Guest guest Posted October 20, 2005 Report Share Posted October 20, 2005 The attached post was sent to me from another list. I have mixed feelings about the protests against the "inappropriate" uses of Hindu images in advertisements and secular products. Certainly, Hindu images portrayed on very non-Hindu objects (beef products, for example) are in questionable taste. One might suggest substituting the image of a Catholic saint for the Hindu deity. If it still seems offensive, it probably is so. Westerners don't have the same taboos about feet that many Easterners have, so the images of deities on shoes is arguable. Toilet seats, facial tissues and underwear just seems rude -- would you like a revered image to be used to wipe your nose or bottom? But I think some uses of Hindu imagery in secular context are okay. I have a Ganesha mouse-pad beside my computer, but I'm a Hindu myself in sentiments, and feel the computer is also a "lord of categories." And the upset over the cover of the Ganesha book? The statue of a nude Bala Ganesha illustrated was an authentic murthy in a Chola style. Hinduism did not originally have taboos against nudity. Tantrics are more accepting of sexual imagery than other, mainstream Hindus. What is the prurient interest in a naked, crawling baby? Devi Bhakta has begun selling Hindu images of T-shirts through Cafe Press. D.B., let us know if you get any flack from protesting "defenders" of Hinduism. -- Len/ Kalipadma > June 10th 2004 > > USA: Harrods to transcend Hindu underwear > > UK: BBC report on Harrods apology > > > June 9th 2004 > > UK: Harrods apologies and removes display > > June 8th 2004 > > UK: HHR letter to Mohammed Al- Fayed, director of > Harrods > > June 7th 2004 > > UK: Hindu Gods on Designer underwear; Hindu Human > Rights group protests! > > 2004 > > 'Om' Yoga Mats sold by companies...are we soon going > to see sacred Hindu symbols for door mats? > http://www.inspiregear.com/mats.asp > > Oct 29th 2003 > > Publisher withdraws offensive book on Lord Ganesha > > > > April 30th 2003 > > UNITED STATES, April 30, 2003: An American company > has apologized for introducing sandals emblazoned > with Ganesha images and has promised to withdraw > them from stores immediately. > > Read more in Hindu Press International > > > > March 8, 2003 > > UK "Crisps" Ads Stereotype Indians > > > > December 5, 2002 > > Trinidad's Hindus Protest Alcoholic Ad Featuring > Krishna > > > > April 16, 2002 > "Colonial Outlook" Alleged at BBC World Service > Investigation > > > Toilet Seats Sport Hindu Gods Rediff on Net, US > Edition > > > > > > Hindu Gods on Sandals > Hindus Object to Paramount's 'Tomb Raider' > Sequences India-West News > > > > Demonising Hinduism, Hollywood style Times News > Network > > > > Historian Held For Derogatory Remarks Against > Hindu Gods Indian Express > > > > Fiji Hindus Alarmed by McDonald's Fries India > Abroad Daily .com > > > > The Beckhams depicted as Lord Shiva, Goddess > Parvati and Lord Ganesh. Petition against the > depiction of David Beckham and family as Hindu God > Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. > > The Artists official response > > Hindu God on Beer Bottle > Stop insulting South Asia – Indian American sues > firm over Lord Ganesha's picture on beer bottle > http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/2783.asp > > > > > > > HHR News Release, 11 May 2005Successful protest > against Lord Shiva adverts > > > It has come to our attention that US-based company > Monarch Beverages is withdrawing its current > advertisements for an energy drink featuring a > distorted image of Lord Shiva from every market. > This follows a HHR campaign to highlight how many > Hindus have found this and other such abuses of our > religious symbols to be highly questionable. We > would like to thank all the Hindus who have helped > us with this issue and put pressure on the companies > concerned. We welcome the decision of Monarch > Beverages to put an end to these adverts but would > like other companies to follow suite and refrain > from using Hindu symbols to sell their products. > > > > Thank you. > > > > Hindu Human Rights > > Serving Hindus Worldwide > > > Now Lord Shiva selling drinks. Abuse of Hinduism > continues... (10th May 2005) > > > > > Letter to Monarch Beverages Company > > > > > HHR Press Release, 9 May 2005Protest against Hindu > Gods appearing on French Shoes > Despite our campaign last year against the use of > images of Hindu deities on underwear garments, it > has come to our attention that once again another > company here in the West is producing and marketing > similar products which are both degrading and > offensive to Hindus. Minelli, a France-based shoes > retailer, has chosen to use sacred images of Lord > Ram, venerated by millions of Hindus the world over, > to sell its designer shoes. This is in spite of our > well known campaign to highlight how such > trivialisation of Hinduism leads directly and > indirectly to the abuse of Hindus the world over. > Such ignorance leads us to believe that this same > organisation is probably both indifferent and > apathetic to the immense suffering of Hindus: the > ethnic cleansing they have suffered in Pakistan, > Kashmir and Bangladesh, and the discrimination they > suffer at the hands of Minelli’s very own fellow > Europeans. Indeed sometimes Western firms seem > totally devoid of all understanding when it comes to > the oldest > civilisation on the planet. > > For this reason we ask Minelli to respectfully > withdraw the offending products and issue an > immediate apology. > HHR also requests all Hindus to contact Minelli to > make their feelings known on this subject. > > According to their website, Minelli can be contacted > as the details below: > > Siège social Minelli > 155, rue du Dirigeable - Z.I. Les Paluds > 13685 AUBAGNE Cedex - FRANCE > > Tél. : (33) 4 42 84 33 50 > Fax : (33) 4 42 70 45 20 > Mail: info > > Hindu Human Rights, > Serving Hindus Worldwide > > ( Our Letter to Minelli ) > > > Times of India News Offends Hindus on > MahaShivaratri Festival > Times of India News insults Hindus by defacing the > holy image of Hindu God Shiva. Description as this " > He's comfortable with 'if you've got it, flaunt it'; > he can swim with the sharks, and still find place in > his heart for the littlest minnow. He wears the suit > of divinity lightly. Yes, Mahadev is a maha-dude. " > is highly offensive to Hindus. Calling Lord Shiva as > " He's hot, he is Indian Idol No 1" .. read more > here >> > > > Two 'Thongs' don't make a right ! > Despite our campaign last year against the use of > images of Hindu deities on underwear garments, it > has come to our attention that once again another > company here in the West is producing and marketing > similar products which are both degrading and > offensive to Hindus. 'CafePress.com' has chosen to > use sacred Om symbol and that of Lord Shiva, > venerated by millions of Hindus the world over, to > sell its sensuous garments. This is in spite of our > well known campaign to highlight how such > trivialisation of Hinduism leads directly and > indirectly to the abuse of Hindus the world over. > Such ignorance leads us to believe that this same > organisation is probably both indifferent and > apathetic to the immense suffering of Hindus: the > ethnic cleansing they have suffered in Pakistan, > Kashmir and Bangladesh, and the discrimination they > suffer at the hands of Cafe Press' very own fellow > Americans. Indeed sometimes Western firms seem > totally devoid of all understanding when it comes to > the oldest > civilisation on the planet. > > For this reason we ask Cafe Press to respectfully > withdraw the offending products and issue an > immediate apology. > > HHR also requests all Hindus to contact Cafe Press > to make their feelings known on this subject. > > CafePress.com > > 1515 Aurora Drive > > San Leandro, CA 94577 > > US > > Phone: 1- 510-877-1540 > > Fax: 1-510-877-1540 > > > > > CAMPAIGNStop the abuse against the Swastika and the > distortion of the term ‘Aryan’ : Please sign the > petition > http://www.petitiononline.com/sa108hhr/petition.html > > > > > Used by Nazi's > > > > > > Sacred Hindu Symbol for peace and prosperity > > > > > HHR Press Release 'The Goddess Kali Lunchbox & Lord > Rama on Tissues' > The Goddess Kali Lunchbox > > It is with great regret that Hindu Human Rights > (HHR) has to once again announce a Global Protest > against the defamation of Hinduism by profit -hungry > businesses. . A US based online company, > lunchboxes.com, apparently the largest online > retailer of lunch boxes, claims to have a > “fascination with Hindu culture” and brings “beauty > and mystery to your midday meal with the alluring > but deadly Kali Lunchbox”. In fact, customers can > also purchase a Krishna lunchbox, a Ganesh snack box > or a Shiva snack box.Pls see the following link: > > http://www.lunchboxes.com/easphil.html > > In case manufactures and designers have failed to > notice, Hindus are becoming increasingly aware of > the insults which arises from such trivializing > usage of their spiritual icons. Hindus have serious > concerns that lunch boxes with Hindu prints will be > used to store animal products and even beef – this > is deeply insulting and it is unknown for even > meat-eating Hindus to do this in the presence of an > image of a God. > > HHR has received numerous complaints from concerned > Hindus. We cannot help but point out that once again > profit hungry companies are ruthlessly exploiting > Hinduism’s natural openness to a multiplicity of > modes of worship to further their greed. On their > own, perhaps these various defamations of Hinduism > we have recently highlighted do not amount to much. > However, the picture changes when we look at the > collective effect and seen that prejudicial views of > Hindus and Hinduism are reinforced and played up to > turn our entire culture into a joke. HHR spoke to > the MR DJ Jayasekara managing director and designer > of Lunchbox .com who blatantly disregards the > concerns of the Hindu community and stated ‘there is > a market for these designs’ and he was going to > continue to supply that market regardless of the > offence he causes to Hindus world wide. > > Following are the contact details of the company > > > Hindu Lunch boxes: Lunchboxes.com, P.O. Box 48453, > Los Angeles, CA 90048 > > Web site: www.lunchboxes.com > > Telephone (USA): (323) 660-9279 > > Fax (USA): (323) 660-1787 > > e-mail: info > > Administrative Contact: > Burning Lotus Designs, Ltd. > DJ Jayasekara, 2750 Clearwater Street > Los Angeles, CA 90039 > US > Phone: 323-660-1691 > Fax.: 323-660-1787 > > > Email: djay > Lord Rama on Tissues (2004) > > Once again we find that one of the most cherished > avatars (Lord Rama) is still being flaunted on paper > tissues which as we write are being sold openly in > shops (such as various branches of Parchment and > other outlets in the UK ). Two years ago HHR had, > after making a protest, succeeded in having these > items removed form sale at prestigious locations > such as the Victoria and Albert Museum., London. > However it seems that these items continue to be > sold openly in UK and Europe. > > > After contacting the company Head office (Paper > Products) in USA We were told that they are not > responsible in the US for the manufacture and > distribution policy of its German company which > makes the Ram tissues . It would appear that the US > company are referring responsibility of this > particular production line to the German > counterpart. > > Please e-mail or phone paper products Germany to > register your protest. > > Tel number:0049 -2225/99350, E:mail: > k.vincotte manager > > And the Retailers in UK > > Parchment , Head office : 0208-655-7651 > > > Now Lord Shiva is a Bus Conductor in Belgium? > Hot on the heels of our campaign against Ismail > Merchant’s proposed film”Shakti” and the Roberto > Cavalli bikini controversy featuring the misuse of > Hindu Gods and Goddesses we now find .The depiction > of Lord Shiva (in the form of Nataraj) guiding > passengers to the front door of buses in Belgium and > also as an animated advertisement on the website of > the self same Belgian transport company called Shiva > (STIB/MVIB) in order to increase their revenues. > This shows that we cannot afford to slacken in our > campaign to combat the increasing defamation of > Hinduism and its symbols throughout the world > including India. > > This apparently innocuous trend of using Hindu > symbols as fashion/marketing accessories conceals a > far more insidious approach to our Hindu culture and > civilization > > the result of which is to undermine its integrity > and impact by trivializing it and by inference > trivializing the practitioners of Hinduism also. We > must act as one and in a determined fashion to stamp > out this practice and its effects. > > The Company Website > http://www.stib.irisnet.be/FR/33200F.htm > > So please e-mail the top brass of the company-: > > info, vandenbroeckl, > genbruggeam, carlea, > Daemw, flauscha, > info.chabert > > HHR Press Release > > > > > It has recently been brought to our attention that > garments , > produced by Roberto Cavalli and stocked by Harrods, > may have caused great offence to the Hindu > community. > > > We would like to assure you that this was never the > intention > of Roberto Cavalli spa . The fabric produced by > Roberto Cavalli > was designed to celebrate Hindu culture and not to > denigrate it > as implied by your recent correspondence. > Roberto Cavalli and his design team travel to India > regularly > and adores it\'s culture, history and people . India > is a great inspiration > to Roberto Cavalli. > > The fact that the fabric has then been used to > produce > garments which could be deemed to be inappropriate > was a > completely innocent idea on our behalf and something > we > very much regret. > > We have asked that the relevant garments be removed > from sale and I > understand that this is now taking place, we are > doing our best in order to > do it as soon as possible. > > We offer you our sincerest apologies. > > Yours faithfully, > > For Mr.Roberto Cavalli > Emanuela Barbieri > ","","",-1,-1,0,"","_self","","","","",0,12,3,"","",0,0,0,0,0,"#333333",0,"#0000\ 00",0,"","",3,3,0,0,"#8fceff","#8fceff","#ffffff","#ffffff","8pt > Arial","9pt > Arial"]);stm_ep();stm_ep();stm_em();//-->Roberto > Cavalli apologised! Harrods apologises and removes > display. > > > Dear Sir > > > > The Chairman has asked me to thank you for your e > mail dated 8 June 2004 and reply on his behalf. > > I was most concerned to learn that you should have > been given occasion to complain in connection with > the Robert Cavalli swimwear/underwear sold at > Harrods. > > Since receiving your email we have decided to remove > this range from sale. > > Please accept my apologies for any disappointment > you were caused and I hope we may be of service to > you in the future. > > With kind regards. > > > > Yours sincerely > > > > Harrods > > > > HHR wishes to thank all those Hindus who have > responded positively to our campaign and acted > promptly to make our feelings clear. Also, we would > like to thank Harrods and their chairman, Mr > Al-Fayed, for listening to our concerns and for > realising the seriousness of this issue. > > > > While we are pleased that underwear depicting Hindu > deities is no longer for sale and on display at > Harrods, we remind everyone that this range is still > available in many outlets all over the world and > over the Internet and that we have had no response > from Roberto Cavalli. We urge all Hindus to help us > continue highlighting the degrading of Hindus and > Hinduism in whichever form it exists. > > > > Thank you. > > > > > robertocavalli - London > showroommilano > > press > Milan > info > Florence > --Letter to Roberto Cavalli > > Letter to Harrods > > Second letter of protest to Roberto Cavalli > > Roberto Cavalli apologised? > > Harrods apologies and removes display > > Press Release > > Pictures of the underwear with Gods > > > > > > Please Sign the petition against the film 'THE > GODDESS'. > To the Merchant-Ivory Productions: > > It has come to our attention that your next film > project, “The Goddess” will be based upon the Hindu > goddess Kali/Shakti Maa... > > According to the media reports about the script of > the film ‘The Goddess”, you are turning Kali Maa > into a musical joke, “dancing and singing atop of a > tiger”. This will be very offensive to her millions > of worshippers and a billion Hindus worldwide. > Further, you are casting Tina Turner as the Goddess. > We have no quarrel with Ms Turner as such, as she is > talented but because of her reputation/image as a > “sex icon” in most people’s minds, it is improper to > cast her as Kali. We strongly object to the making > of this film because of its feared offensive > portrayal of a Hindu deity and we kindly request you > to shelve this project.. > > click here to sign the petition. > > > Nude picture of Lord Ganesha insults Hindus > > > > Houston: A nude picture of Lord Ganesha on the cover > of a new book and the contents have evoked protests > from Hindus across the United States. > > The nude portrayal of Lord Ganesha on the book > "Ganesa, Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings" by > Emory University Professor Paul Courtright has > earned the wrath of Hindu scholars here who say > several passages quoted in the book "are seemingly > insensitive to Hindu belief or faith." > > A petition is also being circulated and signed > online to protest against the book and demands that > publishers withdraw it from circulation. A release > issued by the scholars claimed that so far about > 5000 people have signed the petition expressing > their displeasure. > > According to the release, the book "is not only > ridiculing and insulting Hinduism but has utterly > disgusting and distasteful material which is > mind-boggling and throws a direct challenge to our > traditional beliefs and practices." PTI > > courtesy: http://www.sify.com > > Lord Ganesha on Slippers > > > The most loved God by Hindus is now printed on > slippers. Yet another insult to 1 billion Hindu > sentiments and the Great Hindu religion. > > American Eagle Outfitters, a clothing retail chain > in North America had taken the turn to insult Hindus > by marketing slippers with Lord Ganesha on its > soles. > > There has been a Hindu outcry, but not appology has > yet been given to any Hindu organisations. > > We request you to take some positive and peaceful > action. > > You can call or write to: > > 1-888-232-4535 – AE Customer Service (24 hours a > day) > > American Eagle Outfitters 150 Thorn Hill Drive > Warrendale, PA 15086 > > website www.ae.com > > NASDAQ Symbol: AEOS > Beloved Lord Rama on tissues (2002-2003) > > > Hindus in UK are disgusted and angered to find their > favourite God Rama found printed on Sniff Tissues. > Another mockery made out of Hindus and Hindu Dharma! > > > The Tissues are produced by a German company called > Paper Products Design, and were sold at the Victoria > & Albert Museum in London. > > After complaints from Hindu Human Rights and > concerned British Hindu citizens, the V&A museum has > stopped the sale of these tissues. > > Although a public appology to Hindus has been denied > as " not many Sniff Tissues were sold", the > management at the museum has confirmed that "selling > of the tissue with a God on it was indeed a big > mistake ". These comments do not really satisfy one > million Hindus in UK (and 1 billion worldwide). > > Please express your concerns and complaints to : > Sniff Tissues V&A Museum > Paper Products Design GmbH > > Am Hambuch 4 > > D-53340 > > Meckenheim > > Germany > > Tel: 3902225993511 > > V&A Enterprise > > 160 Brompton Road, SW7 > > UK > > web: www.vandashop.co.uk email: > t.edgley > Potrayal of Hindu Gurus in the film " The Guru" > > The Guru? This is what the film is portrays? A > blatant disrespect to the ancient seers of India. > The real Hindu Gurus of the oldest living > civilisation labelled as sexually perverted > con-artists. This is not only an insult to the > founders of civilisation , but also to Hinduism, the > peaceful, sacred and beautiful. > > "Handy Hindus" , Hindu Gods as finger puppets > > > "Handy Hindus" Gods as finger puppets. This product > was recently spotted at the Paper Chase department > in Borders bookshop, Oxford St, London. This is > another insult to Hinduism and its followers, the > Hindus. Hindu gods as finger puppets is indeed > making a mockery of Hindu beliefs and sentiments. > > Robert Wardern, the marketing manager for Paper > Chase clearly rejected that it hurts any Hindu > belief or sentiments. A public appology and removal > of the sale of these items were also rejected as the > " Handy Hindus were sold in thousands " Robert > Wardern comments. > > Hindu Focus is concerned at dissapointed at the > businesses who make a quick buck out of Hindu > imagery and symbols, whilst clearly ignoring the > sentiments of 1 million Hindus in UK and 1 Billion > Hindus worldwide and the sacredness of the worlds > oldest religion. > > The adddress to write to is : > > PAPER CHASE > > Robert Warden, > > 12 Alfred Place, > > London WC1E 7EB > > Accoutrements > > PO BOX 30811 > > Seattle WA 98103 > > www.accoutrements.com > > These 'toys' are also sold at the following sites. > > ship-of-fools.com/Gadgets/Toys/097.html > > Link to products with Hindu Gods. > www.mcphee.com/enlightenment/hindu.html > Sacred Hindu symbolism on footwear > London footwear company 'Lacey' finally apologises > for printing the sacred symbol 'OM' on slippers. All > sales are apparently withdrawn. Every week, Hindus > see the defamation of Hinduism. Ancient and sacred > symbols are abused by businesses to gain a quick > buck in the name of 'the beauty of Hindu culture'. > Mockery is made is made out of worlds oldest living > civilisation. We request you to voice your concerns > with your local media, MPs and community. In the > wave of defamation of Hindu symbolism and > sentiments, lets also not forget the innocent Hindus > who are being butchered and tortured in Bangladesh, > India (Jammu & Kashmir, North East), Nepal and > Pakistan. > > > > > > We support American Hindus Against Defamation AHAD > > The Hindu Human Rights group thanks you for your > support! > > email: hinduhumanrights > > 2002-2003 Hindu Human Rights All rights > reserved. > Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. http://music./unlimited/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2005 Report Share Posted October 20, 2005 Len, i understand what you are saying too. BUT, as a world religion, in principle, Hinduism should be treated with the same awe and reverance as the ABRAHAMIC religion. People don't ever dare offend the sentiments of MOHAMMEDANS, JEWS or CHRISTIANS for fear of some great, reprisal, hue and cry. So, in principle they need to have the same respect, no matter how benign, trivial or meaningless it may seem. Even if we know it ourselves as meaningless, we still need to enforce it out of principle. Again, I UNDERSTAND your viewpoint, as no one likes thought police. But, again, regardless of how trivial, we need to always make them desist from those types of action just out of principle. JANARDANA DAS Len Rosenberg <kalipadma108 wrote: The attached post was sent to me from another list. I have mixed feelings about the protests against the "inappropriate" uses of Hindu images in advertisements and secular products. Certainly, Hindu images portrayed on very non-Hindu objects (beef products, for example) are in questionable taste. One might suggest substituting the image of a Catholic saint for the Hindu deity. If it still seems offensive, it probably is so. Westerners don't have the same taboos about feet that many Easterners have, so the images of deities on shoes is arguable. Toilet seats, facial tissues and underwear just seems rude -- would you like a revered image to be used to wipe your nose or bottom? But I think some uses of Hindu imagery in secular context are okay. I have a Ganesha mouse-pad beside my computer, but I'm a Hindu myself in sentiments, and feel the computer is also a "lord of categories." And the upset over the cover of the Ganesha book? The statue of a nude Bala Ganesha illustrated was an authentic murthy in a Chola style. Hinduism did not originally have taboos against nudity. Tantrics are more accepting of sexual imagery than other, mainstream Hindus. What is the prurient interest in a naked, crawling baby? Devi Bhakta has begun selling Hindu images of T-shirts through Cafe Press. D.B., let us know if you get any flack from protesting "defenders" of Hinduism. -- Len/ Kalipadma > June 10th 2004 > > USA: Harrods to transcend Hindu underwear > > UK: BBC report on Harrods apology > > > June 9th 2004 > > UK: Harrods apologies and removes display > > June 8th 2004 > > UK: HHR letter to Mohammed Al- Fayed, director of > Harrods > > June 7th 2004 > > UK: Hindu Gods on Designer underwear; Hindu Human > Rights group protests! > > 2004 > > 'Om' Yoga Mats sold by companies...are we soon going > to see sacred Hindu symbols for door mats? > http://www.inspiregear.com/mats.asp > > Oct 29th 2003 > > Publisher withdraws offensive book on Lord Ganesha > > > > April 30th 2003 > > UNITED STATES, April 30, 2003: An American company > has apologized for introducing sandals emblazoned > with Ganesha images and has promised to withdraw > them from stores immediately. > > Read more in Hindu Press International > > > > March 8, 2003 > > UK "Crisps" Ads Stereotype Indians > > > > December 5, 2002 > > Trinidad's Hindus Protest Alcoholic Ad Featuring > Krishna > > > > April 16, 2002 > "Colonial Outlook" Alleged at BBC World Service > Investigation > > > Toilet Seats Sport Hindu Gods Rediff on Net, US > Edition > > > > > > Hindu Gods on Sandals > Hindus Object to Paramount's 'Tomb Raider' > Sequences India-West News > > > > Demonising Hinduism, Hollywood style Times News > Network > > > > Historian Held For Derogatory Remarks Against > Hindu Gods Indian Express > > > > Fiji Hindus Alarmed by McDonald's Fries India > Abroad Daily .com > > > > The Beckhams depicted as Lord Shiva, Goddess > Parvati and Lord Ganesh. Petition against the > depiction of David Beckham and family as Hindu God > Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. > > The Artists official response > > Hindu God on Beer Bottle > Stop insulting South Asia – Indian American sues > firm over Lord Ganesha's picture on beer bottle > http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/2783.asp > > > > > > > HHR News Release, 11 May 2005Successful protest > against Lord Shiva adverts > > > It has come to our attention that US-based company > Monarch Beverages is withdrawing its current > advertisements for an energy drink featuring a > distorted image of Lord Shiva from every market. > This follows a HHR campaign to highlight how many > Hindus have found this and other such abuses of our > religious symbols to be highly questionable. We > would like to thank all the Hindus who have helped > us with this issue and put pressure on the companies > concerned. We welcome the decision of Monarch > Beverages to put an end to these adverts but would > like other companies to follow suite and refrain > from using Hindu symbols to sell their products. > > > > Thank you. > > > > Hindu Human Rights > > Serving Hindus Worldwide > > > Now Lord Shiva selling drinks. Abuse of Hinduism > continues... (10th May 2005) > > > > > Letter to Monarch Beverages Company > > > > > HHR Press Release, 9 May 2005Protest against Hindu > Gods appearing on French Shoes > Despite our campaign last year against the use of > images of Hindu deities on underwear garments, it > has come to our attention that once again another > company here in the West is producing and marketing > similar products which are both degrading and > offensive to Hindus. Minelli, a France-based shoes > retailer, has chosen to use sacred images of Lord > Ram, venerated by millions of Hindus the world over, > to sell its designer shoes. This is in spite of our > well known campaign to highlight how such > trivialisation of Hinduism leads directly and > indirectly to the abuse of Hindus the world over. > Such ignorance leads us to believe that this same > organisation is probably both indifferent and > apathetic to the immense suffering of Hindus: the > ethnic cleansing they have suffered in Pakistan, > Kashmir and Bangladesh, and the discrimination they > suffer at the hands of Minelli’s very own fellow > Europeans. Indeed sometimes Western firms seem > totally devoid of all understanding when it comes to > the oldest > civilisation on the planet. > > For this reason we ask Minelli to respectfully > withdraw the offending products and issue an > immediate apology. > HHR also requests all Hindus to contact Minelli to > make their feelings known on this subject. > > According to their website, Minelli can be contacted > as the details below: > > Siège social Minelli > 155, rue du Dirigeable - Z.I. Les Paluds > 13685 AUBAGNE Cedex - FRANCE > > Tél. : (33) 4 42 84 33 50 > Fax : (33) 4 42 70 45 20 > Mail: info > > Hindu Human Rights, > Serving Hindus Worldwide > > ( Our Letter to Minelli ) > > > Times of India News Offends Hindus on > MahaShivaratri Festival > Times of India News insults Hindus by defacing the > holy image of Hindu God Shiva. Description as this " > He's comfortable with 'if you've got it, flaunt it'; > he can swim with the sharks, and still find place in > his heart for the littlest minnow. He wears the suit > of divinity lightly. Yes, Mahadev is a maha-dude. " > is highly offensive to Hindus. Calling Lord Shiva as > " He's hot, he is Indian Idol No 1" .. read more > here >> > > > Two 'Thongs' don't make a right ! > Despite our campaign last year against the use of > images of Hindu deities on underwear garments, it > has come to our attention that once again another > company here in the West is producing and marketing > similar products which are both degrading and > offensive to Hindus. 'CafePress.com' has chosen to > use sacred Om symbol and that of Lord Shiva, > venerated by millions of Hindus the world over, to > sell its sensuous garments. This is in spite of our > well known campaign to highlight how such > trivialisation of Hinduism leads directly and > indirectly to the abuse of Hindus the world over. > Such ignorance leads us to believe that this same > organisation is probably both indifferent and > apathetic to the immense suffering of Hindus: the > ethnic cleansing they have suffered in Pakistan, > Kashmir and Bangladesh, and the discrimination they > suffer at the hands of Cafe Press' very own fellow > Americans. Indeed sometimes Western firms seem > totally devoid of all understanding when it comes to > the oldest > civilisation on the planet. > > For this reason we ask Cafe Press to respectfully > withdraw the offending products and issue an > immediate apology. > > HHR also requests all Hindus to contact Cafe Press > to make their feelings known on this subject. > > CafePress.com > > 1515 Aurora Drive > > San Leandro, CA 94577 > > US > > Phone: 1- 510-877-1540 > > Fax: 1-510-877-1540 > > > > > CAMPAIGNStop the abuse against the Swastika and the > distortion of the term ‘Aryan’ : Please sign the > petition > http://www.petitiononline.com/sa108hhr/petition.html > > > > > Used by Nazi's > > > > > > Sacred Hindu Symbol for peace and prosperity > > > > > HHR Press Release 'The Goddess Kali Lunchbox & Lord > Rama on Tissues' > The Goddess Kali Lunchbox > > It is with great regret that Hindu Human Rights > (HHR) has to once again announce a Global Protest > against the defamation of Hinduism by profit -hungry > businesses. . A US based online company, > lunchboxes.com, apparently the largest online > retailer of lunch boxes, claims to have a > “fascination with Hindu culture” and brings “beauty > and mystery to your midday meal with the alluring > but deadly Kali Lunchbox”. In fact, customers can > also purchase a Krishna lunchbox, a Ganesh snack box > or a Shiva snack box.Pls see the following link: > > http://www.lunchboxes.com/easphil.html > > In case manufactures and designers have failed to > notice, Hindus are becoming increasingly aware of > the insults which arises from such trivializing > usage of their spiritual icons. Hindus have serious > concerns that lunch boxes with Hindu prints will be > used to store animal products and even beef – this > is deeply insulting and it is unknown for even > meat-eating Hindus to do this in the presence of an > image of a God. > > HHR has received numerous complaints from concerned > Hindus. We cannot help but point out that once again > profit hungry companies are ruthlessly exploiting > Hinduism’s natural openness to a multiplicity of > modes of worship to further their greed. On their > own, perhaps these various defamations of Hinduism > we have recently highlighted do not amount to much. > However, the picture changes when we look at the > collective effect and seen that prejudicial views of > Hindus and Hinduism are reinforced and played up to > turn our entire culture into a joke. HHR spoke to > the MR DJ Jayasekara managing director and designer > of Lunchbox .com who blatantly disregards the > concerns of the Hindu community and stated ‘there is > a market for these designs’ and he was going to > continue to supply that market regardless of the > offence he causes to Hindus world wide. > > Following are the contact details of the company > > > Hindu Lunch boxes: Lunchboxes.com, P.O. Box 48453, > Los Angeles, CA 90048 > > Web site: www.lunchboxes.com > > Telephone (USA): (323) 660-9279 > > Fax (USA): (323) 660-1787 > > e-mail: info > > Administrative Contact: > Burning Lotus Designs, Ltd. > DJ Jayasekara, 2750 Clearwater Street > Los Angeles, CA 90039 > US > Phone: 323-660-1691 > Fax.: 323-660-1787 > > > Email: djay > Lord Rama on Tissues (2004) > > Once again we find that one of the most cherished > avatars (Lord Rama) is still being flaunted on paper > tissues which as we write are being sold openly in > shops (such as various branches of Parchment and > other outlets in the UK ). Two years ago HHR had, > after making a protest, succeeded in having these > items removed form sale at prestigious locations > such as the Victoria and Albert Museum., London. > However it seems that these items continue to be > sold openly in UK and Europe. > > > After contacting the company Head office (Paper > Products) in USA We were told that they are not > responsible in the US for the manufacture and > distribution policy of its German company which > makes the Ram tissues . It would appear that the US > company are referring responsibility of this > particular production line to the German > counterpart. > > Please e-mail or phone paper products Germany to > register your protest. > > Tel number:0049 -2225/99350, E:mail: > k.vincotte manager > > And the Retailers in UK > > Parchment , Head office : 0208-655-7651 > > > Now Lord Shiva is a Bus Conductor in Belgium? > Hot on the heels of our campaign against Ismail > Merchant’s proposed film”Shakti” and the Roberto > Cavalli bikini controversy featuring the misuse of > Hindu Gods and Goddesses we now find .The depiction > of Lord Shiva (in the form of Nataraj) guiding > passengers to the front door of buses in Belgium and > also as an animated advertisement on the website of > the self same Belgian transport company called Shiva > (STIB/MVIB) in order to increase their revenues. > This shows that we cannot afford to slacken in our > campaign to combat the increasing defamation of > Hinduism and its symbols throughout the world > including India. > > This apparently innocuous trend of using Hindu > symbols as fashion/marketing accessories conceals a > far more insidious approach to our Hindu culture and > civilization > > the result of which is to undermine its integrity > and impact by trivializing it and by inference > trivializing the practitioners of Hinduism also. We > must act as one and in a determined fashion to stamp > out this practice and its effects. > > The Company Website > http://www.stib.irisnet.be/FR/33200F.htm > > So please e-mail the top brass of the company-: > > info, vandenbroeckl, > genbruggeam, carlea, > Daemw, flauscha, > info.chabert > > HHR Press Release > > > > > It has recently been brought to our attention that > garments , > produced by Roberto Cavalli and stocked by Harrods, > may have caused great offence to the Hindu > community. > > > We would like to assure you that this was never the > intention > of Roberto Cavalli spa . The fabric produced by > Roberto Cavalli > was designed to celebrate Hindu culture and not to > denigrate it > as implied by your recent correspondence. > Roberto Cavalli and his design team travel to India > regularly > and adores it\'s culture, history and people . India > is a great inspiration > to Roberto Cavalli. > > The fact that the fabric has then been used to > produce > garments which could be deemed to be inappropriate > was a > completely innocent idea on our behalf and something > we > very much regret. > > We have asked that the relevant garments be removed > from sale and I > understand that this is now taking place, we are > doing our best in order to > do it as soon as possible. > > We offer you our sincerest apologies. > > Yours faithfully, > > For Mr.Roberto Cavalli > Emanuela Barbieri > ","","",-1,-1,0,"","_self","","","","",0,12,3,"","",0,0,0,0,0,"#333333",0,"#0000\ 00",0,"","",3,3,0,0,"#8fceff","#8fceff","#ffffff","#ffffff","8pt > Arial","9pt > Arial"]);stm_ep();stm_ep();stm_em();//-->Roberto > Cavalli apologised! Harrods apologises and removes > display. > > > Dear Sir > > > > The Chairman has asked me to thank you for your e > mail dated 8 June 2004 and reply on his behalf. > > I was most concerned to learn that you should have > been given occasion to complain in connection with > the Robert Cavalli swimwear/underwear sold at > Harrods. > > Since receiving your email we have decided to remove > this range from sale. > > Please accept my apologies for any disappointment > you were caused and I hope we may be of service to > you in the future. > > With kind regards. > > > > Yours sincerely > > > > Harrods > > > > HHR wishes to thank all those Hindus who have > responded positively to our campaign and acted > promptly to make our feelings clear. Also, we would > like to thank Harrods and their chairman, Mr > Al-Fayed, for listening to our concerns and for > realising the seriousness of this issue. > > > > While we are pleased that underwear depicting Hindu > deities is no longer for sale and on display at > Harrods, we remind everyone that this range is still > available in many outlets all over the world and > over the Internet and that we have had no response > from Roberto Cavalli. We urge all Hindus to help us > continue highlighting the degrading of Hindus and > Hinduism in whichever form it exists. > > > > Thank you. > > > > > robertocavalli - London > showroommilano > > press > Milan > info > Florence > --Letter to Roberto Cavalli > > Letter to Harrods > > Second letter of protest to Roberto Cavalli > > Roberto Cavalli apologised? > > Harrods apologies and removes display > > Press Release > > Pictures of the underwear with Gods > > > > > > Please Sign the petition against the film 'THE > GODDESS'. > To the Merchant-Ivory Productions: > > It has come to our attention that your next film > project, “The Goddess” will be based upon the Hindu > goddess Kali/Shakti Maa... > > According to the media reports about the script of > the film ‘The Goddess”, you are turning Kali Maa > into a musical joke, “dancing and singing atop of a > tiger”. This will be very offensive to her millions > of worshippers and a billion Hindus worldwide. > Further, you are casting Tina Turner as the Goddess. > We have no quarrel with Ms Turner as such, as she is > talented but because of her reputation/image as a > “sex icon” in most people’s minds, it is improper to > cast her as Kali. We strongly object to the making > of this film because of its feared offensive > portrayal of a Hindu deity and we kindly request you > to shelve this project.. > > click here to sign the petition. > > > Nude picture of Lord Ganesha insults Hindus > > > > Houston: A nude picture of Lord Ganesha on the cover > of a new book and the contents have evoked protests > from Hindus across the United States. > > The nude portrayal of Lord Ganesha on the book > "Ganesa, Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings" by > Emory University Professor Paul Courtright has > earned the wrath of Hindu scholars here who say > several passages quoted in the book "are seemingly > insensitive to Hindu belief or faith." > > A petition is also being circulated and signed > online to protest against the book and demands that > publishers withdraw it from circulation. A release > issued by the scholars claimed that so far about > 5000 people have signed the petition expressing > their displeasure. > > According to the release, the book "is not only > ridiculing and insulting Hinduism but has utterly > disgusting and distasteful material which is > mind-boggling and throws a direct challenge to our > traditional beliefs and practices." PTI > > courtesy: http://www.sify.com > > Lord Ganesha on Slippers > > > The most loved God by Hindus is now printed on > slippers. Yet another insult to 1 billion Hindu > sentiments and the Great Hindu religion. > > American Eagle Outfitters, a clothing retail chain > in North America had taken the turn to insult Hindus > by marketing slippers with Lord Ganesha on its > soles. > > There has been a Hindu outcry, but not appology has > yet been given to any Hindu organisations. > > We request you to take some positive and peaceful > action. > > You can call or write to: > > 1-888-232-4535 – AE Customer Service (24 hours a > day) > > American Eagle Outfitters 150 Thorn Hill Drive > Warrendale, PA 15086 > > website www.ae.com > > NASDAQ Symbol: AEOS > Beloved Lord Rama on tissues (2002-2003) > > > Hindus in UK are disgusted and angered to find their > favourite God Rama found printed on Sniff Tissues. > Another mockery made out of Hindus and Hindu Dharma! > > > The Tissues are produced by a German company called > Paper Products Design, and were sold at the Victoria > & Albert Museum in London. > > After complaints from Hindu Human Rights and > concerned British Hindu citizens, the V&A museum has > stopped the sale of these tissues. > > Although a public appology to Hindus has been denied > as " not many Sniff Tissues were sold", the > management at the museum has confirmed that "selling > of the tissue with a God on it was indeed a big > mistake ". These comments do not really satisfy one > million Hindus in UK (and 1 billion worldwide). > > Please express your concerns and complaints to : > Sniff Tissues V&A Museum > Paper Products Design GmbH > > Am Hambuch 4 > > D-53340 > > Meckenheim > > Germany > > Tel: 3902225993511 > > V&A Enterprise > > 160 Brompton Road, SW7 > > UK > > web: www.vandashop.co.uk email: > t.edgley > Potrayal of Hindu Gurus in the film " The Guru" > > The Guru? This is what the film is portrays? A > blatant disrespect to the ancient seers of India. > The real Hindu Gurus of the oldest living > civilisation labelled as sexually perverted > con-artists. This is not only an insult to the > founders of civilisation , but also to Hinduism, the > peaceful, sacred and beautiful. > > "Handy Hindus" , Hindu Gods as finger puppets > > > "Handy Hindus" Gods as finger puppets. This product > was recently spotted at the Paper Chase department > in Borders bookshop, Oxford St, London. This is > another insult to Hinduism and its followers, the > Hindus. Hindu gods as finger puppets is indeed > making a mockery of Hindu beliefs and sentiments. > > Robert Wardern, the marketing manager for Paper > Chase clearly rejected that it hurts any Hindu > belief or sentiments. A public appology and removal > of the sale of these items were also rejected as the > " Handy Hindus were sold in thousands " Robert > Wardern comments. > > Hindu Focus is concerned at dissapointed at the > businesses who make a quick buck out of Hindu > imagery and symbols, whilst clearly ignoring the > sentiments of 1 million Hindus in UK and 1 Billion > Hindus worldwide and the sacredness of the worlds > oldest religion. > > The adddress to write to is : > > PAPER CHASE > > Robert Warden, > > 12 Alfred Place, > > London WC1E 7EB > > Accoutrements > > PO BOX 30811 > > Seattle WA 98103 > > www.accoutrements.com > > These 'toys' are also sold at the following sites. > > ship-of-fools.com/Gadgets/Toys/097.html > > Link to products with Hindu Gods. > www.mcphee.com/enlightenment/hindu.html > Sacred Hindu symbolism on footwear > London footwear company 'Lacey' finally apologises > for printing the sacred symbol 'OM' on slippers. All > sales are apparently withdrawn. Every week, Hindus > see the defamation of Hinduism. Ancient and sacred > symbols are abused by businesses to gain a quick > buck in the name of 'the beauty of Hindu culture'. > Mockery is made is made out of worlds oldest living > civilisation. We request you to voice your concerns > with your local media, MPs and community. In the > wave of defamation of Hindu symbolism and > sentiments, lets also not forget the innocent Hindus > who are being butchered and tortured in Bangladesh, > India (Jammu & Kashmir, North East), Nepal and > Pakistan. > > > > > > We support American Hindus Against Defamation AHAD > > The Hindu Human Rights group thanks you for your > support! > > email: hinduhumanrights > > 2002-2003 Hindu Human Rights All rights > reserved. > Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. http://music./unlimited/ Traditions Divine Visit your group "" on the web. Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. 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Guest guest Posted October 20, 2005 Report Share Posted October 20, 2005 Will the same Englishman put the image of JESUS CHRIST or THE SYMBOL OF CRESENT MOON IN GREEN on their chappals and underwears? Will MARY be an underwear design? If so then let them put the images of hindu deities. but they will not because Muslims will cut the throat of all those who do it and as a christian, they shall not do it against their own messiah. Here lies the difference. Why only blame the englishman? Yesterday we read the news that Sankaracharya was not allowed to carry his holy staff with him and was asked to keephjis staff in cargo while travelling by Indian Airlines. finally he cancelled his trip. The airport officials cunningly apologised and did not refund the airfare also. Wont they allow a christian father to go with a cross which shall also be used as a sharp instrument? We have differences in our own country and why blame the other nations. they shall continue to stamp hindus to the bottom unless each hindu realises and raises his voice. Janardana Dasa <lightdweller wrote: Len, i understand what you are saying too. BUT, as a world religion, in principle, Hinduism should be treated with the same awe and reverance as the ABRAHAMIC religion. People don't ever dare offend the sentiments of MOHAMMEDANS, JEWS or CHRISTIANS for fear of some great, reprisal, hue and cry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2005 Report Share Posted October 20, 2005 --- "SR.Raj kumar" <srirajarajeswari9 wrote: > Will the same Englishman put the image of JESUS > CHRIST or THE SYMBOL OF CRESENT MOON IN GREEN on > their chappals and underwears? Will MARY be an > underwear design? If so then let them put the images > of hindu deities. I thought I said that! (The misunderstandings are not always from the West towards the East, however. I saw an ad many years ago from Japan, for a perfume, I think, showing a pretty Catholic nun, and claiming "our scent holds all the erotic passion and enchantment of a lovely Christian renunciate!") <snip> > Yesterday we read the news that > Sankaracharya was not allowed to carry his holy > staff with him and was asked to keep his staff in > cargo while travelling by Indian Airlines. Obviously this isn't the saint from Medieval India. Which Sankaracharya is this? Question: isn't Indian Airlines staffed by, er, Indians? This isn't discrimination agaisnt Hindus, it's the usual, universal paranoia about terrorists. finally > he cancelled his trip. The airport officials > cunningly apologised and did not refund the airfare > also. Wont they allow a christian father to go with > a cross which shall also be used as a sharp > instrument? "I'm hijacking this plane. Don't anger me, now! I'm armed with a crucifix!" (About as ridiculous as a "terrorist" attack with a guru's danda!) -- Len FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 Dear Len, One should respect other religions also. I do not fancy christian priests being offended. I was just talking of the series of humiliation which has been wrought on Hindus only and less on other religions. If the same happens to muslims, they immediately revolt by destroying and killing. and christians are partial to their own religion and desist from doing so. Anyways it is meant not to hurt the sentiments of other religions. Len Rosenberg <kalipadma108 wrote: --- "SR.Raj kumar" <srirajarajeswari9 wrote: > Will the same Englishman put the image of JESUS > CHRIST or THE SYMBOL OF CRESENT MOON IN GREEN on > their chappals and underwears? Will MARY be an > underwear design? If so then let them put the images > of hindu deities. I thought I said that! (The misunderstandings are not always from the West towards the East, however. I saw an ad many years ago from Japan, for a perfume, I think, showing a pretty Catholic nun, and claiming "our scent holds all the erotic passion and enchantment of a lovely Christian renunciate!") <snip> > Yesterday we read the news that > Sankaracharya was not allowed to carry his holy > staff with him and was asked to keep his staff in > cargo while travelling by Indian Airlines. Obviously this isn't the saint from Medieval India. Which Sankaracharya is this? Question: isn't Indian Airlines staffed by, er, Indians? This isn't discrimination agaisnt Hindus, it's the usual, universal paranoia about terrorists. finally > he cancelled his trip. The airport officials > cunningly apologised and did not refund the airfare > also. Wont they allow a christian father to go with > a cross which shall also be used as a sharp > instrument? "I'm hijacking this plane. Don't anger me, now! I'm armed with a crucifix!" (About as ridiculous as a "terrorist" attack with a guru's danda!) -- Len FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase. Traditions Divine Visit your group "" on the web. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2005 Report Share Posted October 21, 2005 I totally agree with respect for other religions, although it can be trying for the best of us. Although their is so much hypocrisy by SOME of those of the aforementioned religions, WE are totally duty bound by the HOLY VEDAS to rise above their actions. Although they may cry foul because someone doesn't respect their religion by burning DEAD TERRORISTS in a war, although they may DESTROY TEMPLES & BREAK IDOLS everyday in Bangladesh & Pakistan, although they may have NO RESPECT for us in Saudi Arabia (not even allowing one to wear an OM sign), although they may BOMB BUDDHAS and IGNORE REPEATED PLEAS by the whole world, although they may try by all means to CONVERT our less educated, although they may be upsetting the whole socio-economic structure of villages by conversions and tactics, although 10 out of 10 wars in the world pertaining to religious conflicts might be related to them, & although most terrorists attacks in the world might be caused by them, we are still duty bound to love and respect them by understanding that there are both good and bad of them. my 2 cents. JANARDANA DASA "SR.Raj kumar" <srirajarajeswari9 wrote: Dear Len, One should respect other religions also. I do not fancy christian priests being offended. I was just talking of the series of humiliation which has been wrought on Hindus only and less on other religions. If the same happens to muslims, they immediately revolt by destroying and killing. and christians are partial to their own religion and desist from doing so. Anyways it is meant not to hurt the sentiments of other religions. Len Rosenberg <kalipadma108 wrote: --- "SR.Raj kumar" <srirajarajeswari9 wrote: > Will the same Englishman put the image of JESUS > CHRIST or THE SYMBOL OF CRESENT MOON IN GREEN on > their chappals and underwears? Will MARY be an > underwear design? If so then let them put the images > of hindu deities. I thought I said that! (The misunderstandings are not always from the West towards the East, however. I saw an ad many years ago from Japan, for a perfume, I think, showing a pretty Catholic nun, and claiming "our scent holds all the erotic passion and enchantment of a lovely Christian renunciate!") <snip> > Yesterday we read the news that > Sankaracharya was not allowed to carry his holy > staff with him and was asked to keep his staff in > cargo while travelling by Indian Airlines. Obviously this isn't the saint from Medieval India. Which Sankaracharya is this? Question: isn't Indian Airlines staffed by, er, Indians? This isn't discrimination agaisnt Hindus, it's the usual, universal paranoia about terrorists. finally > he cancelled his trip. The airport officials > cunningly apologised and did not refund the airfare > also. Wont they allow a christian father to go with > a cross which shall also be used as a sharp > instrument? "I'm hijacking this plane. Don't anger me, now! I'm armed with a crucifix!" (About as ridiculous as a "terrorist" attack with a guru's danda!) -- Len FareChase: Search multiple travel sites in one click. http://farechase. Traditions Divine Visit your group "" on the web. Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger. Traditions Divine Visit your group "" on the web. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 Dear Janardana, Are you Hindu? Where are you from, and what is your background? I hope you don't mind my asking. I don't recall if we exchanged such information before. I'm from Cleveland, Ohio, and was raised Catholic. I have noticed that your views cause me to want to respond irreverently, and I truly would never intend genuine offense. I wanted to reply to your post below with the following. I think irreverence can be a virtue, and one much-needed in our world. Being irreverent does not mean not recognizing or appreciating what is genuine, divine, joyous, loving, powerful, etc. It means not making too much of the raft, to paraphrase Thich Nhat Hanh, whether the raft is Mohammedan, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, or Athiest. I think you posted before in reply to me that you had heard of Matthew Fox's work. What do you think of it? Have you read anything by him? Mary Ann , Janardana Dasa <lightdweller> wrote: > > Len, > > i understand what you are saying too. BUT, as a world religion, in principle, Hinduism should be treated with the same awe and reverance as the ABRAHAMIC religion. People don't ever dare offend the sentiments of MOHAMMEDANS, JEWS or CHRISTIANS for fear of some great, reprisal, hue and cry. > > So, in principle they need to have the same respect, no matter how benign, trivial or meaningless it may seem. Even if we know it ourselves as meaningless, we still need to enforce it out of principle. Again, I UNDERSTAND your viewpoint, as no one likes thought police. But, again, regardless of how trivial, we need to always make them desist from those types of action just out of principle. > > JANARDANA DAS > > > Len Rosenberg <kalipadma108> wrote: > > The attached post was sent to me from another list. I > have mixed feelings about the protests against the > "inappropriate" uses of Hindu images in advertisements > and secular products. Certainly, Hindu images > portrayed on very non-Hindu objects (beef products, > for example) are in questionable taste. One might > suggest substituting the image of a Catholic saint for > the Hindu deity. If it still seems offensive, it > probably is so. Westerners don't have the same taboos > about feet that many Easterners have, so the images of > deities on shoes is arguable. Toilet seats, facial > tissues and underwear just seems rude -- would you > like a revered image to be used to wipe your nose or > bottom? > > But I think some uses of Hindu imagery in secular > context are okay. I have a Ganesha mouse-pad beside > my computer, but I'm a Hindu myself in sentiments, and > feel the computer is also a "lord of categories." And > the upset over the cover of the Ganesha book? The > statue of a nude Bala Ganesha illustrated was an > authentic murthy in a Chola style. Hinduism did not > originally have taboos against nudity. Tantrics are > more accepting of sexual imagery than other, > mainstream Hindus. What is the prurient interest in a > naked, crawling baby? > > Devi Bhakta has begun selling Hindu images of T-shirts > through Cafe Press. D.B., let us know if you get any > flack from protesting "defenders" of Hinduism. > > -- Len/ Kalipadma > > > > > June 10th 2004 > > > > USA: Harrods to transcend Hindu underwear > > > > UK: BBC report on Harrods apology > > > > > > June 9th 2004 > > > > UK: Harrods apologies and removes display > > > > June 8th 2004 > > > > UK: HHR letter to Mohammed Al- Fayed, director of > > Harrods > > > > June 7th 2004 > > > > UK: Hindu Gods on Designer underwear; Hindu Human > > Rights group protests! > > > > 2004 > > > > 'Om' Yoga Mats sold by companies...are we soon going > > to see sacred Hindu symbols for door mats? > > http://www.inspiregear.com/mats.asp > > > > Oct 29th 2003 > > > > Publisher withdraws offensive book on Lord Ganesha > > > > > > > > April 30th 2003 > > > > UNITED STATES, April 30, 2003: An American company > > has apologized for introducing sandals emblazoned > > with Ganesha images and has promised to withdraw > > them from stores immediately. > > > > Read more in Hindu Press International > > > > > > > > March 8, 2003 > > > > UK "Crisps" Ads Stereotype Indians > > > > > > > > December 5, 2002 > > > > Trinidad's Hindus Protest Alcoholic Ad Featuring > > Krishna > > > > > > > > April 16, 2002 > > "Colonial Outlook" Alleged at BBC World Service > > Investigation > > > > > > Toilet Seats Sport Hindu Gods Rediff on Net, US > > Edition > > > > > > > > > > > > Hindu Gods on Sandals > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hindus Object to Paramount's 'Tomb Raider' > > Sequences India-West News > > > > > > > > Demonising Hinduism, Hollywood style Times News > > Network > > > > > > > > Historian Held For Derogatory Remarks Against > > Hindu Gods Indian Express > > > > > > > > Fiji Hindus Alarmed by McDonald's Fries India > > Abroad Daily .com > > > > > > > > The Beckhams depicted as Lord Shiva, Goddess > > Parvati and Lord Ganesh. Petition against the > > depiction of David Beckham and family as Hindu God > > Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. > > > > The Artists official response > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hindu God on Beer Bottle > > Stop insulting South Asia – Indian American sues > > firm over Lord Ganesha's picture on beer bottle > > http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/2783.asp > > > > > > > > > > > > > > HHR News Release, 11 May 2005Successful protest > > against Lord Shiva adverts > > > > > > It has come to our attention that US-based company > > Monarch Beverages is withdrawing its current > > advertisements for an energy drink featuring a > > distorted image of Lord Shiva from every market. > > This follows a HHR campaign to highlight how many > > Hindus have found this and other such abuses of our > > religious symbols to be highly questionable. We > > would like to thank all the Hindus who have helped > > us with this issue and put pressure on the companies > > concerned. We welcome the decision of Monarch > > Beverages to put an end to these adverts but would > > like other companies to follow suite and refrain > > from using Hindu symbols to sell their products. > > > > > > > > Thank you. > > > > > > > > Hindu Human Rights > > > > Serving Hindus Worldwide > > > > > > Now Lord Shiva selling drinks. Abuse of Hinduism > > continues... (10th May 2005) > > > > > > > > > > Letter to Monarch Beverages Company > > > > > > > > > > HHR Press Release, 9 May 2005Protest against Hindu > > Gods appearing on French Shoes > > Despite our campaign last year against the use of > > images of Hindu deities on underwear garments, it > > has come to our attention that once again another > > company here in the West is producing and marketing > > similar products which are both degrading and > > offensive to Hindus. Minelli, a France-based shoes > > retailer, has chosen to use sacred images of Lord > > Ram, venerated by millions of Hindus the world over, > > to sell its designer shoes. This is in spite of our > > well known campaign to highlight how such > > trivialisation of Hinduism leads directly and > > indirectly to the abuse of Hindus the world over. > > Such ignorance leads us to believe that this same > > organisation is probably both indifferent and > > apathetic to the immense suffering of Hindus: the > > ethnic cleansing they have suffered in Pakistan, > > Kashmir and Bangladesh, and the discrimination they > > suffer at the hands of Minelli's very own fellow > > Europeans. Indeed sometimes Western firms seem > > totally devoid of all understanding when it comes to > > the oldest > > civilisation on the planet. > > > > For this reason we ask Minelli to respectfully > > withdraw the offending products and issue an > > immediate apology. > > HHR also requests all Hindus to contact Minelli to > > make their feelings known on this subject. > > > > According to their website, Minelli can be contacted > > as the details below: > > > > Siège social Minelli > > 155, rue du Dirigeable - Z.I. Les Paluds > > 13685 AUBAGNE Cedex - FRANCE > > > > Tél. : (33) 4 42 84 33 50 > > Fax : (33) 4 42 70 45 20 > > Mail: info@m... > > > > Hindu Human Rights, > > Serving Hindus Worldwide > > > > ( Our Letter to Minelli ) > > > > > > Times of India News Offends Hindus on > > MahaShivaratri Festival > > Times of India News insults Hindus by defacing the > > holy image of Hindu God Shiva. Description as this " > > He's comfortable with 'if you've got it, flaunt it'; > > he can swim with the sharks, and still find place in > > his heart for the littlest minnow. He wears the suit > > of divinity lightly. Yes, Mahadev is a maha-dude. " > > is highly offensive to Hindus. Calling Lord Shiva as > > " He's hot, he is Indian Idol No 1" .. read more > > here >> > > > > > > Two 'Thongs' don't make a right ! > > Despite our campaign last year against the use of > > images of Hindu deities on underwear garments, it > > has come to our attention that once again another > > company here in the West is producing and marketing > > similar products which are both degrading and > > offensive to Hindus. 'CafePress.com' has chosen to > > use sacred Om symbol and that of Lord Shiva, > > venerated by millions of Hindus the world over, to > > sell its sensuous garments. This is in spite of our > > well known campaign to highlight how such > > trivialisation of Hinduism leads directly and > > indirectly to the abuse of Hindus the world over. > > Such ignorance leads us to believe that this same > > organisation is probably both indifferent and > > apathetic to the immense suffering of Hindus: the > > ethnic cleansing they have suffered in Pakistan, > > Kashmir and Bangladesh, and the discrimination they > > suffer at the hands of Cafe Press' very own fellow > > Americans. Indeed sometimes Western firms seem > > totally devoid of all understanding when it comes to > > the oldest > > civilisation on the planet. > > > > For this reason we ask Cafe Press to respectfully > > withdraw the offending products and issue an > > immediate apology. > > > > HHR also requests all Hindus to contact Cafe Press > > to make their feelings known on this subject. > > > > CafePress.com > > > > 1515 Aurora Drive > > > > San Leandro, CA 94577 > > > > US > > > > Phone: 1- 510-877-1540 > > > > Fax: 1-510-877-1540 > > > > > > > > > > CAMPAIGNStop the abuse against the Swastika and the > > distortion of the term `Aryan' : Please sign the > > petition > > http://www.petitiononline.com/sa108hhr/petition.html > > > > > > > > > > Used by Nazi's > > > > > > > > > > > > Sacred Hindu Symbol for peace and prosperity > > > > > > > > > > HHR Press Release 'The Goddess Kali Lunchbox & Lord > > Rama on Tissues' > > The Goddess Kali Lunchbox > > > > It is with great regret that Hindu Human Rights > > (HHR) has to once again announce a Global Protest > > against the defamation of Hinduism by profit -hungry > > businesses. . A US based online company, > > lunchboxes.com, apparently the largest online > > retailer of lunch boxes, claims to have a > > "fascination with Hindu culture" and brings "beauty > > and mystery to your midday meal with the alluring > > but deadly Kali Lunchbox". In fact, customers can > > also purchase a Krishna lunchbox, a Ganesh snack box > > or a Shiva snack box.Pls see the following link: > > > > http://www.lunchboxes.com/easphil.html > > > > In case manufactures and designers have failed to > > notice, Hindus are becoming increasingly aware of > > the insults which arises from such trivializing > > usage of their spiritual icons. Hindus have serious > > concerns that lunch boxes with Hindu prints will be > > used to store animal products and even beef – this > > is deeply insulting and it is unknown for even > > meat-eating Hindus to do this in the presence of an > > image of a God. > > > > HHR has received numerous complaints from concerned > > Hindus. We cannot help but point out that once again > > profit hungry companies are ruthlessly exploiting > > Hinduism's natural openness to a multiplicity of > > modes of worship to further their greed. On their > > own, perhaps these various defamations of Hinduism > > we have recently highlighted do not amount to much. > > However, the picture changes when we look at the > > collective effect and seen that prejudicial views of > > Hindus and Hinduism are reinforced and played up to > > turn our entire culture into a joke. HHR spoke to > > the MR DJ Jayasekara managing director and designer > > of Lunchbox .com who blatantly disregards the > > concerns of the Hindu community and stated `there is > > a market for these designs' and he was going to > > continue to supply that market regardless of the > > offence he causes to Hindus world wide. > > > > Following are the contact details of the company > > > > > > Hindu Lunch boxes: Lunchboxes.com, P.O. Box 48453, > > Los Angeles, CA 90048 > > > > Web site: www.lunchboxes.com > > > > Telephone (USA): (323) 660-9279 > > > > Fax (USA): (323) 660-1787 > > > > e-mail: info@l... > > > > Administrative Contact: > > Burning Lotus Designs, Ltd. > > DJ Jayasekara, 2750 Clearwater Street > > Los Angeles, CA 90039 > > US > > Phone: 323-660-1691 > > Fax.: 323-660-1787 > > > > > > Email: djay@b... > > Lord Rama on Tissues (2004) > > > > Once again we find that one of the most cherished > > avatars (Lord Rama) is still being flaunted on paper > > tissues which as we write are being sold openly in > > shops (such as various branches of Parchment and > > other outlets in the UK ). Two years ago HHR had, > > after making a protest, succeeded in having these > > items removed form sale at prestigious locations > > such as the Victoria and Albert Museum., London. > > However it seems that these items continue to be > > sold openly in UK and Europe. > > > > > > After contacting the company Head office (Paper > > Products) in USA We were told that they are not > > responsible in the US for the manufacture and > > distribution policy of its German company which > > makes the Ram tissues . It would appear that the US > > company are referring responsibility of this > > particular production line to the German > > counterpart. > > > > Please e-mail or phone paper products Germany to > > register your protest. > > > > Tel number:0049 -2225/99350, E:mail: > > k.vincotte@p... manager > > > > And the Retailers in UK > > > > Parchment , Head office : 0208-655-7651 > > > > > > Now Lord Shiva is a Bus Conductor in Belgium? > > Hot on the heels of our campaign against Ismail > > Merchant's proposed film"Shakti" and the Roberto > > Cavalli bikini controversy featuring the misuse of > > Hindu Gods and Goddesses we now find .The depiction > > of Lord Shiva (in the form of Nataraj) guiding > > passengers to the front door of buses in Belgium and > > also as an animated advertisement on the website of > > the self same Belgian transport company called Shiva > > (STIB/MVIB) in order to increase their revenues. > > This shows that we cannot afford to slacken in our > > campaign to combat the increasing defamation of > > Hinduism and its symbols throughout the world > > including India. > > > > This apparently innocuous trend of using Hindu > > symbols as fashion/marketing accessories conceals a > > far more insidious approach to our Hindu culture and > > civilization > > > > the result of which is to undermine its integrity > > and impact by trivializing it and by inference > > trivializing the practitioners of Hinduism also. We > > must act as one and in a determined fashion to stamp > > out this practice and its effects. > > > > The Company Website > > http://www.stib.irisnet.be/FR/33200F.htm > > > > So please e-mail the top brass of the company-: > > > > info@s..., vandenbroeckl@s..., > > genbruggeam@s..., carlea@s..., > > Daemw@s..., flauscha@s..., > > info.chabert@c... > > > > HHR Press Release > > > > > > > > > > It has recently been brought to our attention that > > garments , > > produced by Roberto Cavalli and stocked by Harrods, > > may have caused great offence to the Hindu > > community. > > > > > > We would like to assure you that this was never the > > intention > > of Roberto Cavalli spa . The fabric produced by > > Roberto Cavalli > > was designed to celebrate Hindu culture and not to > > denigrate it > > as implied by your recent correspondence. > > Roberto Cavalli and his design team travel to India > > regularly > > and adores it\'s culture, history and people . India > > is a great inspiration > > to Roberto Cavalli. > > > > The fact that the fabric has then been used to > > produce > > garments which could be deemed to be inappropriate > > was a > > completely innocent idea on our behalf and something > > we > > very much regret. > > > > We have asked that the relevant garments be removed > > from sale and I > > understand that this is now taking place, we are > > doing our best in order to > > do it as soon as possible. > > > > We offer you our sincerest apologies. > > > > Yours faithfully, > > > > For Mr.Roberto Cavalli > > Emanuela Barbieri > > > ","","",-1,- 1,0,"","_self","","","","",0,12,3,"","",0,0,0,0,0,"#333333",0,"#00000 0",0,"","",3,3,0,0,"#8fceff","#8fceff","#ffffff","#ffffff","8pt > > Arial","9pt > > Arial"]);stm_ep();stm_ep();stm_em();//-->Roberto > > Cavalli apologised! Harrods apologises and removes > > display. > > > > > > Dear Sir > > > > > > > > The Chairman has asked me to thank you for your e > > mail dated 8 June 2004 and reply on his behalf. > > > > I was most concerned to learn that you should have > > been given occasion to complain in connection with > > the Robert Cavalli swimwear/underwear sold at > > Harrods. > > > > Since receiving your email we have decided to remove > > this range from sale. > > > > Please accept my apologies for any disappointment > > you were caused and I hope we may be of service to > > you in the future. > > > > With kind regards. > > > > > > > > Yours sincerely > > > > > > > > Harrods > > > > > > > > HHR wishes to thank all those Hindus who have > > responded positively to our campaign and acted > > promptly to make our feelings clear. Also, we would > > like to thank Harrods and their chairman, Mr > > Al-Fayed, for listening to our concerns and for > > realising the seriousness of this issue. > > > > > > > > While we are pleased that underwear depicting Hindu > > deities is no longer for sale and on display at > > Harrods, we remind everyone that this range is still > > available in many outlets all over the world and > > over the Internet and that we have had no response > > from Roberto Cavalli. We urge all Hindus to help us > > continue highlighting the degrading of Hindus and > > Hinduism in whichever form it exists. > > > > > > > > Thank you. > > > > > > > > > > robertocavalli@p... - London > > showroommilano@r... > > > > press@r... > > Milan > > info@r... > > Florence > > --> > > > > > > > > > > > > Letter to Roberto Cavalli > > > > Letter to Harrods > > > > Second letter of protest to Roberto Cavalli > > > > Roberto Cavalli apologised? > > > > Harrods apologies and removes display > > > > Press Release > > > > Pictures of the underwear with Gods > > > > > > > > > > > > Please Sign the petition against the film 'THE > > GODDESS'. > > To the Merchant-Ivory Productions: > > > > It has come to our attention that your next film > > project, "The Goddess" will be based upon the Hindu > > goddess Kali/Shakti Maa... > > > > According to the media reports about the script of > > the film `The Goddess", you are turning Kali Maa > > into a musical joke, "dancing and singing atop of a > > tiger". This will be very offensive to her millions > > of worshippers and a billion Hindus worldwide. > > Further, you are casting Tina Turner as the Goddess. > > We have no quarrel with Ms Turner as such, as she is > > talented but because of her reputation/image as a > > "sex icon" in most people's minds, it is improper to > > cast her as Kali. We strongly object to the making > > of this film because of its feared offensive > > portrayal of a Hindu deity and we kindly request you > > to shelve this project.. > > > > click here to sign the petition. > > > > > > Nude picture of Lord Ganesha insults Hindus > > > > > > > > Houston: A nude picture of Lord Ganesha on the cover > > of a new book and the contents have evoked protests > > from Hindus across the United States. > > > > The nude portrayal of Lord Ganesha on the book > > "Ganesa, Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings" by > > Emory University Professor Paul Courtright has > > earned the wrath of Hindu scholars here who say > > several passages quoted in the book "are seemingly > > insensitive to Hindu belief or faith." > > > > A petition is also being circulated and signed > > online to protest against the book and demands that > > publishers withdraw it from circulation. A release > > issued by the scholars claimed that so far about > > 5000 people have signed the petition expressing > > their displeasure. > > > > According to the release, the book "is not only > > ridiculing and insulting Hinduism but has utterly > > disgusting and distasteful material which is > > mind-boggling and throws a direct challenge to our > > traditional beliefs and practices." PTI > > > > courtesy: http://www.sify.com > > > > Lord Ganesha on Slippers > > > > > > The most loved God by Hindus is now printed on > > slippers. Yet another insult to 1 billion Hindu > > sentiments and the Great Hindu religion. > > > > American Eagle Outfitters, a clothing retail chain > > in North America had taken the turn to insult Hindus > > by marketing slippers with Lord Ganesha on its > > soles. > > > > There has been a Hindu outcry, but not appology has > > yet been given to any Hindu organisations. > > > > We request you to take some positive and peaceful > > action. > > > > You can call or write to: > > > > 1-888-232-4535 – AE Customer Service (24 hours a > > day) > > > > American Eagle Outfitters 150 Thorn Hill Drive > > Warrendale, PA 15086 > > > > website www.ae.com > > > > NASDAQ Symbol: AEOS > > Beloved Lord Rama on tissues (2002-2003) > > > > > > Hindus in UK are disgusted and angered to find their > > favourite God Rama found printed on Sniff Tissues. > > Another mockery made out of Hindus and Hindu Dharma! > > > > > > The Tissues are produced by a German company called > > Paper Products Design, and were sold at the Victoria > > & Albert Museum in London. > > > > After complaints from Hindu Human Rights and > > concerned British Hindu citizens, the V&A museum has > > stopped the sale of these tissues. > > > > Although a public appology to Hindus has been denied > > as " not many Sniff Tissues were sold", the > > management at the museum has confirmed that "selling > > of the tissue with a God on it was indeed a big > > mistake ". These comments do not really satisfy one > > million Hindus in UK (and 1 billion worldwide). > > > > Please express your concerns and complaints to : > > Sniff Tissues V&A Museum > > Paper Products Design GmbH > > > > Am Hambuch 4 > > > > D-53340 > > > > Meckenheim > > > > Germany > > > > Tel: 3902225993511 > > > > V&A Enterprise > > > > 160 Brompton Road, SW7 > > > > UK > > > > web: www.vandashop.co.uk email: > > t.edgley@v... > > Potrayal of Hindu Gurus in the film " The Guru" > > > > The Guru? This is what the film is portrays? A > > blatant disrespect to the ancient seers of India. > > The real Hindu Gurus of the oldest living > > civilisation labelled as sexually perverted > > con-artists. This is not only an insult to the > > founders of civilisation , but also to Hinduism, the > > peaceful, sacred and beautiful. > > > > "Handy Hindus" , Hindu Gods as finger puppets > > > > > > "Handy Hindus" Gods as finger puppets. This product > > was recently spotted at the Paper Chase department > > in Borders bookshop, Oxford St, London. This is > > another insult to Hinduism and its followers, the > > Hindus. Hindu gods as finger puppets is indeed > > making a mockery of Hindu beliefs and sentiments. > > > > Robert Wardern, the marketing manager for Paper > > Chase clearly rejected that it hurts any Hindu > > belief or sentiments. A public appology and removal > > of the sale of these items were also rejected as the > > " Handy Hindus were sold in thousands " Robert > > Wardern comments. > > > > Hindu Focus is concerned at dissapointed at the > > businesses who make a quick buck out of Hindu > > imagery and symbols, whilst clearly ignoring the > > sentiments of 1 million Hindus in UK and 1 Billion > > Hindus worldwide and the sacredness of the worlds > > oldest religion. > > > > The adddress to write to is : > > > > PAPER CHASE > > > > Robert Warden, > > > > 12 Alfred Place, > > > > London WC1E 7EB > > > > Accoutrements > > > > PO BOX 30811 > > > > Seattle WA 98103 > > > > www.accoutrements.com > > > > These 'toys' are also sold at the following sites. > > > > ship-of-fools.com/Gadgets/Toys/097.html > > > > Link to products with Hindu Gods. > > www.mcphee.com/enlightenment/hindu.html > > Sacred Hindu symbolism on footwear > > London footwear company 'Lacey' finally apologises > > for printing the sacred symbol 'OM' on slippers. All > > sales are apparently withdrawn. Every week, Hindus > > see the defamation of Hinduism. Ancient and sacred > > symbols are abused by businesses to gain a quick > > buck in the name of 'the beauty of Hindu culture'. > > Mockery is made is made out of worlds oldest living > > civilisation. We request you to voice your concerns > > with your local media, MPs and community. In the > > wave of defamation of Hindu symbolism and > > sentiments, lets also not forget the innocent Hindus > > who are being butchered and tortured in Bangladesh, > > India (Jammu & Kashmir, North East), Nepal and > > Pakistan. > > > > > > > > > > > > We support American Hindus Against Defamation AHAD > > > > The Hindu Human Rights group thanks you for your > > support! > > > > email: hinduhumanrights > > > > 2002-2003 Hindu Human Rights All rights > > reserved. > > > > > > > Music Unlimited > Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > http://music./unlimited/ > > > > Traditions Divine > > > > > > Visit your group "" on the web. > > > > > Terms of Service. > > > > > > > > > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2005 Report Share Posted October 22, 2005 Namaste, May I jump in? Would anyone dare put up Christian underwear? Why, yes. In fact, some of them are exceptionally rude. http://www.jesus21.com/poppydixon/product/panties/panties.html http://www.cafepress.com/jesus21/37397 You can get the U.S. flag on a thong, much to my dismay. Actually, there's no limit to the rude use of imagery that someone somewhere considers reverent. But I don't think that it's wrong to call the large, respectable institutions back into line when they show blatant disrespect to your personal faith. You've just got a lot more hope for response if more than a dozen people, other than yourself actually practice that faith. And that's why I like the hue and cry of the Hindus over this underwear debacle. It gives the mainstream a chance to accomodate the polytheists for a change. And that's quite satisfying to me. Blessings, prainbow , "Mary Ann" <buttercookie61> wrote: > > Dear Janardana, > > Are you Hindu? Where are you from, and what is your background? I > hope you don't mind my asking. I don't recall if we exchanged such > information before. I'm from Cleveland, Ohio, and was raised > Catholic. I have noticed that your views cause me to want to respond > irreverently, and I truly would never intend genuine offense. I > wanted to reply to your post below with the following. > > I think irreverence can be a virtue, and one much-needed in our > world. Being irreverent does not mean not recognizing or > appreciating what is genuine, divine, joyous, loving, powerful, etc. > It means not making too much of the raft, to paraphrase Thich Nhat > Hanh, whether the raft is Mohammedan, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, or > Athiest. > > I think you posted before in reply to me that you had heard of > Matthew Fox's work. What do you think of it? Have you read anything > by him? > > Mary Ann > > > > , Janardana Dasa > <lightdweller> wrote: > > > > Len, > > > > i understand what you are saying too. BUT, as a world religion, > in principle, Hinduism should be treated with the same awe and > reverance as the ABRAHAMIC religion. People don't ever dare offend > the sentiments of MOHAMMEDANS, JEWS or CHRISTIANS for fear of some > great, reprisal, hue and cry. > > > > So, in principle they need to have the same respect, no matter how > benign, trivial or meaningless it may seem. Even if we know it > ourselves as meaningless, we still need to enforce it out of > principle. Again, I UNDERSTAND your viewpoint, as no one likes > thought police. But, again, regardless of how trivial, we need to > always make them desist from those types of action just out of > principle. > > > > JANARDANA DAS > > > > > > Len Rosenberg <kalipadma108> wrote: > > > > The attached post was sent to me from another list. I > > have mixed feelings about the protests against the > > "inappropriate" uses of Hindu images in advertisements > > and secular products. Certainly, Hindu images > > portrayed on very non-Hindu objects (beef products, > > for example) are in questionable taste. One might > > suggest substituting the image of a Catholic saint for > > the Hindu deity. If it still seems offensive, it > > probably is so. Westerners don't have the same taboos > > about feet that many Easterners have, so the images of > > deities on shoes is arguable. Toilet seats, facial > > tissues and underwear just seems rude -- would you > > like a revered image to be used to wipe your nose or > > bottom? > > > > But I think some uses of Hindu imagery in secular > > context are okay. I have a Ganesha mouse-pad beside > > my computer, but I'm a Hindu myself in sentiments, and > > feel the computer is also a "lord of categories." And > > the upset over the cover of the Ganesha book? The > > statue of a nude Bala Ganesha illustrated was an > > authentic murthy in a Chola style. Hinduism did not > > originally have taboos against nudity. Tantrics are > > more accepting of sexual imagery than other, > > mainstream Hindus. What is the prurient interest in a > > naked, crawling baby? > > > > Devi Bhakta has begun selling Hindu images of T-shirts > > through Cafe Press. D.B., let us know if you get any > > flack from protesting "defenders" of Hinduism. > > > > -- Len/ Kalipadma > > > > > > > > > June 10th 2004 > > > > > > USA: Harrods to transcend Hindu underwear > > > > > > UK: BBC report on Harrods apology > > > > > > > > > June 9th 2004 > > > > > > UK: Harrods apologies and removes display > > > > > > June 8th 2004 > > > > > > UK: HHR letter to Mohammed Al- Fayed, director of > > > Harrods > > > > > > June 7th 2004 > > > > > > UK: Hindu Gods on Designer underwear; Hindu Human > > > Rights group protests! > > > > > > 2004 > > > > > > 'Om' Yoga Mats sold by companies...are we soon going > > > to see sacred Hindu symbols for door mats? > > > http://www.inspiregear.com/mats.asp > > > > > > Oct 29th 2003 > > > > > > Publisher withdraws offensive book on Lord Ganesha > > > > > > > > > > > > April 30th 2003 > > > > > > UNITED STATES, April 30, 2003: An American company > > > has apologized for introducing sandals emblazoned > > > with Ganesha images and has promised to withdraw > > > them from stores immediately. > > > > > > Read more in Hindu Press International > > > > > > > > > > > > March 8, 2003 > > > > > > UK "Crisps" Ads Stereotype Indians > > > > > > > > > > > > December 5, 2002 > > > > > > Trinidad's Hindus Protest Alcoholic Ad Featuring > > > Krishna > > > > > > > > > > > > April 16, 2002 > > > "Colonial Outlook" Alleged at BBC World Service > > > Investigation > > > > > > > > > Toilet Seats Sport Hindu Gods Rediff on Net, US > > > Edition > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hindu Gods on Sandals > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hindus Object to Paramount's 'Tomb Raider' > > > Sequences India-West News > > > > > > > > > > > > Demonising Hinduism, Hollywood style Times News > > > Network > > > > > > > > > > > > Historian Held For Derogatory Remarks Against > > > Hindu Gods Indian Express > > > > > > > > > > > > Fiji Hindus Alarmed by McDonald's Fries India > > > Abroad Daily .com > > > > > > > > > > > > The Beckhams depicted as Lord Shiva, Goddess > > > Parvati and Lord Ganesh. Petition against the > > > depiction of David Beckham and family as Hindu God > > > Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. > > > > > > The Artists official response > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hindu God on Beer Bottle > > > Stop insulting South Asia – Indian American sues > > > firm over Lord Ganesha's picture on beer bottle > > > http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/2783.asp > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > HHR News Release, 11 May 2005Successful protest > > > against Lord Shiva adverts > > > > > > > > > It has come to our attention that US-based company > > > Monarch Beverages is withdrawing its current > > > advertisements for an energy drink featuring a > > > distorted image of Lord Shiva from every market. > > > This follows a HHR campaign to highlight how many > > > Hindus have found this and other such abuses of our > > > religious symbols to be highly questionable. We > > > would like to thank all the Hindus who have helped > > > us with this issue and put pressure on the companies > > > concerned. We welcome the decision of Monarch > > > Beverages to put an end to these adverts but would > > > like other companies to follow suite and refrain > > > from using Hindu symbols to sell their products. > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you. > > > > > > > > > > > > Hindu Human Rights > > > > > > Serving Hindus Worldwide > > > > > > > > > Now Lord Shiva selling drinks. Abuse of Hinduism > > > continues... (10th May 2005) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Letter to Monarch Beverages Company > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > HHR Press Release, 9 May 2005Protest against Hindu > > > Gods appearing on French Shoes > > > Despite our campaign last year against the use of > > > images of Hindu deities on underwear garments, it > > > has come to our attention that once again another > > > company here in the West is producing and marketing > > > similar products which are both degrading and > > > offensive to Hindus. Minelli, a France-based shoes > > > retailer, has chosen to use sacred images of Lord > > > Ram, venerated by millions of Hindus the world over, > > > to sell its designer shoes. This is in spite of our > > > well known campaign to highlight how such > > > trivialisation of Hinduism leads directly and > > > indirectly to the abuse of Hindus the world over. > > > Such ignorance leads us to believe that this same > > > organisation is probably both indifferent and > > > apathetic to the immense suffering of Hindus: the > > > ethnic cleansing they have suffered in Pakistan, > > > Kashmir and Bangladesh, and the discrimination they > > > suffer at the hands of Minelli's very own fellow > > > Europeans. Indeed sometimes Western firms seem > > > totally devoid of all understanding when it comes to > > > the oldest > > > civilisation on the planet. > > > > > > For this reason we ask Minelli to respectfully > > > withdraw the offending products and issue an > > > immediate apology. > > > HHR also requests all Hindus to contact Minelli to > > > make their feelings known on this subject. > > > > > > According to their website, Minelli can be contacted > > > as the details below: > > > > > > Siège social Minelli > > > 155, rue du Dirigeable - Z.I. Les Paluds > > > 13685 AUBAGNE Cedex - FRANCE > > > > > > Tél. : (33) 4 42 84 33 50 > > > Fax : (33) 4 42 70 45 20 > > > Mail: info@m... > > > > > > Hindu Human Rights, > > > Serving Hindus Worldwide > > > > > > ( Our Letter to Minelli ) > > > > > > > > > Times of India News Offends Hindus on > > > MahaShivaratri Festival > > > Times of India News insults Hindus by defacing the > > > holy image of Hindu God Shiva. Description as this " > > > He's comfortable with 'if you've got it, flaunt it'; > > > he can swim with the sharks, and still find place in > > > his heart for the littlest minnow. He wears the suit > > > of divinity lightly. Yes, Mahadev is a maha-dude. " > > > is highly offensive to Hindus. Calling Lord Shiva as > > > " He's hot, he is Indian Idol No 1" .. read more > > > here >> > > > > > > > > > Two 'Thongs' don't make a right ! > > > Despite our campaign last year against the use of > > > images of Hindu deities on underwear garments, it > > > has come to our attention that once again another > > > company here in the West is producing and marketing > > > similar products which are both degrading and > > > offensive to Hindus. 'CafePress.com' has chosen to > > > use sacred Om symbol and that of Lord Shiva, > > > venerated by millions of Hindus the world over, to > > > sell its sensuous garments. This is in spite of our > > > well known campaign to highlight how such > > > trivialisation of Hinduism leads directly and > > > indirectly to the abuse of Hindus the world over. > > > Such ignorance leads us to believe that this same > > > organisation is probably both indifferent and > > > apathetic to the immense suffering of Hindus: the > > > ethnic cleansing they have suffered in Pakistan, > > > Kashmir and Bangladesh, and the discrimination they > > > suffer at the hands of Cafe Press' very own fellow > > > Americans. Indeed sometimes Western firms seem > > > totally devoid of all understanding when it comes to > > > the oldest > > > civilisation on the planet. > > > > > > For this reason we ask Cafe Press to respectfully > > > withdraw the offending products and issue an > > > immediate apology. > > > > > > HHR also requests all Hindus to contact Cafe Press > > > to make their feelings known on this subject. > > > > > > CafePress.com > > > > > > 1515 Aurora Drive > > > > > > San Leandro, CA 94577 > > > > > > US > > > > > > Phone: 1- 510-877-1540 > > > > > > Fax: 1-510-877-1540 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > CAMPAIGNStop the abuse against the Swastika and the > > > distortion of the term `Aryan' : Please sign the > > > petition > > > http://www.petitiononline.com/sa108hhr/petition.html > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Used by Nazi's > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sacred Hindu Symbol for peace and prosperity > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > HHR Press Release 'The Goddess Kali Lunchbox & Lord > > > Rama on Tissues' > > > The Goddess Kali Lunchbox > > > > > > It is with great regret that Hindu Human Rights > > > (HHR) has to once again announce a Global Protest > > > against the defamation of Hinduism by profit -hungry > > > businesses. . A US based online company, > > > lunchboxes.com, apparently the largest online > > > retailer of lunch boxes, claims to have a > > > "fascination with Hindu culture" and brings "beauty > > > and mystery to your midday meal with the alluring > > > but deadly Kali Lunchbox". In fact, customers can > > > also purchase a Krishna lunchbox, a Ganesh snack box > > > or a Shiva snack box.Pls see the following link: > > > > > > http://www.lunchboxes.com/easphil.html > > > > > > In case manufactures and designers have failed to > > > notice, Hindus are becoming increasingly aware of > > > the insults which arises from such trivializing > > > usage of their spiritual icons. Hindus have serious > > > concerns that lunch boxes with Hindu prints will be > > > used to store animal products and even beef – this > > > is deeply insulting and it is unknown for even > > > meat-eating Hindus to do this in the presence of an > > > image of a God. > > > > > > HHR has received numerous complaints from concerned > > > Hindus. We cannot help but point out that once again > > > profit hungry companies are ruthlessly exploiting > > > Hinduism's natural openness to a multiplicity of > > > modes of worship to further their greed. On their > > > own, perhaps these various defamations of Hinduism > > > we have recently highlighted do not amount to much. > > > However, the picture changes when we look at the > > > collective effect and seen that prejudicial views of > > > Hindus and Hinduism are reinforced and played up to > > > turn our entire culture into a joke. HHR spoke to > > > the MR DJ Jayasekara managing director and designer > > > of Lunchbox .com who blatantly disregards the > > > concerns of the Hindu community and stated `there is > > > a market for these designs' and he was going to > > > continue to supply that market regardless of the > > > offence he causes to Hindus world wide. > > > > > > Following are the contact details of the company > > > > > > > > > Hindu Lunch boxes: Lunchboxes.com, P.O. Box 48453, > > > Los Angeles, CA 90048 > > > > > > Web site: www.lunchboxes.com > > > > > > Telephone (USA): (323) 660-9279 > > > > > > Fax (USA): (323) 660-1787 > > > > > > e-mail: info@l... > > > > > > Administrative Contact: > > > Burning Lotus Designs, Ltd. > > > DJ Jayasekara, 2750 Clearwater Street > > > Los Angeles, CA 90039 > > > US > > > Phone: 323-660-1691 > > > Fax.: 323-660-1787 > > > > > > > > > Email: djay@b... > > > Lord Rama on Tissues (2004) > > > > > > Once again we find that one of the most cherished > > > avatars (Lord Rama) is still being flaunted on paper > > > tissues which as we write are being sold openly in > > > shops (such as various branches of Parchment and > > > other outlets in the UK ). Two years ago HHR had, > > > after making a protest, succeeded in having these > > > items removed form sale at prestigious locations > > > such as the Victoria and Albert Museum., London. > > > However it seems that these items continue to be > > > sold openly in UK and Europe. > > > > > > > > > After contacting the company Head office (Paper > > > Products) in USA We were told that they are not > > > responsible in the US for the manufacture and > > > distribution policy of its German company which > > > makes the Ram tissues . It would appear that the US > > > company are referring responsibility of this > > > particular production line to the German > > > counterpart. > > > > > > Please e-mail or phone paper products Germany to > > > register your protest. > > > > > > Tel number:0049 -2225/99350, E:mail: > > > k.vincotte@p... manager > > > > > > And the Retailers in UK > > > > > > Parchment , Head office : 0208-655-7651 > > > > > > > > > Now Lord Shiva is a Bus Conductor in Belgium? > > > Hot on the heels of our campaign against Ismail > > > Merchant's proposed film"Shakti" and the Roberto > > > Cavalli bikini controversy featuring the misuse of > > > Hindu Gods and Goddesses we now find .The depiction > > > of Lord Shiva (in the form of Nataraj) guiding > > > passengers to the front door of buses in Belgium and > > > also as an animated advertisement on the website of > > > the self same Belgian transport company called Shiva > > > (STIB/MVIB) in order to increase their revenues. > > > This shows that we cannot afford to slacken in our > > > campaign to combat the increasing defamation of > > > Hinduism and its symbols throughout the world > > > including India. > > > > > > This apparently innocuous trend of using Hindu > > > symbols as fashion/marketing accessories conceals a > > > far more insidious approach to our Hindu culture and > > > civilization > > > > > > the result of which is to undermine its integrity > > > and impact by trivializing it and by inference > > > trivializing the practitioners of Hinduism also. We > > > must act as one and in a determined fashion to stamp > > > out this practice and its effects. > > > > > > The Company Website > > > http://www.stib.irisnet.be/FR/33200F.htm > > > > > > So please e-mail the top brass of the company-: > > > > > > info@s..., vandenbroeckl@s..., > > > genbruggeam@s..., carlea@s..., > > > Daemw@s..., flauscha@s..., > > > info.chabert@c... > > > > > > HHR Press Release > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > It has recently been brought to our attention that > > > garments , > > > produced by Roberto Cavalli and stocked by Harrods, > > > may have caused great offence to the Hindu > > > community. > > > > > > > > > We would like to assure you that this was never the > > > intention > > > of Roberto Cavalli spa . The fabric produced by > > > Roberto Cavalli > > > was designed to celebrate Hindu culture and not to > > > denigrate it > > > as implied by your recent correspondence. > > > Roberto Cavalli and his design team travel to India > > > regularly > > > and adores it\'s culture, history and people . India > > > is a great inspiration > > > to Roberto Cavalli. > > > > > > The fact that the fabric has then been used to > > > produce > > > garments which could be deemed to be inappropriate > > > was a > > > completely innocent idea on our behalf and something > > > we > > > very much regret. > > > > > > We have asked that the relevant garments be removed > > > from sale and I > > > understand that this is now taking place, we are > > > doing our best in order to > > > do it as soon as possible. > > > > > > We offer you our sincerest apologies. > > > > > > Yours faithfully, > > > > > > For Mr.Roberto Cavalli > > > Emanuela Barbieri > > > > > ","","",-1,- > 1,0,"","_self","","","","",0,12,3,"","",0,0,0,0,0,"#333333",0,"#00000 > 0",0,"","",3,3,0,0,"#8fceff","#8fceff","#ffffff","#ffffff","8pt > > > Arial","9pt > > > Arial"]);stm_ep();stm_ep();stm_em();//-->Roberto > > > Cavalli apologised! Harrods apologises and removes > > > display. > > > > > > > > > Dear Sir > > > > > > > > > > > > The Chairman has asked me to thank you for your e > > > mail dated 8 June 2004 and reply on his behalf. > > > > > > I was most concerned to learn that you should have > > > been given occasion to complain in connection with > > > the Robert Cavalli swimwear/underwear sold at > > > Harrods. > > > > > > Since receiving your email we have decided to remove > > > this range from sale. > > > > > > Please accept my apologies for any disappointment > > > you were caused and I hope we may be of service to > > > you in the future. > > > > > > With kind regards. > > > > > > > > > > > > Yours sincerely > > > > > > > > > > > > Harrods > > > > > > > > > > > > HHR wishes to thank all those Hindus who have > > > responded positively to our campaign and acted > > > promptly to make our feelings clear. Also, we would > > > like to thank Harrods and their chairman, Mr > > > Al-Fayed, for listening to our concerns and for > > > realising the seriousness of this issue. > > > > > > > > > > > > While we are pleased that underwear depicting Hindu > > > deities is no longer for sale and on display at > > > Harrods, we remind everyone that this range is still > > > available in many outlets all over the world and > > > over the Internet and that we have had no response > > > from Roberto Cavalli. We urge all Hindus to help us > > > continue highlighting the degrading of Hindus and > > > Hinduism in whichever form it exists. > > > > > > > > > > > > Thank you. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > robertocavalli@p... - London > > > showroommilano@r... > > > > > > press@r... > > > Milan > > > info@r... > > > Florence > > > --> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Letter to Roberto Cavalli > > > > > > Letter to Harrods > > > > > > Second letter of protest to Roberto Cavalli > > > > > > Roberto Cavalli apologised? > > > > > > Harrods apologies and removes display > > > > > > Press Release > > > > > > Pictures of the underwear with Gods > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Please Sign the petition against the film 'THE > > > GODDESS'. > > > To the Merchant-Ivory Productions: > > > > > > It has come to our attention that your next film > > > project, "The Goddess" will be based upon the Hindu > > > goddess Kali/Shakti Maa... > > > > > > According to the media reports about the script of > > > the film `The Goddess", you are turning Kali Maa > > > into a musical joke, "dancing and singing atop of a > > > tiger". This will be very offensive to her millions > > > of worshippers and a billion Hindus worldwide. > > > Further, you are casting Tina Turner as the Goddess. > > > We have no quarrel with Ms Turner as such, as she is > > > talented but because of her reputation/image as a > > > "sex icon" in most people's minds, it is improper to > > > cast her as Kali. We strongly object to the making > > > of this film because of its feared offensive > > > portrayal of a Hindu deity and we kindly request you > > > to shelve this project.. > > > > > > click here to sign the petition. > > > > > > > > > Nude picture of Lord Ganesha insults Hindus > > > > > > > > > > > > Houston: A nude picture of Lord Ganesha on the cover > > > of a new book and the contents have evoked protests > > > from Hindus across the United States. > > > > > > The nude portrayal of Lord Ganesha on the book > > > "Ganesa, Lord of Obstacles, Lord of Beginnings" by > > > Emory University Professor Paul Courtright has > > > earned the wrath of Hindu scholars here who say > > > several passages quoted in the book "are seemingly > > > insensitive to Hindu belief or faith." > > > > > > A petition is also being circulated and signed > > > online to protest against the book and demands that > > > publishers withdraw it from circulation. A release > > > issued by the scholars claimed that so far about > > > 5000 people have signed the petition expressing > > > their displeasure. > > > > > > According to the release, the book "is not only > > > ridiculing and insulting Hinduism but has utterly > > > disgusting and distasteful material which is > > > mind-boggling and throws a direct challenge to our > > > traditional beliefs and practices." PTI > > > > > > courtesy: http://www.sify.com > > > > > > Lord Ganesha on Slippers > > > > > > > > > The most loved God by Hindus is now printed on > > > slippers. Yet another insult to 1 billion Hindu > > > sentiments and the Great Hindu religion. > > > > > > American Eagle Outfitters, a clothing retail chain > > > in North America had taken the turn to insult Hindus > > > by marketing slippers with Lord Ganesha on its > > > soles. > > > > > > There has been a Hindu outcry, but not appology has > > > yet been given to any Hindu organisations. > > > > > > We request you to take some positive and peaceful > > > action. > > > > > > You can call or write to: > > > > > > 1-888-232-4535 – AE Customer Service (24 hours a > > > day) > > > > > > American Eagle Outfitters 150 Thorn Hill Drive > > > Warrendale, PA 15086 > > > > > > website www.ae.com > > > > > > NASDAQ Symbol: AEOS > > > Beloved Lord Rama on tissues (2002-2003) > > > > > > > > > Hindus in UK are disgusted and angered to find their > > > favourite God Rama found printed on Sniff Tissues. > > > Another mockery made out of Hindus and Hindu Dharma! > > > > > > > > > The Tissues are produced by a German company called > > > Paper Products Design, and were sold at the Victoria > > > & Albert Museum in London. > > > > > > After complaints from Hindu Human Rights and > > > concerned British Hindu citizens, the V&A museum has > > > stopped the sale of these tissues. > > > > > > Although a public appology to Hindus has been denied > > > as " not many Sniff Tissues were sold", the > > > management at the museum has confirmed that "selling > > > of the tissue with a God on it was indeed a big > > > mistake ". These comments do not really satisfy one > > > million Hindus in UK (and 1 billion worldwide). > > > > > > Please express your concerns and complaints to : > > > Sniff Tissues V&A Museum > > > Paper Products Design GmbH > > > > > > Am Hambuch 4 > > > > > > D-53340 > > > > > > Meckenheim > > > > > > Germany > > > > > > Tel: 3902225993511 > > > > > > V&A Enterprise > > > > > > 160 Brompton Road, SW7 > > > > > > UK > > > > > > web: www.vandashop.co.uk email: > > > t.edgley@v... > > > Potrayal of Hindu Gurus in the film " The Guru" > > > > > > The Guru? This is what the film is portrays? A > > > blatant disrespect to the ancient seers of India. > > > The real Hindu Gurus of the oldest living > > > civilisation labelled as sexually perverted > > > con-artists. This is not only an insult to the > > > founders of civilisation , but also to Hinduism, the > > > peaceful, sacred and beautiful. > > > > > > "Handy Hindus" , Hindu Gods as finger puppets > > > > > > > > > "Handy Hindus" Gods as finger puppets. This product > > > was recently spotted at the Paper Chase department > > > in Borders bookshop, Oxford St, London. This is > > > another insult to Hinduism and its followers, the > > > Hindus. Hindu gods as finger puppets is indeed > > > making a mockery of Hindu beliefs and sentiments. > > > > > > Robert Wardern, the marketing manager for Paper > > > Chase clearly rejected that it hurts any Hindu > > > belief or sentiments. A public appology and removal > > > of the sale of these items were also rejected as the > > > " Handy Hindus were sold in thousands " Robert > > > Wardern comments. > > > > > > Hindu Focus is concerned at dissapointed at the > > > businesses who make a quick buck out of Hindu > > > imagery and symbols, whilst clearly ignoring the > > > sentiments of 1 million Hindus in UK and 1 Billion > > > Hindus worldwide and the sacredness of the worlds > > > oldest religion. > > > > > > The adddress to write to is : > > > > > > PAPER CHASE > > > > > > Robert Warden, > > > > > > 12 Alfred Place, > > > > > > London WC1E 7EB > > > > > > Accoutrements > > > > > > PO BOX 30811 > > > > > > Seattle WA 98103 > > > > > > www.accoutrements.com > > > > > > These 'toys' are also sold at the following sites. > > > > > > ship-of-fools.com/Gadgets/Toys/097.html > > > > > > Link to products with Hindu Gods. > > > www.mcphee.com/enlightenment/hindu.html > > > Sacred Hindu symbolism on footwear > > > London footwear company 'Lacey' finally apologises > > > for printing the sacred symbol 'OM' on slippers. All > > > sales are apparently withdrawn. Every week, Hindus > > > see the defamation of Hinduism. Ancient and sacred > > > symbols are abused by businesses to gain a quick > > > buck in the name of 'the beauty of Hindu culture'. > > > Mockery is made is made out of worlds oldest living > > > civilisation. We request you to voice your concerns > > > with your local media, MPs and community. In the > > > wave of defamation of Hindu symbolism and > > > sentiments, lets also not forget the innocent Hindus > > > who are being butchered and tortured in Bangladesh, > > > India (Jammu & Kashmir, North East), Nepal and > > > Pakistan. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > We support American Hindus Against Defamation AHAD > > > > > > The Hindu Human Rights group thanks you for your > > > support! > > > > > > email: hinduhumanrights > > > > > > 2002-2003 Hindu Human Rights All rights > > > reserved. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Music Unlimited > > Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > http://music./unlimited/ > > > > > > > > Traditions Divine > > > > > > > > > > > > Visit your group "" on the web. > > > > > > > > > > Terms of > Service. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2005 Report Share Posted October 24, 2005 It is real stupidity to talk about such things here. either go and blast the people who hurt the sentiments of others. They may claim that they have a right to anything and everything. All religions should be respected. Boycott such attire once and for all. spread the message. Divine beliefs should be upheld. SR.Rajkumar prainbow61 <paulie-rainbow wrote: Namaste, May I jump in? Would anyone dare put up Christian underwear? Why, yes. In fact, some of them are exceptionally rude. http://www.jesus21.com/poppydixon/product/panties/panties.html http://www.cafepress.com/jesus21/37397 You can get the U.S. flag on a thong, much to my dismay. Actually, there's no limit to the rude use of imagery that someone somewhere considers reverent. But I don't think that it's wrong to call the large, respectable institutions back into line when they show blatant disrespect to your personal faith. You've just got a lot more hope for response if more than a dozen people, other than yourself actually practice that faith. And that's why I like the hue and cry of the Hindus over this underwear debacle. It gives the mainstream a chance to accomodate the polytheists for a change. And that's quite satisfying to me. Blessings, prainbow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2005 Report Share Posted October 25, 2005 People need get a sense of proportion and persepective in this matter. I am not by any means condoning the use of religious symbolism on underwear, toilet seats etc. However, far more insidious and dangerous is the lack of hue and cry and proper action when is comes to so called Western Academics who publish their "authoratative" works on aspects of Sanata Dharma and these are then seen as de facto beliefs of Hindus amongst world academics and people of other faiths. THAT is far far worse than a pair of underpants with OM written on it. , "SR.Raj kumar" <srirajarajeswari9> wrote: > > It is real stupidity to talk about such things here. either go and blast the people who hurt the sentiments of others. They may claim that they have a right to anything and everything. All religions should be respected. Boycott such attire once and for all. spread the message. > Divine beliefs should be upheld. > SR.Rajkumar > > prainbow61 <paulie-rainbow@u...> wrote: > Namaste, > > May I jump in? > > Would anyone dare put up Christian underwear? Why, yes. In fact, some > of them are exceptionally rude. > > http://www.jesus21.com/poppydixon/product/panties/panties.html > http://www.cafepress.com/jesus21/37397 > > You can get the U.S. flag on a thong, much to my dismay. Actually, > there's no limit to the rude use of imagery that someone somewhere > considers reverent. > > But I don't think that it's wrong to call the large, respectable > institutions back into line when they show blatant disrespect to your > personal faith. You've just got a lot more hope for response if more > than a dozen people, other than yourself actually practice that faith. > > And that's why I like the hue and cry of the Hindus over this > underwear debacle. It gives the mainstream a chance to accomodate the > polytheists for a change. > > And that's quite satisfying to me. > > Blessings, > > prainbow > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 26, 2005 Report Share Posted October 26, 2005 Hello her_asha Would you like to explain what you mean by "proper action" here? Om Shantih Colin , "her_asha" <her_asha> wrote: > > People need get a sense of proportion and persepective in this matter. > > I am not by any means condoning the use of religious symbolism on > underwear, toilet seats etc. However, far more insidious and dangerous > is the lack of hue and cry and proper action when is comes to so > called Western Academics who publish their "authoratative" works on > aspects of Sanata Dharma and these are then seen as de facto beliefs > of Hindus amongst world academics and people of other faiths. THAT is > far far worse than a pair of underpants with OM written on it. > > > > , "SR.Raj kumar" > <srirajarajeswari9> wrote: > > > > It is real stupidity to talk about such things here. either go and > blast the people who hurt the sentiments of others. They may claim > that they have a right to anything and everything. All religions > should be respected. Boycott such attire once and for all. spread the > message. > > Divine beliefs should be upheld. > > SR.Rajkumar > > > > prainbow61 <paulie-rainbow@u...> wrote: > > Namaste, > > > > May I jump in? > > > > Would anyone dare put up Christian underwear? Why, yes. In fact, some > > of them are exceptionally rude. > > > > http://www.jesus21.com/poppydixon/product/panties/panties.html > > http://www.cafepress.com/jesus21/37397 > > > > You can get the U.S. flag on a thong, much to my dismay. Actually, > > there's no limit to the rude use of imagery that someone somewhere > > considers reverent. > > > > But I don't think that it's wrong to call the large, respectable > > institutions back into line when they show blatant disrespect to your > > personal faith. You've just got a lot more hope for response if more > > than a dozen people, other than yourself actually practice that faith. > > > > And that's why I like the hue and cry of the Hindus over this > > underwear debacle. It gives the mainstream a chance to accomodate the > > polytheists for a change. > > > > And that's quite satisfying to me. > > > > Blessings, > > > > prainbow > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2005 Report Share Posted October 28, 2005 hello Colin, Most certainly I'd like to explain what I mean by "proper action" The authencity of the Authors work and interpretation to be highlighted and discussed in the proper circles and especially academic circles such that there is at the very least, an awareness in that area of Academia, that what this author has written is going against the interpretation and belief of the followers of the faith on the whole. This would hopefully mean that before other academics put these books on student reading lists, or the contents of these books are taken as de facto, people would look at another work/interpretaton on the iconography of Kali or imagary of Ganesha for example and realise that these authors have written is not Gospel!! Lol...I was not by any means advocating fatwas, mass book burnings or "sit ins" outside that author's university!! her_asha , "colin777au" <colinr@z...> wrote: > > Hello her_asha > > Would you like to explain what you mean by "proper action" here? > > Om Shantih > Colin > > > , "her_asha" <her_asha> > wrote: > > > > People need get a sense of proportion and persepective in this > matter. > > > > I am not by any means condoning the use of religious symbolism on > > underwear, toilet seats etc. However, far more insidious and > dangerous > > is the lack of hue and cry and proper action when is comes to so > > called Western Academics who publish their "authoratative" works on > > aspects of Sanata Dharma and these are then seen as de facto > beliefs > > of Hindus amongst world academics and people of other faiths. THAT > is > > far far worse than a pair of underpants with OM written on it. > > > > > > > > , "SR.Raj kumar" > > <srirajarajeswari9> wrote: > > > > > > It is real stupidity to talk about such things here. either go > and > > blast the people who hurt the sentiments of others. They may claim > > that they have a right to anything and everything. All religions > > should be respected. Boycott such attire once and for all. spread > the > > message. > > > Divine beliefs should be upheld. > > > SR.Rajkumar > > > > > > prainbow61 <paulie-rainbow@u...> wrote: > > > Namaste, > > > > > > May I jump in? > > > > > > Would anyone dare put up Christian underwear? Why, yes. In fact, > some > > > of them are exceptionally rude. > > > > > > http://www.jesus21.com/poppydixon/product/panties/panties.html > > > http://www.cafepress.com/jesus21/37397 > > > > > > You can get the U.S. flag on a thong, much to my dismay. > Actually, > > > there's no limit to the rude use of imagery that someone > somewhere > > > considers reverent. > > > > > > But I don't think that it's wrong to call the large, respectable > > > institutions back into line when they show blatant disrespect to > your > > > personal faith. You've just got a lot more hope for response if > more > > > than a dozen people, other than yourself actually practice that > faith. > > > > > > And that's why I like the hue and cry of the Hindus over this > > > underwear debacle. It gives the mainstream a chance to > accomodate the > > > polytheists for a change. > > > > > > And that's quite satisfying to me. > > > > > > Blessings, > > > > > > prainbow > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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