The Blogospheric Mirror

This entry presents some graphs and charts from SiteMeter that reveal some information about all of YOU who visit(ed) this blog, as of February 22, 2008. I figured it would be good to divulge some of the more interesting ones that I found among an assortment of different figures on my SiteMeter page.



The 1st chart of continental representation shows a lack of South Americans and Africans who visit my blog. Also, remember that the Middle East and South Asia are part of "Asia," making that the second continent after North America.




I suppose it's no coincidence that the 3 countries I have lived in recently comprise 84% of this blog's audience. Azerbaijan might be the oddest/most unlikely of the many countries that were "1%" of the total viewers.










As for the language chart, the various languages represent the internet browser setting and not the actual mother tongue or even primary word processing language. The Hebrew-speaking nation is a distant second to English, and the primacy of English on the internets is readily apparent. However, perhaps I should consider blogging in other tongues at some point. Farsi is perhaps not too surprising of a presence, due to the fact that Iran contributes an inordinate number of bloggers to the blogosphere.












In terms of Operating System, the minority players Mac OS X and Linux came in at 29% and 2%, respectively. These percentages seem to be slightly higher than those operating systems' share of the total number of operating systems used by all blog viewers worldwide.





As for the internet browsers, Firefox 1 comes in well ahead of IE 7, with 39% and 29%, respectively. However, Firefox 2 and IE 6 are tied at 15%, perhaps suggesting that a significant number of Firefox loyalists simply haven't switched to the newer version of their preferred browser. Netscape's browser, at 2%, seems to be a thing of the past. Safari (the browser that I will be switching to if this Firefox 2 keeps having bugs) was also at 2%.

Misc = Primaries, Schmap, Clock, and Map

This map and graph, courtesy of Wikimedia and the U of Iowa, respectively, depict the current status of the contest to select the Democratic nominee for this fall's American Presidential election. Barack Obama is currently leading according to the futures chart at bottom by a margin of over 2 to 1, after having criss-crossed with Hillary Clinton just over two weeks ago. As of now, Obama is leading by about 64 delegates. With almost half of the delegates not yet tallied, there is still a long way to go in this historic contest.

I did indeed vote for one of these two candidates, as part of the Democrats Abroad primary (which amounts to a total of 11 delegates that are sent to the Democratic National Convention in Denver starting on August 25th). In the map at left, these expat votes are shown in grey next to those for Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Obama = blue, Clinton = Red, Edwards = green, stripped of delegates = black, and not yet assigned = grey. So, the 11 expat delegates have not yet been won. I must say that at this point, I am essentially indifferent to whichever candidate ends up as the Democratic front-runner, as long as the party successfully unites behind the chosen nominee and ushers him/her to the White House.

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Next of these several miscellaneous things - this phenomenal World Clock gizmo is one of the most interesting things I've seen on the internets in a while. You can set the timer by year, month, week, day, and "now," so play around with the different settings to see how fast the tallies rise and how many of the given events have occurred already in those 5 categories. I find it most fulfilling to press "now" repeatedly in order to constantly be aware of how much of each event happens every instant, even after you reset the clock. AIDS, oil, computers, births, species, etc...and after you play around with this world clock, check out the other "clocks" of time zone, U.S. crime, Christmas countdown, etc...This is a great resource.

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Schmap is a solid resource for finding information on activities in urban areas throughout the world. Check it out!

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Mal-connected:



If your computer's internet connection is as slow as mine at the moment (perhaps due to a cut cable thousands of kilometers away at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea), then you might want to perform a speed check on your connection. Hopefully, your bytes are flowing faster than mine were when this test was logged.

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Next is an enlightening map sequence from Maps of War that depicts the succession of empires that have ruled over the Middle East. It's rather insightful.

Travel Tips for Voyages to India

This entry is excerpted from an email I crafted to my auspicious first visitors from my motherland to my new home in Mumbai. Perhaps it's some useful advice for anyone visiting.

So as you get ready for your first trip to India, your first trip to Asia, and your first trip to the real 3rd world, here are a few ideas and suggestions! As for poverty, hustle/bustle, and street chaos, though I can't speak for the places that I've not yet visited, I can elaborate on the nature of Mumbai and on my general impressions of travel within India.

Loads of People!

This country is teeming with bodies. You may very well be taken aback by the sheer number of human beings walking, talking, and sharing the same public spaces as you. Along with this volume of people, it is crucial to appreciate the way Indian society is organized and how the people must act in order to get along day in, day out. If 1.1 billion Americans were pushed into a country 1/3 the size of the U.S., they wouldn't last more than a few days. Indians are not only surviving, but they thrive in many ways. The vibrancy of the masses is something worth trying to comprehend, even though there is the latent fear of being caught up in the chaos of the crowds from time to time. While there are unfortunate mob incidents infrequently, Indian mobs are also often known for chasing down criminals and enforcing positive street justice. But, generally, learn to love the smells and the noises, the salwar-kameez and the turbans. Some of the ethnic garb, especially in Rajasthan, is bound to be absolutely enthralling. If the masses are difficult to appreciate, it is at least possible to be captivated by their colorful vestments and dynamic interations...Regardless, you will surely appreciate the private space of your lodgings even more upon emerging from the public domain in which you are swimming in a sea of sarees.

Simple Gestures Mean Much

With this juxtaposition of calm private space in which we are privileged to enjoy the luxury of many square meters exclusively cordoned off for our own activities and relaxation comes the issue of perspective. We have, and most Indians have not. There are small things that you can do here and there that will mean a lot to the strangers you meet. You cannot save India from its grueling poverty. You cannot uplift hundreds of millions. But, you can strive to make individual connections, if you are so inclined, by picking a few small items to bring that would make someone's day. Also, Indian people can often be so appreciative of a seemingly unimportant smile, wave, or nod, but these reactions to your presence will in turn evoke your warmest sentiments, allowing you to appreciate how they've made you feel welcome. Sometimes, it's not even worth contemplating the big picture or the scope of negative issues which you witness. Put yourself in perspective, and then try not to dwell too excessively on the negatives. People will appreciate you when you reach out and merely say your name or country of origin. These simple declarations will almost always evoke tens of grins, head wiggles, inquisitive gazes...
People are Puzzles

Since I am inclined to study people, I am rather acutely aware of how people go about their business in the context of their personal lives and in broader social, economic, and political networks. From a social science perspective, this country is unbelievably complex. Caste, ethnicity, language, and politics are vast categories that cannot be fully understood so quickly. Yet, there are so many fascinating aspects of how occupational groups function, how culture and caste intertwine, who speaks which language in which situations, and how you feel you could become a part of the society that you are observing. Think a little bit beforehand about which of these things you are interested in exploring so that you have some idea of what you want to come away with in terms of knowledge. You'll pick up a few phrases in Hinglish! You'll also learn a few bizarre caste details that will baffle you! You'll also be amazed by the way that it all comes together...

Spiritual Phenomena Deciphered

We have all had quite in-depth conversations about spirituality, but you will undoubtedly have ample time to explore this domain during your time on the subcontinent. You may be awed by the sense of serenity that pervades in Hindu temples and Sufi shrines. There is a good chance that you will feel soothed by the visuals, sandalwood scents, and ritual activities of these sites. You will come across so many gods and goddesses that you might fill up your Blackberry's memory with all the deity nomenclature. However, these are all just earthly representations of forces, visions, dimensions. The human form and the images of the deities overlap a great deal here. Indian society has the ability to deify virtually any person who has spiritual sway for a given group. Certain of these deities might win over your allegiances, but most importantly, you will find some peace in the atmosphere of concentration and devotion that exists in most spiritual space here. Spirituality is also to be grasped in nature, since natural space away from commotion is often hard to come by. Nature can be found just beside a stunning monument to some dead maharaja or far off in some woods where sadhus and sanyasins wander. Yet, the monumentality of human creation can create a spiritual feeling indeed, and we will likely be struck by the grandeur of many of the historical sites.

Fun and Relaxation are Key Elements

At the end of the day, you will be traveling as tourists for the purpose of enjoying some quality leisure time. It is very worthwhile to leave plenty of room for laughing and singing, bonding and frolicking. You will have lots to do and too much to see, but just remember that you should leave some time for simple enjoyment, whether in the context of an interaction with a rickshaw driver or while watching Hindi soaps in the hotel room. Dining, strolling, and viewing are part of your learning experience, but they also should be an opportunity to absorb yourselves in a whole different place and forget about being productive or busy or meaningful. Fun in India definitely does involve some planning and organization, but that being said, we've got lots of room for entertaining ourselves!




Travel Health is Integral

You will be most at ease if you calmly think about how much time you want to spend in transit, what foods you are comfortable eating, and when to sit back and relax after a tiring adventure. The food is to be enjoyed hedonistically, and we will probably be eating most of our meals in clean establishments that are recommended by other folks who've traveled in India. You might have some digestive issues, but it is all about being comfortable with the eating experience. Just be mindful of what is clean and what is not. In terms of travel distances, it is crucial to rest during in between times so that these inter-city voyages don't tire excessively. We can't see everything in the several weeks that you're here, and so we have to fit a reasonable amount into each of the days. It's great to be ambitious about the number of sites you have on your list, but we should always be mindful that stuff in India can take a long time. Lines, bureaucracies, decisions, negotiations...All of these things can be taxing to the Nth degree when involving local, parochial, outdated procedures. But, remaining mentally unbothered by these obstacles is key.

Stuff to Buy

It will be more than plentiful. It will be ubiquitous. You will find so much to purchase that you won't know which consumption bug hit you. Take it slow on the buying, since we will have time to pick up the goodies. Get a sense for how much an Indian would pay for something - and how much it is truly worth to you - and then go into the bargaining process prepared to come away only with the result that you desire. We will surely happen upon saffron treasure after sapphire nugget after elephant sculpture. Go all out if you know how much you will be content to spend. There will be tchotchkes of all sorts to bring back, and so get excited about this ethnic shoppers' paradise.

Photographer's Shangri-La

This is one of the most practical ways of capturing the memories that we will want to bring home. You will be able to take away a lot of visual evidence of your voyage, and the vast majority of your photo subjects will appreciate your desire to photograph them. Just be mindful that this technology does not rule over your other senses to the extent that you experience things predominantly through your camera. But, the photos will be supreme. You will indeed snap some of the best shots you've ever laid eyes upon.

Bon voyage et a bientot!

In sum, this expedition to the Hindustani heartland will be extraordinary. I'm enthralled to be embarking with you on a trip to the real Hindi belt, and Rajasthan & Varanasi in particular will be incredible to experience for me. I've just listed a few (hopefully not too many) things above that recently came to mind, and I hope they are useful for readying yourselves for a profound trip.

Zero Denominated Bills

Zeros are held to represent the complete lack of value. With respect to the currencies to the left that have been copied directly from other websites, the notion of currency without merit conveys a significant level of irreverence. This is tied into a general lack of respect for pecuniary traditions or some broader political critique. Such graphic representations also might come in handy when attempting to show that economic distress has ruined a currency/economy. In the case of these three, the main idea differs in each. The three men depicted in the currencies also are tied into the particular message that each is communicating. It is worth exploring why each of these notes was created and what overall purpose is served by the particular currency rendering.


The zero rupee note is the bearer of a political sort of message, implying that corruption carries a huge cost and there is no bakhsheesh involved in withholding a bribe. See this NGO's site for more info about the campaign to end corruption on the subcontinent: 5th Pillar.

Next is the American commander-in-chief who was rather demonized by pro-immigration folks, among others. This note was popularized in May 2006 during the massive immigration rallies that sprung up across the United States in order to show support for over 10 million ostensibly illegal immigrants residing on American soil. Check Hot Air for your zero peso fix.

Lastly, the zero currency most economically, monetarily, and financially apt in the current geopolitical period depicts Uncle Sam on the face of a devalued American bill. The assumption, perhaps, is that the currency has been gravely affected by the most famous American military recruiter and the consequences of his boss's overseas activities.

Thus, all three notes symbolize the power of currency, as well as the ephemeral value of money - once you account for the unstable vacillations of world capital flows and geopolitical strife.

Yay or No, Tata Nano?

Tata Motors has just unleashed a beast of a vehicle. Their new People's Car is bite-size but packs a punch for the roaring Indian economy. While the release of this four-wheeler will clog roadways and gulp gazillions of pint-sized gas jugs, the Nano offers many folks the first car they could never before afford. This thusly presents a double-edged sword. Like much technology that is introduced to the market before the true impact can be gauged, this 1 lakh (100,000 rupees = $2,500) car will make waves.

This car is undoubtedly a safe alternative for millions of Indians who have been riding perilously along on two-wheelers with toddlers hanging off the sides and a stack of plywood strapped to the back rack. It is a rather affordable opportunity to jump into a vehicle that will protect human bodies from the rough and tumble of non-stop congestion on the pavement. Safety for bodies and affordability for pocketbooks are certainly top priorities, but it behooves us to understand the long-term effects of this vehicle.

But, it is first necessary to reiterate how the 1 lakh Nano is a simple machine. It has none of the following: AC, power windows, power steering, keyless entry, radio. It also has only one windshield wiper. We indeed must admire the simplicity of this miniature automobile and the truly impressive aesthetic that it embodies. Semi-Luddite tendencies aside, the low cost of this vehicle and its inherent Nano coolness make it an attractive buy for many people who are in the market for bigger and better ways of living their quotidian existences.

Back to the costs, ecologically and transportationally speaking. This car promotes the consumption of ever more fossil fuels, at a time when Indian corporations need to be investing in public transport infrastructure rather than in these Nano vehicles. Instead of pumping capital into the marketing of Nanos and ensuring their eventual proliferation, money would be infinitely better spent on unclogging roads. This could be achieved, in a dream world, by laying down more railroad tracks, creating workable high-speed bus lanes, and providing incentives for municipalities to charge a congestion tax for car commuters (who cannot really be blamed for avoiding the mayhem of bus/train travel in cities like Mumbai). Yet, this eternally increasing number of drivers mercilessly and exponentially drive us all into transportation hell on a daily basis. In an ideal world, we would not want more cars on the road.

Yet, let's not kid ourselves here. This is India, and there are bohut bohut bucks to be made from this Tata Nano. Hate it or love it, the Nano represents both the best of India's dreams and the worst of its shortcomings. It delivers on the promise for each and every deserving soul to ride around in a Nano car. It also contributes to the quickening disintegration of roadway sanity and well-being. Ratanji, this car has got to be, the symbol of the new Bharat. Shall it be Yay or No to your Tata Nano? Na, no? Ha, ji?

Tata Motors Press Release

Stop Snitching II and Schengen II

Two dyed-in-the-wool causes are celebrating the inception of Round II. While one of these involves witness intimidation, a murder rate in Baltimore that just topped 300 thus far in 2007, and kids with big guns, the other celebrates expansion of the pan-Euro safety zone and the solidification of a unified European continent.

<(courtesy of BBC)

Stop Snitching in its 2nd avatar is now bigger and badder. The subject matter remains the same, but the stakes have climbed higher, since the original's makers mostly went to jail for crimes related to what they discussed openly in the ghettocumentary. This time around, the Baltimore Police Department ain't even playing no games.

Due to the cultural fallout from the first Stop Snitching, the 5-0 in Baltimore have no intention of ceding any ground to the thugs and/or film-makers, whom most mainstream Baltimorons groups together with the actual criminals, a mistake which may or may not be merely a strategic decision aimed at simplifying the equation.

The unbearable truth for many law-abiding citizens is that there is a culture of cool surrounding the culture of actual thuggery. While there is a diehard core of dealers, sellers, and support staff who actually engage in the urban pharmaceutical business, there is a much larger group of citizens who revere the cultural aura surrounding Stop Snitching but do not actually adhere to its titular mantra.

As such, the terrain has become rockier for the fans and the foes. While I have not yet purchased the new dvd, which is on sale for 14.95 on select websites, it appears that production values are a bit more high-octane this time around. Judging by the silvery Mac with which the director gracefully toys in the clip above, I would say that the sequel probably outdoes the original in cosmopolitanism, finesse, and perhaps even rawness. "Like Part 1 on steroids," this realer than reality tv material is a much more potent cultural statement than most people understand. Part 2 appears more intellectual and nuanced than the silly original. Or perhaps not everyone agrees that showing footage of kids toting guns and puffing Js is not sophisticated or novel. The director claims he is just holding a mirror up to society. And, for all we know, maybe he does indeed provide an accurate depiction of the double-edged sword that thugs and police loathe and love: snitching!

If the movie does a satisfactory job of defining snitching, then it might end up defending the cause of snitch prevention. In the first film, Skinny Suge made a concerted effort to talk about the extent of his snitch prevention movement and how he intended to start a foundation to oppose this insidious form of anti-criminal criminality. He swore to exact vengeance on those criminals who used the system as long as they could profit from it, and then turned against that same system once they opportunistically realized a new avenue of snitchery might better suit their tastes. I'm curious whether or not the new ghettocumentary lives up to expectations. I also am uncertain about whether the film will further marginalize the Stop Snitching movement or whether both sides in this cultural battle will become more entrenched to the extent that Stop Snitching becomes immortalized as not just one part of the holistic ghetto philosophy but as the cardinal rule.

Schengen II, on the other hand, celebrates progress, order, and continuity, rather than devolution, chaos, and uncertainty. The new concept of Europe that is embodied by the increasingly porous set of nation-states that comprise the continent continues to define itself in unprecedented ways. While much of the rest of the world is erecting concrete slabs and uber high-tech barriers to border-crossing, Europe has been chugging along on this path to cohesion, cooperation, and convergence. While Europe has its problems (high unemployment, ethnic tensions, and swollen welfare coffers), the European course of development leaves the U.S. (Jah bless) in the dust in certain key areas. Perhaps I am just bitter about my country's lack of agreement on environmental and healthcare issues. Maybe I have a naive view of contemporary security imperatives and the often jingoistic tone of American foreign policy, but we are seeing the results of ill-advised policies. The rapidly falling dollar perhaps best demonstrates the current President's various ingenious activities, and expats are more keenly aware of how foreign policy decisions impact the American relationship with the rest of the world in both the financial and cultural domains.

While I don't want to sound like Michael Moore by praising an undoubtedly positive feature of European life and speaking ill of American phenomena (oh how I love apple pie with American cheese melted on top!), I cannot cease comparing my homeland to our buddies across the Atlantic. The EU is incredible in its ability to solidify this notion of European-ness. Although the folks in Brussels need to work out lots of Constitutional issues, immigration laws, and final borders, this supra-national entity is unbelievable. I shall not express too fawning of an attitude towards the EU, but I sure do admire its level of geopolitical achievement. One may now walk/drive/bike across Europe from Estonia to Portugal without being stopped at any borders or being checked for a passport. The pace at which Europe has become integrated continues to amaze. One day, perhaps the Arabic Gulf Union, South American Union, and a few other supra-national unions might accomplish the same things, but for now, Schengen II is superfly!

Fantasy Realms Bequeathed

As I write these bloglines from my Bombay abode, I relate to thee as a neo-Mumbaikar. I have only recently arrived in this urban agglomeration of around 18 million people. As such, I fit right into the landscape of the city, for I am a migrant in a city of migrants. One might call me a nomad, as I've lived in a significant variety of cities over the last few years. Nomads in fact generally fall under the Nomadic Tribes category here in India, but I most likely would not be characterized by the same (please note my liberal use of non-American anglicisms that are newly acquired from Indian-English). Anyway, one might properly label me an expatriate, as I belong to the spectacularly virtual online consortium otherwise known as BombayExpats. Furthermore, my demographic affiliation in this town would readily be identifiable as expat.

Santa's Ghetto
I-Look Israeli Street Fashion
the street's walker

All of the above being said, I pasted the above links and pics (both courtesy of Jah's army) in order to transport thee to a prior station in my life, that of the Semitic variety. As we reach the last days of the Gregorian year 2007, I ponder the events of the first six months of this wild year. I was living in a cosmopolitan bubble at the heart of a conflict zone. Tel Aviv was my city of residence for a meaningful chunk of my life, albeit a short period of time. My experiences at the core of Semitic civilization (P.B.U.H., H=Shem) englightened me in countless ways about the workings of this troubled universe that we inhabit.

Despite the violent character that pervades much of Semitic civilization today, why not hark back to the times I spent in an edgy place with all sorts of avant-garde problems, idiosyncrasies, and fashions. My longing for just a night in Florentine getting busy to B-More club spun by Botanika is indescribable. It is imperative that I can experience this sphere at least vicariously, lest I lose touch with where I laid down roots, albeit temporarily and/or hastily. I love Kna'an in all its manifestations. The land of milk and honey comes in many flavors, and I have savored many of these tastes.

Kna'an is a land of rebellion. Stubborn invaders meet tribal partisans who are hellbent on the hegemony of their deities and culture. The dialectic continues, as peoples always try to claim that they were the original inhabitants (known as adivasis on the sub-continent). However, the truth is that most of today's supposedly native peoples, first nations, and aboriginals were not the original inhabitants of the lands over which they seek further dominion. The map-crafting game is all about convincing a critical mass of laypeople, bureaucrats, academics that your group has legitimate historical control over a significant enough swath of territory. This in turn credits your people with some form of ideological land deed, which itself transforms into a birthright that can be inherited by future generations.

In the case of the warring parties in Kna'an, it is my belief that neither side had arrived in the Holy Land much prior to the 14th Century BC. It is clear that both sides have ancestors who hailed from somewhere very close to the Holy Land, but at some point, through a melange of benevolent migration and brutal invasion, the various peoples made their way into the Promised Land.




Therefore, since one people "originally" came from the seas to the west and the other people "originally" came from the deserts to the northeast and southwest, neither can claim exclusive privileges over the land, water, or airspace. There is one remaining year of Mr. Bush's reign, and Jah willing there will be some earth-shattering deals struck at the eastern shores of the potentially pacifying Mediterranean Sea.


^^^^(Shout-out to my home-dog Ditto!!!)^^^^



The maps below from Strange Maps deserve some blogspace due to their geographical splendor. The first one is infinitely scintillating for anyone who is fascinated by maps of metros, undergrounds, trams, monorails, or other public transit. The concept of symbolically linking together all of the disparate international metro systems (built, under construction, and/or planned) is a radical step. Check out the creators at Metro Maps of the World.

Next, the blondes of Europe map (courtesy of the le mec and originally from EUpedia) will stimulate anyone who is turned on by cartography, blondes, and/or genetics.

I hope these diversions are enjoyed as situationist spectacle. Jai Jai Jai!

Abrahamic-Brahmanic Linkages

I have read up on numerous theorists who posit bizarre and often dubious links between the Abrahamic and Brahmanic traditions. Some of the overlapping themes that remain scholarly questionable include: various Semitic-sounding place-names in India that are attributed to Hebraic rather than Arabic roots, particular Hindu castes/communities (Yadavs, Kashmiris) for whom some sort of distant Jewish origin is claimed, and a number of liturgical references in prayers, songs, and scriptures that ostensibly point to common origins. Another common theme for such Indo-Judaic researchers is A-braham's purported a-Brahmanism, which would explain the derivation of his name. Such folks argue that Abraham originated somewhere in the Indo-Aryan homeland and migrated westward towards Canaan because he rejected the precepts of Brahmanism.

These speculations arise in a time when increasing knowledge is being revealed about the history of the 5 groups from India who practice actual Judaism in various ways (Cochini, Bene Israel, Baghdadi, Bnei Menashe, and Bene Ephraim-Telugu) and whose descent from "real" Jews ranges from literal to far-fetched (see link below).

Regardless, in recent years, there has been a tremendous warming of relations between Jews/Israel and Indians/India, with America more or less providing a conduit. The increased linkages have taken on business, tourism, military, and geopolitical dimensions. The extent of these connections is beyond the scope of this commentary, but suffice it to say that relations are more intimate than ever between these two people-groupings, for a plethora of reasons. The end of the Cold War meant a significant shift in alliances, especially with regards to the rise of Islamism. Moreover, the Indian economy liberalized and the Indian government has generally been moving even closer to the US on the global spectrum of geopolitical actors. Aside from the government, I have noticed that all types of Indians have reacted with exceptional glee when I identified my country of origin. So, the connections are intensifying with regards to neo-liberal economic ties, ballooning tourism exchange, and increased cross-cultural understanding.

From a rather basic perspective, many ordinary Indians simply view America as being an incredibly alluring and free land of opportunity, while Americans often see India as curiously exotic.
I will allow Wiki to do all the explaining about the nature of the 5 Indian Jewish communities, since it can do so rather comprehensively: Wikipedia entry on Indian Jews There is also a very profound Israeli obsession with India that I have not fully witnessed due to my lack of time on the tourist circuit thus far. But, there is a multitude of connections on this front that might be much better explained by those who are well-versed on the subject.


One additional area of common interest lies in the priestly caste, which exists in both Hinduism and Judaism. While there is significant difference between Kohens and Brahmins, there is a bizarre linkage between the two traditions. While there are many more vestiges of Brahminical privilege extant in contemporary Hinduism, some features of Kohen status still serve to differentiate and elevate the priests of the ancient Hebrew temple from the commoners. Judaic society was never stratified in the same way as Hindu society has been, but there is nonetheless an ongoing reverence for Kohen lineage within the Jewish tradition, and descent from the mythological-historical figure of Aaron is a major source of pride for modern-day bearers of this (genetic) marker of priestliness. Regardless, the priests of yesteryear retain special distinction in both cultural spheres.



Next, due to the controversy involved in various political issues, I will not delve deeply into the issues addressed in the two news articles below. However, I present them as examples of two opposite perspectives on the contemporary relationship between American Jews and upper-caste Indians. There are undoubtedly various similarities between anti-Brahminism and anti-Semitism, which both have varied avatars.

NYTimes perspective
Dalit Voice perspective

The flagship publication of the American media has an uncritical perspective on what the fiery Dalit Voice terms a rather unholy alliance between American Jews and Brahmins. Brahmins are viewed as being a similar tribe in their way of attaining economic resources and courting political influence, both in India and abroad. The tone of the latter article is rather conspiratorial and incendiary. The divergent stylistic approaches are duly noted, and the irate subaltern journalism is contrasted with the professional, hegemonic U.S. media outlet's confident, bourgeois voice. The connections between Abrahamic and Dharmic faiths nonetheless blur many of the distinctions that were traditionally thought to exist between East and West.

Dalit Dreams

My seven weeks thus far on the subcontinent have brought me into close proximity with more human beings than I have ever seen, smelled, or touched. This India is teeming with bodies. More than anything else, what differentiates one's experiences with the Indian masses from experiences with masses of people in other countries is the extent to which the Indian masses are so severely downtrodden. The Britishers used to call these folks the depressed classes of Indian society.

At times, they have been labeled backwards, indigent, or primitive. While those who formerly were considered untouchables constitute about 16% of India's population, around 2/3 of the country's inhabitants are considered backwards. This term is not considered offensive or even politically incorrect here. It is not suggestive of one's political inclination or ideological bent. Dalit is the term used for "broken" people, and although it is generally limited to those who are termed Scheduled Castes (former untouchables), it is a word that encompasses a much broader movement and a much larger amalgamation of downtrodden groups. So, I believe that it can be effectively applied to the better portion of this country's people. This would include all of the originally low-caste people who currently self-identify with either Hinduism or any of the other various faiths that have absorbed large numbers of former untouchables.

Either way, I must first make clear that I have no intention of presenting my political views herein. Due to the nature of my research activities in Mumbai, I refrain from political participation to the best of my ability. While this is difficult to do when researching Dalit issues, it is necessary to do so in order to present impartial findings on the subject after fair evaluation of sources, scope, and eventual utilization of resource outputs after the project's completion.

So, regardless of political orientation, all those who understand India's workings realize that the vast majority of her people are struggling, impoverished, and lacking in material resources. I offer no assessment of whether such material dearth is better or worse for satisfaction levels over the course of a lifetime.

Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to observe many aspects of the Indian social structure. While studying the various forms of cultural organization that keep Indian society severely stratified, I have embarked on a mission to document and describe, understand and enlighten. I do my best to maintain neutrality, and I avoid political engagement. Perhaps some folks see that this is not even possible given the nature of social science and human geography research. But, my goal is certainly to maintain as unbiased a stance as possible.

That being said, I have observed whom some may refer to as the dregs of the earth. Dalits are the throngs of human beings that arouse feelings of insecurity in those who fear overpopulation with masses of uneducated, un-Westernized, and unchanged persons. These folks have not much evolved due to how they have been disconnected from many possible channels to advancement. Yet, opportunities exist that may be availed by these populations.

Despite their hunger and pain, their madness and degradation, these are pure human beings. Gandhi called them children of God: Harijans. They are beautiful despite their ignorance and seemingly permanent state of severe defeat. They are emerging. They swear never to remain broken, devalued, downtrodden.

One caste/one tribe. One earth/one love.