From: J.Ainikkal@massey.ac.nz (J. Ainikkal)
Subject: FEMINISM: Was Re: More about India
Summary: RE: more about India
Keywords: soc.culture.indian
Organization: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
X-Reader: NETNEWS/PC Version 2c
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 92 04:07:10 GMT

             Feminism: Was re: more about India


Initially I jumped into the fray to dispute two insinuations made
against males and Indian males in particular. 

1)" Indian males are less evolved than their American
counterparts"

This statement was followed by the poster stating that Indians
are 'less evolved' with regards to racism, casteism, feminine
problems - goals, aspirations, desires.

I would first like to point out that this learned person, in
making such a statement, is himself being racist.

All I can say in 'defence' of the Indian male (of which I am one
- which is my major motivation in replying) is that given the
opportunity and the chances of getting away with it - the
uneducated American male would/do commit the same atrocities as
the Indian male. I cannot quote specific examples of 'men with
hard-ons rubbing' some womyn but I am sure that it does happen
in the U.S. - No doubt to a lesser extent.

The average American is 'more scared' of the law than the average
Indian 'cause America as a developed country has the resources
to fight and punish such crimes. This is not much of a defence
but a plausible explanation for the overtly sexist behaviour of
Indian males. 

The 'opportunities' (if I may use that term) given to the average
Indian on the bus, train etc. is far greater than in a country
where the majority of the commuters use their private cars or
'less crowded' buses, trains etc.

2)"Indian womyn in India are generally unhappy" (Although I have
quoted - Please note that these are paraphrases)

When most of us go overseas we have a 'redefined' notion of
happiness. This goes for the American born Indian too who has a
different concept of happiness than those of Indians in India. 

I am assuming that all humans seek happiness. 

Happiness, like everything else, is defined to us from an early
age. Its up to us to question the prejudices set in our mind by
society about happiness. 

To question whether following philosophy 'A' will bring us 'more'
happiness than philosophy 'B'. 
Whether following the defined definition of happiness will bring
us happiness?

While we live in the midst of a different culture which has its
own definition of happiness we fail to understand that these
'newly' acquired 'different' prejudices are not the only way of
seeking/acquiring happiness. We fail to understand that people
born and brought up in their culture (Indian) and environment can
be 'more' happy than the U's and I's who have left behind our
earlier notions of happiness. To then stand back and state that,
Indians in India, are unhappy due to their customs etc. is a
overt display of arrogance and ignorance. 

They might be 'ignorant' in your view but they might be far more
happier. I am not advocating ignorance or the statement that
'ignorance is bliss' but the fact that they could attain
happiness in a different way should be accepted.

There is no doubt in my mind that people do feel threatened by
'teasing' and they do not 'deserve' to be teased. I would be
terribly unhappy if every time I stepped out I had these girls
standing around making sick remarks.

My few reasons -

The major difference between India and the U.S., IMO, is that
white America never ever did face 'poverty' (absolute poverty).
A country which had no other crimes greater than that imposed by
their OWN society had over 250 years to battle them. Crimes
against racism, sexism and other 'isms'. It was only 25-30 years
ago that the 'black' person got the chance to vote. Only in the
past decade has the womyn become 'noticeable' in the workforce.
Even today only 20-25% are in top managerial positions. Is that
because for every 3 men there is only 1 'capable' womyn?

India is still fighting the greatest violence prevalent in its
society - poverty. Between 400-500 million people live below the
poverty line. When we are having problems fighting the basics we
can only HOPE that other crimes of society are battled too. This
again is no excuse for overt sexist behaviour, but again a
plausible explanation.

As pointed out by another contributer the fact that society looks
down on prematital sex is another reason. But that is just
hypocricy among Indian males at home who 'want to marry a virgin'
but will 'have a go' any chance they get.

John Ainikkal
'Aotearoa' - Land of the long white cloud
My opinions are mine. U may have them at a negotiated price.
**************************************************************
Some readers may find the following offending. But I am just
exercising my right of expression. If it offends U that is your
problem - I have warned U.

Any person (male/female) who wishes to debate the issues above
is more than welcome to do so. If however U have a problem with
the 'symbols' I use or the 'verbal diarrhoea' I spit out - I have
some serious advice for U.

Leave your computer terminal, go to the nearest supermarket, buy
a cucumber, go home and peel it with your potato peeler and stick
it up our arse.

Don't ask me how that will help but its an alternative to
counting up to 10 before U reply:)

WHAT U FIND VULGAR - I MIGHT NOT
WHAT U FIND TO BE NATURAL HUMAN BEHAVIOUR - I CONSIDER TO BE
HYPOCRITICAL
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