Our hope for a future & what it fuels
The complexity that India is, is characterised by its abounding 'opposites'. Take language for example.
In Karnataka, noted Kannada writer Devanuru Mahadeva refused to accept the prestigious Nrupatunga Literary Award protesting against the apathy of successive governments in making Kannada the medium of instruction up to higher education. Contrast this with what's happening in the village of Lakhimpur-Kheri in Uttar Pradesh. An eager bunch of devotees await the 'English Devi' so they can worship her much like other requests that are pouring in at the doors of those behind a unique temple being set up here to popularize English. The 'English Devi' deity planned for the temple is as unique as the concept of the temple. The "Dalit Goddess English", as the deity is referred to, is cast more on the lines of the Statue of Liberty.
The funny thing is, the reason behind these contrasting acts is the same. Both parties, in doing what they do, are hoping to see a 'better' future the way they visualise it. One wants to see a future with Kannada flourishing, the other with English. Both parties have justifications that are valid to themselves.
Consumers too much in the same way conjure up a future that's 'better'. And the desire for that certain 'better' future is what fuels consumption. The washing machine comes home so there's no more slaving at washing clothes. The microwave so re-heating food isn't a pain anymore. Now what makes the consumption act different from what was described earlier is that its a 'personal' future that's is at stake for consumers. For the Kannada writer and Dalits, the reason's cultural and social.
Our acts if deciphered carry with them a hope for a better future. What makes one act different from another is that it stems from a different 'hoped-for' future. Though, I must add, the underlying sentiment still remains the same.
In Karnataka, noted Kannada writer Devanuru Mahadeva refused to accept the prestigious Nrupatunga Literary Award protesting against the apathy of successive governments in making Kannada the medium of instruction up to higher education. Contrast this with what's happening in the village of Lakhimpur-Kheri in Uttar Pradesh. An eager bunch of devotees await the 'English Devi' so they can worship her much like other requests that are pouring in at the doors of those behind a unique temple being set up here to popularize English. The 'English Devi' deity planned for the temple is as unique as the concept of the temple. The "Dalit Goddess English", as the deity is referred to, is cast more on the lines of the Statue of Liberty.
The funny thing is, the reason behind these contrasting acts is the same. Both parties, in doing what they do, are hoping to see a 'better' future the way they visualise it. One wants to see a future with Kannada flourishing, the other with English. Both parties have justifications that are valid to themselves.
Consumers too much in the same way conjure up a future that's 'better'. And the desire for that certain 'better' future is what fuels consumption. The washing machine comes home so there's no more slaving at washing clothes. The microwave so re-heating food isn't a pain anymore. Now what makes the consumption act different from what was described earlier is that its a 'personal' future that's is at stake for consumers. For the Kannada writer and Dalits, the reason's cultural and social.
Our acts if deciphered carry with them a hope for a better future. What makes one act different from another is that it stems from a different 'hoped-for' future. Though, I must add, the underlying sentiment still remains the same.
Comments