Indianness (again!!)

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In a message dated 5/10/01 7:03:36 PM W. Europe Daylight Time,

INDOLOGY writes:

 

<< Just as a Punjabi

and a Tamilian can have important differences in their cultural

attitudes but still be subsumed in a general Indianness that is wholly

accurate (depending on the quality of the generalisation) >>

 

 

I have yet to hear of a generalization (or see the required "quality") that

is "wholly accurate" about all Indians. The best definition of what is

required to be an Indian is probably that of the State of India, which, even

so, has great difficulties applying its laws concerning Indian citizenship.

(Just ask the legal experts who specialize in this area). I would like to be

enlightened, but expect that to understand what is required to be an Indian

requires being an Indian-- a view which, from my perspective, seems rather

racist, or, if race is not the issue, then find the right word for me. (Of

course, in some minds/traditions the only way to have and know the true

Indianness is to belong to a particular caste-- or varna. But surely no one

wants to make that claim here and now.)

Thanx.

 

ATB

 

John Oliver Perry

Prof. Engl., retd. Tufts U., Boston, USA

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