July 1, 2006

• I was reading a post at Sepia Mutiny about 'Colonialised Clothing' and the use of the term 'ethnic' in India. Mediocre post, some outstanding comments.

  I met an man on the train from Trivandrum to Goa, two years ago. His skin was as dry as a mango set out in Delhi's sun and forgotten, the wrinkles akin to a rubbery apricot. His eyes as bright as a two year old holding onto candy. We tried to talk. Talk being a euphemism, since I didn't understand Malayalam and he spoke three languages and a smattering of English. Every time he said something, I would smile. And then look out the window. He would try again. I would smile again. He would repeat what he said, but louder. I would then raise my hands, palms up, shrug my shoulders and ... smile. If I could say one thing to him in Malayalam, it would be, "I'm not deaf".
  Now this is the same train ride where a 15 year old I never met before would demand to know why I cut my hair. I didn't smile that time. I was truly freaked. ('Are you sure this is the first time I've met you?')

  But back to the mutiny. Have you ever had a conversation with someone where you wanted to say "Shouting won't make it right." ? Or "Saying something ten times doesn't mean it makes sense." That's how I felt after reading that post.
  Wow. It really got me riled up, eh.

  So, do ABD's have a clearer view on issues that exist in India, or are Indian no longer Indian because they're too western?
  I thought these labels were simpler. But I guess the Red Indians ..er.. native Americans would have something to say about that one.

  ha ha ha.

  • 3:20 am
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