Fancy a Cup of America, anyone?

America having the strongest global economic and political power, has inevitably found a place in almost any other culture around the world. Whether you suffer from habitual Big Mac and Mc Flurry cravings or cringe at the thought of having to miss the latest episode of “One Tree Hill” or “Gossip Girls”, your American tastes can be satisfied almost anywhere around the world. This propagation of American products has to be more than just a mere accident. Largely attributed to globalisation, it is part of a larger trend of conscious proliferation of American culture and values- Cultural imperialism (The practice of promoting, distinguishing, separating, or artificially injecting the culture or language of one nation into another)

More than just the dissemination of consumer goods, much of America’s principles such a “freedom” or “democracy” are prevalent in other cultures. Thus, issues such as the undervaluation of woman and children, in many cultures has changed, and more women are finding themselves a place in society thanks to these American ideals. This may seem appealing on the surface, but deep down it masks a frightening truth. That cultures are disappearing due to the overpowering corporate and cultural America. It makes me feel as if globalisation is heading everyone to the direction of cultural uniformity. Gradually, America may colonize almost every other culture, completely. Today, the spread of American culture goes through every communication medium: 90% of the information available on the Internet is in English, CNN is seen in 120 countries, Stephen King is the number one best seller in the world. Is this not already a sign of cultural uniformity?

Leaving that aside, let’s get back to the disintegration of cultures in specific. One very obvious example that comes to my mind when I think of this issue is that Indians are becoming less conservative. Hindi (Bollywood) movies are the biggest proof to this. In the past, movies had many messages for people to take home. In my opinion, it is the oldest Indian movies and songs that keep you thinking and give you something to reflect on. Today, most movies are about family problems, hurdles in love stories, affairs etc. All a reflection of what is happening in today’s society! There are no deeply significant messages that we can take home. At least that’s what I feel about 8 out of 10 movies released these days.

Also, in the past, romantic scenes were not exactly what you’d call romantic. Minimal sexual references were made. You’d probably see couples dancing around, embracing each other but minimally. Nowadays, even Indian film directors have identified the “action” in Western films, adopted them and have made them their own. The latest trend has been to showcase even a minute or two of actors kissing on screen.

Here’s a clip of the movie “Bachna Ae Haseeno” where actor Ranbir Kapoor kisses actress Deepika Padukone. Take a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKYt9jF1EZk

For our generation to realise that culture is being lost may not be that easy. However, I am lucky to have lived (and am still living) with my grandparents, who constantly shrug and give their few cents worth on how movies are becoming from bad to worse with all these liberal scenes. What I find pretty hilarious is the comments my grandmother makes when we decide to watch any Indian movie with girls dressed in mini skirts or halter neck sari blouses. If I loosely translate what she says, it would go something like this.

“People spend so much money on unnecessary things like handphones, games (referring to my brother’s PSP) but they don’t know how to spend money buying proper clothes! Girls wear clothes smaller than those worn on Barbie Dolls! Nikita you better not become like that ok!”

Jokes aside, I think I’m very fortunate to have my grandparents with me to constantly reinforce Indian values and customs to keep me as close as they can, to my roots. I definitely love the Indian culture and although times are changing and moving on with times is necessary, I strongly feel certain things should be retained.

Groupthink

coming soon..sorryy

Taboo

When I read about different cultures and their rituals and ceremonies I always wonder how they came about. Some of them, to me, seem really extreme or even taboo! Yet people abide to the customs. Think about it, if someone told you that in order for yourself to be considered a man, you had to endure the painful ceremony of having thousand cuts over your body, would you accept it? Or if you had to plunge your hand in a pot of boiling oil without getting burnt in order to be deemed innocent in a conflict?

Papua New Guinea consists of many different tribes who follow different customs. A standard origin story tells the tale of the Crocodile God, who created mankind. In honour of the Crocodile, young men of one of the tribes undergo a painful initiation ceremony whereby bamboo slivers are sliced into their chests, backs and buttocks, to mark their transition into manhood. The process begins with the group of young boys locked in a hut known as the “spirit house”. Initiates are scared with the mark of the crocodile. Cuts tell everyone to recognise them as initiated men. If they can suffer this pain, they can shoulder the pains of adulthood. One initiate mentions the process is akin to making “blood porridge". The young boys aged 11-30 are pinned down by their uncles while tribal cutters slice their tender skin with razors. They are allowed to chew leaves which have the effect of a strong drink but no anaesthetics are given. I watched this on National Geographic Channels’ program “Taboo”. I thought it would be good if I added it here.

Take a look.

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/index.html

Another ritual in Papua New Guniea ( I presume, practiced by another tribe) is known as “Blood Initiation”. This tribe believes that when a mother gives birth, much of her blood remains in the child. This, to them is considered unclean. Hence, in order to expel the "contaminating influences of women", they go through a series of rituals to clean their systems.

1) Pit pit canes down the back of their throats then pull them out, to empty their stomachs.
2) To get rid of contaminants they breathed in, sharp weeds are shoved into each others’ nostrils. Blood and mucus pour freely.
3) To complete, they must expose themselves to another ordeal. Cleansing another part of their body exposed to female polluted food- the tongue. Razor sharp arrow slices into the tender flesh repeatedly.

If you listened carefully to the video clip, Pune’s (excuse me if I spelt his name incorrectly) father mentioned that “ those who become too scared to participate in this ritual eventually find out they are less attractive to women, and don’t have the same energy in making gardens etc..and remain miserable bachelors till death”.


http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/places/index.html

Reading about these rituals already give me the creeps, watching them only strengthens my grip of the arm rest on my chair, imagine having to undergo it!! I thank the Lord for making me a woman. Haha. Nevertheless, if I was male, I think I’d rather remain a wimp and not go through the formal transition into manhood. =) It is difficult to comprehend the reasons for having to go through these "tests". Personally, I find these rituals pretty much extreme and I find it hard to accept these practices. However on second thoughts I guess its similiar to accepting the Hindu rituals such as Thaipussam or Thimiti (fire walking). Each culture would have different view points about the traditions of other cultures, but eventually, everyone has to accept the different "templates of living".