I rule the world....from home- what an interesting thought!
Well, suffice to say, I was going to be on hiatus for a time, but looks like the universe had other plans.
Calcutta (or Kolkata, as in it's new moniker) was waterlogged. Not flooded as yet, but the clogged drains couldn't contain the incessant rains, and the city was reeling. More than half of the city was in a problem, with waist-deep water even in ( Read more... )
I think India got a lot of outside conservatism forced on it, first when the Muslims arrived long ago, and then when the British came with their Victorian ways. Now it's forgotten that it is the land where women wore half-tops, and statues were often painted with no clothing and in sensual positions. Sexuality and sensuality were honored, along with the strong feminine, and now they're not (or at least, they're only admired in the abstract, not in practice). That makes me sad.
But the heart is still there. Don't forget how much of an effect conditioning has on people. You have learned to view homosexuality in a different light, but not everyone has, so you have to be gentle as you try to explain your point of view.
Keep in mind that you probably still have other preconceptions you don't even think about. Here's an example in my case: I found out one of my good friends is polyamorous. At first, I was disgusted and horrified, as I had been taught by society at large that monogamy is the only right way. Then I stopped my knee-jerk reaction and actually thought about the situation and realized that since she wouldn't do anything without getting the consent of everyone involved, how is she hurting anyone? Just because I wouldn't do it doesn't make it wrong. . .I hope that makes sense.
Yes, I've been to India three times, the last time being in December 2005/January 2006. Believe it or not, I'm considering a stint in Gujarat in a year or two, so I can form my own connection to the culture and better my Gujarati. We'll see. ;)
Have you ever heard of this book? You might like it.
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Hmm, you do have a point there...but I feel that in such a strong culture like ours, there must have been some internal catalysts as well, otherwise it couldn't crumble.
For instance, it says in the manusmriti (Manu's Laws) that a woman must always walk 10 steps behind her husband.
Oh, I heard of the book, but sadly never found it stocked here. And the Internet is not alwaya a safe place to buy stuff. :)
If you ever come here, do give me a call!
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Touché. But I think that's why our organization is called Manavi; honoring the original woman and saying it's time to stop walking behind her husband; it's time to walk beside him, as equals.
I think, too, that the Aryans brought their patriarchal ideas to the thriving Dravidian matriarchal society. Am I remembering correctly?
The thing is, the divine feminine can never truly be buried, as we need both feminine and masculine for balance. Keep fighting for your ideals, and you'll see change. :) It's time for it.
If you ever come here, do give me a call!
Will do! :)
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Truly. :D
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The motto of Manavi is wonderful! It's good that things are improving here, but compared to the centuries of oppression for women....
Feminine and masculine should always be balanced, in the world. :D
Maybe you can look at my ugly face then! :D
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