Fundamentalism. An Ugly Word?

Fundamentalism. The word has a new meaning these days. I wanted to delve into the meaning of the word and how it has evolved into a 'bad' word these days.

The dictonary gives the following definition

Fundamental : Serving as a foundation, essential, primary,
important
Fundamentalism: Belief in the literal truth of the Bible, against
evolution etc; adhere to strictly orthodox religions or political
doctrines

Fundamentalist: Person who profess such a belief

Historically Speaking

No one person can be credited with founding Fundamentalism. Nor does any single group comprise the history of the movement.

The term `fundamentalism' has its origin in a series of pamphlets published between 1910 and 1915. Entitled "The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth," these booklets were authored by leading evangelical churchmen and were circulated free of charge among clergymen and seminarians. By and large, fundamentalism was a response to the loss of influence traditional revivalism experienced in America during the early years of the twentieth century.

Theological fundamentalism : theological movement concerned with defending traditional religous doctrine against modern thinking

Political fundamentalism : combination of theological fundamentalism and the personal commitments of religious adherents to combat wordly vices

Where does the problem lie?

The problem is when we try to implement our beliefs/fundamentals on other people or feel threatened by fundamentals of other people. A sense of fear or power struggle ensue and fundamentalism rears its ugly head. Sometimes it is in-your-face. Sometimes subtley given to you in small doses that you don't even realize that you are been swayed or affected.

Now theological and political boundaries seem to have merged and fundamentalism has a new definition.

I got 19,40,000 results on google when I typed Christian fundamentalism. I got 20,50,000 results on google when I typed Islamic fundamentalism. Jewish fundamentalism fetched me 10,30,000 results and Hindu fundamentalism 4,16,000 results.

What's happening now?

Almost everyone knows about Islamic fundametalism (in the world context) and people in India must be aware of Hindu fundametalism. What about Christian fundamentalism? We don't even know about it.

A lot has been said about Islamic and Hindu fundamentalism and I am not going to repeat it again. I would like to bring the attention to a third form of fundamentalism i.e. Christian Fundamentalism.

According to Yoginder Sikand:

“....If Christian fundamentalists are to be believed, America’s invasion of Iraq
and the consequent brutal slaughter of thousands of innocentcivilians in that
country are all part of a grand divine plan that willfinally culminate in the
‘second coming’ of Jesus Christ. Establishing anempire that will extend all over
the globe, Christ will rule like apowerful monarch, saving those who believe in
him and dispatchingnon-believers, all non-Christians and non-conformist
Christians, toeverlasting perdition in hell....”

Question is why do we never come to hear about this? While the Western press is awash with stories, real and exaggerated, about ‘Islamic fundamentalists’, rarely is mention made about Christian fundamentalists. The reason is their vast resources and close links with the current American administration.

Another example of this fundamentalism, and we tend to overlook it, is what the president of US said.

Before the Iraq war, George Bush went on to say: "God told me to strike at al
Qaida and I struck them, and then he instructed me to strike at Saddam, which I
did, and now I am determined to solve the problem in the Middle East."

Just because it is said in such a sophisticated manner, we don't tend to think that it exists. The reason for writing is post are many. Firstly, I want my fellow bloggers and readers to ponder over this. Secondly, I am tired of muslim-bashing because we just don't look beyond it. We don't acknowledge the power struggle between the East and the West.

To conclude, I condemn ALL forms of fundamentalism. Why is it said that extremes are not good and why is it said moderation is better anyday. If we advocate moderation in eating, spending, wordly pleasures, then why not in our religious and political beliefs and thinking. If the man on the street does not spew venom, then we can live peacefully. Because, as someone said, in the end all forms of fundamentalism are self-destructive.

Originially posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 1:42 PM

Wake Up Call

There has been some public outrage over the killing of two Indians- Maniappan Raman Kutty and S Manjunath. The Indian Government's (alleged) lack of action and lawless in one state have been pin pointed as the cause.

Well every cause has an effect. So did this. The blog world condemned this. Nespaper headlines screamed out

“Why, dammit!“

“Taliban kill hostage, PM says no giving in“

and something similar though it got overshadowed by Nitish Kumar winning the election. As you may be aware politicians in this country are more important than the common man. Loss of life is no big deal. Scores of Indians are killed everyday. We have a huge population, one person killed- so what? The attitude needs to change.

and something similar though it got overshadowed by Nitish Kumar winning the election. As you may be aware politicians in this country are more important than the common man. Loss of life is no big deal. Scores of Indians are killed everyday. We have a huge population, one person killed- so what? The attitude needs to change.

Till when will this stay in public consciousness? This week? Maximum next week. The week after that we will ask - who Kutty? who Manjunath?

Obviously the following will happen

1. Government will issues a warning against travelling and working in Afganistan like the way did it when truck drivers were captured and later released in Iraq.

2. A Jaanch committee will be set up to look at how Manjunath was killed, who was behind it and what action can be taken. The findings will take a few years. Then maybe court case against the 'killers' will be filed. The case will drag for years. And this will fade from public memory.

When something similar will happen, these names will be quoted as examples or used a 'filler' information for print and electronic media. Same story. Just another name.

Afterall, Satendra Dubey is just another name.

This is how we treat the people of this country. Long live India and her people!

Wake Up Call - Revisited: The story continues

Originally posted on Thursday, November 24, 2005 6:25 PM

Less is More?

The other day I was watching television. While channel surfing, I landed on a music channel. I saw lots of women dancing or rather gyrating in clothes which seemed like they belong to my 5-year old neighbour Pinki. Next three songs (of different movies) also proceeded to show half clad women dancing around. Is there something like overkill?

Anyway, this led to the following conversation between me and my sister-

Me: Er...it seems like the women forgot to wear clothes (collective amnesia)...

My sis: Maybe the designer is a desh bhakt. He is saving the money on clothes so he can give it to charity.

Me: Or the producer didn't have money (read:budget) to afford buying clothes and he borrowed clothes from his little daughter.

My sis: What if the spot boy stole the clothes for his girlfriend and the shoot was the same day, the women were left stranded and are wearing (er...not wearing) these clothes.

Me: Or maybe (hungry) rats in the studio attacked/nibbled away the clothes and the women are wearing whatever the director could salvage...

I think that hindi films show more skin than their western counterparts. They are more explicit (in terms of clothes, dances, song lyrics). There are some hindi films I can't watch with my family! I wish we could tone it down a bit. When young (7-8 year old) kids say certain things, I feel that innocence and childhood is the casuality somewhere.

When we ape the west in terms of skin show, I wish we could also ape them in giving appropriate ratings to the films. The Indian censor board has only 2 ratings (A and UA) while the Motion Picture Academy of America has 5 ratings which make sure that content not suitable for children or family viewing does not creep into such films.

They have no item songs. No songs with women wearing clothes 4 sizes too small until and unless its a musical and the script really demands it. Thank you Sanjay Leela Bhansali for no item song in Black.

Proper ratings will deter film makers from using un necessary show of explicit sexuality where its not required.

I am not here to be the moral police. No sir, thats not my job. Its the job of the censor board. Somebody wake them up please!

Originally posted on Thursday, November 17, 2005 4:51 PM

Paris. (Dont) Burn on you crazy city.

Paris Burning? Whose fault is it anyway? Finger pointing at it its highest. French (non-Muslims) say its the Muslims and the Muslims say vice versa.

Someone grumbled to me “Muslims everywhere are creating problem. Look at France, now.“ I jumped back. I asked the preson to see both sides of the story before passing a judgement. Then I was 'accused' of been a pro-Muslim.

I was in Paris a few years ago. Curosity has been my second nature. It pulled me to travelling in parts of the city where people generally don't go to. I landed up at Pl. de Clichy. Well I decided to explore the area. As I walked around, I realized that I had entered a ghetto like area where French Arabs and African Muslims stayed. I saw many young men in hooded jackets, hijab clad women, people huddled around bon-fires, small grocery shops and shopkeepers of this community. To say the least I retreated fast from that area.

I had never seen this side of the city. Everyone goes to the chic places but the underbelly speaks of a different sub-culture.

At that time I did not understand the implication of such a lifestyle, now I do.

Later as I walked into this chic store in a good part of the city, I faced discrimination. I was wearing a black kurta and probably mistaken for an Arab Muslim. The security kept following me thoughout the store. I never felt more humiliated in my life than this. They thought I couldn't afford buying from there (which was not true) and was probably trying to shop lift. Well, I left. Another incident regarding racial discrimination in the Paris Metro also stays in my mind.

When people say that the minority is not 'integrating' with the mainstream, I think- are they given a fair chance of that? Imagine. I was there for a few days and this happened, what about the people who have lived there for a long time who face this on a daily basis?

Statistics say that French Muslims contribute to something like 5%-10% to the total population of France. The exact figure is not availabale as it is said that the French Government doesn't carry out census survey/poll about religion. The problem comes when youth of the minority community are not given 'equal opportunities' or integrated properly in the society.

I quote BBC here: "There is a dangerous cocktail here," said Ahmed Belmokhtar, a taxi-driver of Algerian origin, like many of those who live in the poor, crime-ridden estates like Clichy, which ring Paris. He listed the rampant unemployment, heavy-handed policing, discrimination, poor housing and a concentration of large numbers of immigrants from North and West Africa, along with their descendents.

Many feel that the state ignores them at best and at worst stands in the way of their attempts to escape the estates. The country has no black or Arab TV presenters, and all MPs from mainland France are white.

While there are others who believe that because the state takes care of immigrants, they are not willing to work or 'integrate' themselves to the mainstream. They (the others) add that these minority communities think it is okay to live such a life and they don't make any efforts to become a part of the society. What do people think after burning Paris has left scars? "All this only means our taxes will have to go up to pay for the damage," said an old woman taking her poodle for a walk.

I rest my case.

Tell me, who is right? Where does the problem lie?

........................................

Also check out : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1294108.cms

Orignally posted on Wednesday, November 09, 2005 12:48 PM

Save me from Reality TV

Somebody save me.

Onslaught of reality TV is killing me. Why do the TV channels think that their audiences are dumb? Picture this:

Some celebrity singing contest

A channel takes a few (read: unknown) out of job TV actors, who (allegedly) CAN'T sing and put them in a music 'talent' show. A donkey will sound more surila then some of the contestants.

Throw in a child star, a cross dresser and other assorted people, highlight the bitchiness, add a pinch of drama and bang, you have a show. I never knew the formula was so easy. Alas! the show gets very less TRPs and after a few episods, they wind up. The torture is over.

They try to sing, I change the channel. Somebody help me- saas bahu on one and breaking news about Karishma's trip to Goa on another. This is called dumbing down.

Another singing contest

Now you have Indian Idol and Fame Gurukul, many contestants, some bitchiness and drama and probably some talent. Well only one is going to win, what happens to the rest? Duh! its simple. The peole chucked out of both these shows are called for another show. Confusing? You bet. Now the ones who couldn't win on the original show are called and they sing again and the torture continues. I change the channel. Well the same thing happens again :(

Some celebrity dancing competition

Well atleast its a little less torture as compared to above coz some of the contestants can dance! More entertaining than the above two. Though the concept is (allegedly) a lift from a UK based show where celebs and and an expert dancer dance together.

We have had reality TV for finding actors, singers, dancers, chefs, fashion designers, models...

What next?

A TV show on who is better at cutting vegetables- colony A ki Mrs. Sharma or colony B ki Mrs. Gupta? May be we can vote through SMS and help make Airtel and Hutch make some money. Wat say?

Or maybe a TV show on who can brush his teeth better? Chintu, Pintu or Mintu. Note: One contestant will be eliminated every week. Keep those phone lines open, vote for your favourite. (Make money for MTNL or BSNL as well)

Any more you guys would like to add?

Originally posted on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 11:37 AM

I have (a few) Questions.

After an emotinally draining past few weeks, I am back.

When the bomb blasts happened in Delhi, I was appalled and shocked. Somehow you think that terrorism can't touch you. When an obscure Kashmiri group claims responsibilty, it puts Kashmir back on the map.

When I wrote the blog about Qazi (of fame gurukul) and Kashmir, I had written the following about Kashmir and Kashmiris-

Is it a sign of changing times? Does it mean that things are improving? I also see a feeling of mutual mistrust melting away. For once, I hope I am right.

After the Delhi bomb blasts, the mistrust has creeped back in. Someone speaks to a Kashmiri friend of mine and says “Yaar, yeh tuney kya karwa diya?“. Though that someone says it jokingly, the underlying tone is not. The friend tells me in despair “Look, they start pointing fingers at anyone belonging to a certain community.“

I remember this comment on my blog by Sam:

But then it takes just a couple of bomb blasts in the mainland to weave the
mistrust right back in.

The man on the street condemns the blast. Shows the spirit and fights back. Doesn't bow down. Says this is wrong. Some even tell me “Maybe Hindus might do something on Eid.“ People see it as a fight of Hindu Vs Muslim. The educated ones probably don't. This statement makes me think that we are solving the pupose of those f*$#ing terrorists, you know, dividing the people of this country. I do not want to classify it as a fight between the communities. Its much more deeper than that if you scratch the surface.

I ask you all, why do we equate everything

Bad+Muslim+Terrorist=Kashmir(i)

How do you know they weren't from accross the border? Why don't we see that it is the vested interest of many to make sure the divide between the people remains afloat? Gullible as people usually tend to be, I wish we could all be a little more skeptic and question things around us.


A gentleman named Amit comments:

We indian need to solve the lable such as Kashmiri, Punjabi, Gujarati and
Madrasi...it is a high time that we come out of our ethnic groupings and start
realizing that we are indians...i am not saying shut your door completely on the
ethnic background..becuase it is something that makes our homeland so diverse
and one of the most exciting places in the world..but i guess we put too much
stress on our ethinicity....

Atul tells me:

I'm sick of reading about killings and bomb blasts. Let's do the right thing now
- ask people of Kashmir what they want. If we are so sure that most of the
Kashmiris want to be part of India then what are we waiting for - let's go for a
poll.....However, there are many good things about this country called India. We
Indians are more tolerant to different cultures, people and religion. Can you
imagine a Hindu, Muslim or Jew president in the US or a holiday for Eid or
Holi?

Why do we forget the above when something like Delhi blasts occur? Is it because the majority is a Hindu population? What about innocent people killed in J&K? How many would say that J&K issue has not been solved because at stake lie careers of many terrorist(pun intended)politicians and leaders.

Syed says:

....please treat it as a human issue. India has mistreated us badly, rigged our
elections(as finally accepted by Mr vajpayee as regretfull ),never allowed
access to amnesty international, human rights watch or any other internatinally
aclaimed human rights organisation.There are still eight thousand people missing
in indian custody. nearly twentfour thousand in jails even without access to a
trial, another corrupt puppet regime. We are just a prestige point for india and
humans in the place dont count...I dont hate INDIAN PEOPLE , if people of
kashmir, choose INDIA i will be an INDIAN .....we can be (called) an
offspring of bitterly divorced parents(INDIA AND PAKISTAN)

WeRUnited adds:

In India, democracy doesn't gurranty that all our issues will be solved but
there are ways to tackle issues here, there is process at least. You are
thinking of injustice to Kashmir who is more responsible, answer is "Terrorism"
which vanished all business out there. We should together fight to eliminate it
as united country..... I think, whatever may be the cause terrorism is not the
solution. If everybody start doing that, there won't be any question of "Human
issue"..... we all be end up fighting.

I want to conclude by saying that we as citizens of this country must make sure that the government is answerable to us (Right to Information act is a step in that direction). We must question things happening around us. We can't afford to be passive because if we are, then the politicians of this country will take us for a ride.

If we, together, project a united face then no force can divide us. Five fingers together make a fist The fingers may be of different sizes and shapes (as is our cultural ethenicity) but there is strength in a fist. We must be able to look at the deeper meaning of things than pass a judgement based on the superficial information/media reports/opinions. Wat say guys??

Originally posted on Thursday, November 03, 2005 1:08 PM

What divides the people of this nation?

First of all I want to thank all the people who came to my blog and read my last post. 7,000 web views and still counting. The topic in itself was not controversial but many responses were. I hope that such a debate can help us understand what ails this country and its people.

What divides the people of this nation?

Perceptions. It all boils down to it. Half baked information and masalafied media reports play truant sometimes. I will not play the blame game here coz we have done enough of finger pointing. My finger hurts now.

**************

Originally posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 12:56 PM

Kashmir+Fame Gurukul= Hope. Or Is It?

Qazi has become one half of the fame jodi (The music show on Sony called Fame Gurukul). The guy recieved many brickbats ranging from he can't sing to he is the poor man's version of Hritik Roshan. I am not going to defend him.

I like to look at the bigger picture. A young guy from Kashmir comes to Mumbai with dreams in his eyes and those dreams get fulfilled. You would say- no big deal. I think its a big deal because this generation of Kashmiris have seen nothing but strife and aggression. The people of Kasmhir picked up arms in 1989. Rebellion followed but by 1994 most surrendered. The young children saw many of their ilk been killed, brutally tortured and if you look in the eyes of any Kashmiri (Hindu or Muslim) you will see this haunted expression.

Kashmiris were at fault and created unrest and the Indian army had to control the 'situation' somehow. But if someone takes an extreme step like this, there has to be a damn good reason. In the process many innocent people lost their lives. Ask any Kashmiri if they have lost someone in their family to militancy and their answer will always be in affirmative.

Decades back, Kashmir was the jewel of Indian crown. And it was said that if there is heaven on earth, then it is here. Ironically the situation has become if there is hell on earth, it is here. Where once hindi movies were shot, there are no movie halls in Srinagar anymore. They have all closed down. Where you could hear the music once, you only hear bullet shots. So if a young lad from the strife torn region of this country comes out the shadow of guns to pursue music, I see hope.

Is it a sign of changing times? Does it mean that things are improving? I also see a feeling of mutual mistrust melting away. For once, I hope I am right.



Originally posted on Friday, October 21, 2005 11:39 AM

Paradox - Its My Life

Life can be paradoxical. Some say it is what we make of it. Others say it's destiny. We always have a choice. What governs our choice?

Social surroundings, religious upbringing, conviction. To put in simpler terms- heart, head, people and faith. We make a decision based on these. Where does destiny step in? Somewhere its written that life is meant to be like this. I may go against the tide and yet not get what I want. i may put in my best efforts and things will still not work out. And if things are meant to be, then even if the whole world is against me, I'll get what I was pining for.

So is life a pradox or not? Wat say guys?

Originally posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 10:52 AM

Men Dont Cry

I was talking to a male friend of mine the other day. He said to me “I can't stand women crying.”.

I asked him”Why?”

He shrugged his shoulders and mumbled something which I couldn't get. (Why are men like this?).

On further probing he said “I wouldn't know what to do, you know how to make her stop crying. I would feel so uncomfortable.”

Huh! As if you don't cry. And then he said the 'W' word which saw me in anger. What 'W' word? You guys must be wondering. Its called weakness. Why do men think that crying is a sign of weakness??? Somebody answer that question for me.

Bet you men didn't know that more than two thousand years ago, Aristotle theorized that crying "cleanses the mind" of suppressed emotions by a process called catharsis: the reduction of distress by releasing the emotions.

I seem to agree with Phil Donahue. He recently remarked, "I think that people who never cry are like people who never laugh: There's something wrong with them."

"Crying is natural, healthy and curative," according to Barry M. Bernfeld, Ph.D., director of the Primal Institute in Los Angeles. "[But] crying which should be the most natural, accepted way of coping with pain, stress, and sorrow is hardly mentioned in psychiatric literature. Now we seem finally to recognize that crying is good for people."

Why do you keep the hurt and the pain inside you? Crying is good for the soul. And finally here is a song (written by men). I want to dedicate it to my male friend who never cries and looks lost if I ever do.

Roy Orbison and Joe Melson wrote this song together


I was alright for a while.
I could smile for a while.
Then I saw you last night;
You held my hand so tight
When you stopped to say "hello."
You wished me well;
You couldn't tell
That I'd been crying Over you.
Crying Over you.
Then you said "so long,"
Left me standing all alone;
Alone and crying.
Crying. Crying. Cry--ing.
It's hard to understand
That the touch of your hand
Can start me crying.
I thought that I was over you,
But it's true, so true;
I love you even more
Than I did before.
But, darling, what can I do?
For you don't love me.
And I'll always be
Crying over you.
Crying over you.
Yes, now you're gone,
And from this moment on I'll be crying.
Crying. Crying. Cry--ing, OOOver you

Originally posted on Thursday, October 13, 2005 3:12 PM

What Did I Create?

So why am I put on this earth? I am but a miniscule part of this entire universe. Here today. Gone tomorrow. Human beings were created by this divine force who we call God. I am sure he sits on a throne up there and watches over us. He probably watches in amusement at our mistakes though if there is a grave situation, he helps us too.

And he probably wonders and says to himself "What did I create?". These humans who look like ants to me (from that far) scurrying about are never ever satisfied about anything in life. They always want more. When they get more, they still want something else. They keep praying to me "Bas mujhe yeh dedo, main kuch aur nahi mangunga/mangungi". When their wish is fulfilled, they eye something else.

Why do we humans want more? Are we ever satisfied? We always strive for something more. Its like we are looking towards the sky and in search of that elusive star which will fulfill all our wishes and dreams. What would happen if we all got what we wanted. I am sure the one who created us has that power with him.

I think that he does not want that to happen. You see this world is not complicated without a reason. There is a hidden lesson for all of us to learn. Reason? Its very simple.

Senario 1:If a person 'X' wants a certain designation and so does person 'Y' at the same time. God cannot fulfill wishes of both at the same time. Thus a situation of conflict arises and one of them gets the job.

Senario 2:Person 'X' ans person 'Y' are in love with 'A' and want to be her. Then if A reciprocates feelings of one and not another, is god been unfair? Is this life unfair?

I think he wants us to learn something here-
I think he is trying to say 'If I give you what you want, you will not understand what you need. Then you will not cherish what you have. You will not be grateful that you are alive each day to see a beautiful sunrise, hear the birds chirping, see dew drops on grass, admire the clear blue sky and cotton fields of clouds. You will not cherish family and friends. because there is a life beyond a job, deadlines, irritating neighbours, hateful relatives, pesky kids, boozing all night and feeling wasted."

P.S : My heart goes out to all the people affected by the earth quake which hit Pakistan and India. Many lives were lost. Many are on the roads. Devastation was immense. I hope these people can reuild their lives and aid reaches them quickly. With winters knocking on their door, life will be tough. Love and Peace.

Originally posted on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 6:38 PM

Relationships: To live for or die for? Better yet, walk away....

Once a colleague of mine said..it's better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all. Topic of discussion: Relationships. In today's time relatioships are becoming more fragile. Why?

Two reasons crop up in my mind.

1. We are more aware of what is right or wrong. If I am not compatible with someone, I'll not stay in such a relationship. I need to be mentally and intellectually challenged to be in a relationship. Himbos don't work for me... In olden times (i.e. the previous generation) people stuck around with one another, irrespective of the fact whether they were happy together or not. 'Compromise' was the key word there. Divorce was taboo. Making a decision about choosing your own life partner wasn't completely acceptable. Times started changing, though rural india follows the above, urban india is changing. We have a choice- we can walk out of a relationship and start over again. Though its difficult to pick up the pieces, still...

2. People don't wait around to see if things could work out (It doesn't mean been stuck in an abusive relationship or relation not based on equality). Compromise is a bad word only if one of the partners is bending his/her back. To make any relation work, you need to accept the whole package. Everyone has his/her quirks and you need to live with them. Leaving the toothpaste cap open, wet towel on the bed may irritate you but they are not an earth shattering events. What matters is the integrity of a human beign, faithfulness, trust and ability to deal with situations and stick around in tough times. We live in a real world with real people.

Films, books and media in general, project an 'ideal happy relation'. Perfect parents, kids, jobs, partners etc. Behind every successful relation, is a lot of hard work and some amount of compromise.

Compromise only if you don't lose yourself in a relation. 'Two become One' is a sweet notion but you can't be a shadow of the other. You need to be the mirror and retain your individuality. Wat say guys?

Originaly posted on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 3:47 PM

Archives

I am copy-pasting my blog archives here on Blogspot because I don't want to wake up one day and realize my archives on O3 have disappeared. So everyone, read on....