… Either way…thanks! Though I wish I wasn’t referred to as “a poor kid”! =D

    I agree with you though… for me at least, I have no confusions about who I am, or where I belong. Which is why, I suppose, I don’t relate to Pritha’s confusion.

    Pritha – I don’t think its right to say that development took place for everyone at more or less the same time in North America. (What about Indigenous Americans, African Americans, Hispanics…?) But even if we accepted that, how do we define development? I don’t think that mere economic development is enough to call a country developed.

    Even today, racism is something that everyone has to deal with; not just in the North America, but in other parts of the world too! One of the reasons I found it so hard to study in Singapore was because of how difficult it was to integrate there as an Indian.

    Another thing that I think puts India ahead is the freedom its citizens have. When there are issues of lack of electricity or running water, the press and the media make it possible for the everyday person to fight it! I believe that one can get into serious trouble for joking about terrorist attacks in the U.S, or criticizing the government in public in Singapore? Here, we LIVE to do that!

    What would I do? Good question. It is a lot easier to diagnose the problems, ignore them, or voice concerns. Actually doing something is a different ball game. I think that if there was anything I would like to be involved in, it would be the education system. I believe that all the attention is going to the wrong place. People are spending time trying to get reserved seats for the “underprivileged” at an undergraduate level, while there is such a huge number of people who don’t get past primary education. I would like to make a difference there if I could.

    Rishi – Hey…!
    I don’t know. I don’t think that the human race is afraid of change. Not anymore at any rate. There is, no doubt, a comfort in the familiar, but I think today we are very excited by change! It could also be that I am thinking at too personal a level, and generalising based only on personal experience.
    Somehow, what sticks out for most people about India is neither its rich past, nor the changing positives. The image of the poverty-stricken, overpopulated, but somehow exotic India is a dated one. I’m not necessarily saying that no one recognises things that there are to appreciate…I’m merely addressing those who don’t.

     

  • At 1:27 am, November 18, 2006, Blogger Pritha Reads said…

    The "freedom of press" and "freedom of speech", I think you've severely over-estimated the amount of "censoring" that goes on in North America. Although, I might not be the right person to comment on it because I'm not overly informed on the subject.

    What about the movies that don't come out in India because of (negative) commentary on the police? What about Deepa Mehta's film trilogy, "Fire", "Earth" and "Water"? They all deal with highly controversial topics, and none of them were released in India, even though they were topics that are about Indian society (Fire deals with homosexuality, Earth deals with the Hindu-Muslim divisions during 1947, Water deals with the treatment of widows).

    The development of "minority" ethnicities is not hindered. Hispanics, African-Americans, and Aboriginals all have the opportunity at least, to access the Internet (as an example). They all have electricity and running water and drainage systems, even in the poorest of housing. In India, the slums don't have running water, drainage or electricity.

    I agree that India having a rich past but being overpopulated, etc etc is quickly becoming an outdated description. But then how would YOU describe India? India's a growing country, yes, but it's also the only country I know of (there probably are others) that have people who live in the 21st century and people who live in the pre-colonial age.

    I agree that racism exists anywhere and everywhere. Including India. But it is awareness of racism that makes it easier to combat.

     

  • At 7:55 am, November 18, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey, This is not pertaining to your blog, but nevertheless, HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

    Also I do not feel that you are generalizising a personal example. Believe me when I say this: I had the same thoughts as you when I read your blog.

    For now, Rishi

     

  • At 11:34 pm, December 01, 2006, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    hey meg!! sorry fo the late comment.. looks like your blog did touch a nerve, coz vishan here seems to be defending himself anh his friend furiously. Its amazing how people living in developed countries pass judgements at the drop of a hat on the oh so poor state of affairs .. working in an NGo is indeed a noble thought but using it for one's defence.. absolutely revolting. even people who have lived in India all their life have not been able to 'figure' it ou.. leave alone people who have come here for a few months.. and as for the attempt to describe india.. it was the worst i've read till now.. it would be so much better if people stopped forming warped opinions about India.. and as for Vishan's problem over the publicity of his friend's blog, this is the freedom that we are used to.. of expressing ourselves without a second thought.. where else would the media put the spotlight on a non celebrity case?? it is easy to look on the surface and mention poverty, illiteracy etc etc as the problems.. but have you ever thought of the root cause of these? how easily you have mentioned the condition of women in our country.. but do you even understand the social complexities? every single problem is deep and tough to root out because of the web it arises from.. and as for people who can so called 'afford it'.. perhaps you have forgotten that indians an agrarian economy and that is what the masses thrive on.. it is amazing how you can pick up trivial things such as listening to nickelback and alanis morisette..!
    and as for vishan.. please find substantial information to defend yourself instead of just ranting on and on about nothing at all..

    aayushi

     

  • At 10:32 am, December 08, 2006, Blogger Pritha Reads said…

    Riddle me this...

    Aayushi, I'm going to take what you wrote point-by-point. It's usually the most straightforward and easiest way of handling things.

    Passing judgements from "developed countries". Rumour has it, India is going to be the next superpower. If it is...and I think it will be...THIS generation of Indians had better as hell get used to "judgements" because the global economy and world citizens are going to be coming here "passing judgements". And a lot of those people won't be as amenable as I am. Indians NEED to wake up to the reality that there is a HUGE economical gap between lower middle class and lower class citizens. Yes, there's a middle class, yes it increases opportunities, but no the poor are NOT getting richer at the same rate as the rich people are getting richer. In fact, they're getting poorer. If you can't hear it or read it, there's no way you can deal with it.

    Meghna specifically said I "don't have a right to crib without doing something proactive HERE". I agree with that. I'm pointing out I AM doing something proactive. It's not a defense, it's an explanation.

    Freedom of expression. So that's why when people are questioned in Kashmir about who they believe is at fault, or what the solution is, they shout, "I can't comment on that!" Because they're so USED TO freedom of expression? (A friend of mine here did a documentary on the Kashmir issue). So that's why movies like Earth, Fire and Water are not released in India? Because of Freedom of Expression? Makes sense...

    Do I understand the social complexities of women in India? Like the complexity that sisters-in-law and mothers-in-law ignore, assist or overlook abuse of their brothers or sons? The complexity of being a woman is universal. The contradictions of being an Indian woman in the 21st century are blatant. No, I don't *understand* them...because I like to think I have the commonsense to just know it's wrong. I have ideas to help "fix" things...to create a more equal environment...but of course, those MUST be discounted because I'm "not Indian but of Indian descent".

    My "description"...actually, they were observations...but we'll call it a description. Tell me, which part was false? Tell me exactly, so I can correct them.

    As for the "agrarian society". The masses survive on it? That's why 12 farmers went and killed themselves and their families because they couldn't provide for them? The masses survive on that? You raise the price of onions so the "agrarian society" can survive, and there are riots. That's what your media's told me...freedom of speech...but what good is it if people won't see the truth?

    So far, I've dealt with comments towards me separately, and let Vishan deal with his own, but let me explain something, you all complain about us having a biased point of view, but have you stopped to think...if you let go of the truth that we were not "born and raised in India" that maybe, we have a point?

    It is true that the government is cleaning up because they're aware of global pressures. It is true that although Kerala has 100% literacy, most of India is not lucky enough to have that statistic. It is true that Indians who go abroad and "take jobs" from Americans and Europeans rarely come back to India, depriving India of it's greatest resource...it's people. It is true that Indians have never had to rule themselves...until 60 years ago.

    So tell me exactly, where the insult lies? Because obviously, something that was not meant to insult...has. Does the insult lie in the truth?

     

  • At 3:58 am, January 06, 2007, Blogger Meghna said…

    I honestly think this is going just a tad too far. So here is my closing argument.

    Pritha, here's the real thing. Let's put both yours and my love for and understanding of India aside.

    After this entire conversation with you, I guess I understand where you come from. And I appreciate your concerns, and admire your active involvement at making a difference. But I really fail to understand the defensiveness with which you answered Aayushi.

    I don't think you get where WE come from. You have got to try to understand that for people like us, who have grown up here, there ARE no confusions about where we belong, or what India stands for or is really worth. We SEE everything that you see!

    My point was never that the things you picked on were wrong. My annoyance was with the WAY you picked on them. It's not unique to India you know. You could sit with ANY country, and list out a million of it's problems - and irritate the hell out of the people who live there. The insult therefore doesn't lie in the truth. It lies in who from and how it came.

     

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