India's most crowded metropolis has two faces-
Don't Touch
Over 20 million residents crowded into an island city. When resources are scarce and people have to jostle for every inch of space, it takes very little for the ugly "Don't Touch" face to reveal itself. Tempers are short, the smallest things trigger an utterly unnecessary response, people fight over the most trivial matters, and you have no way of predicting how someone will respond to something totally innocent.
Welcome
And yet, this is the city that attracts more migrants every year than the population of a mid-sized town in the US or England. This is the city where, even if you don't make your millions, you make enough to feed yourself and your family. This is the city that people escape to when faced with starvation in their villages, and however pathetic the conditions they are forced to live in, few return to their villages.
Also, both statements are in English- the language of the colonists who built the city adn made her great, but the language which is now being sought to be kicked out of the city.
__________
On a different note, Faith Pray (yes, that is her real name) of Sacred Dirt was nice enough to invite me over for afternoon tea at her place today, and even published our conversation. She's got some treats for everyone at her coffee shop.
14 comments:
You know I think that it's easier to take up studies on the human condition in places where there are so many people. Everything certainly seems to be amplified by that amount of crowding.
A wonderful insight of India and it was excellently written.
Have a lovely week-end.
Yvonne.
I'd love to visit somewhere like India; somewhere so far removed from my own culture that it would definitely open my eyes and see things differently. I like that there is still a welcoming feel to the place. I would imagine that any place as overcrowded and with less resources than people would have the 'don't touch' motif as the most important part of cultural interaction. I'm glad that's not the case :D
@ Marjorie - quite. In cities in India, you see the best of people, and the worst of people.
@ Yvone - thank you, and you too.
@ Jamie - I tell all my overseas friends, and I am telling you- everyone must visit India at least once. It is a whole different experience.
Is that your city as well?
@ Diane - not born in the city, nor grew up here. But it is home- I can't dream of living anywhere but in this contrary city.
Thx for sharing this! I'm tucked away in my little US box wondering what life is like for people in other countries. Thx for visiting my blog and Have a great w-end!!
Another wonderful post and I'm going to check out your conversation on faith pray's blog.
ann
Thanks for giving me another view of your world!
Great interview on the other blog... I enjoyed it and the virtual tea n' brownies~
Thanks for visiting me; I am glad you find time to write, it is important to honor our gifts!
I love the perspective you give me. India is so different from my reality--much of it is that you are in a HUGE city and I'm in a medium town, but reality is so much different there, and I think you have such a brilliant gift--having the eye and the words to REALLY share it with the rest of us.
Thanks for an interesting glimpse into a fascinating city :)
I have always been fascinated by India and its stories. Thanks for giving such wonderful insight to this large city and its growing population.
Ruby
I love to see how you bring things to life here on your blog. Great view of your world through your words.
Have a blessed weekend!
@ SS - thanks to the internet, we no longer have to wonder- we just need to ask and let share. It's a pleasure following your blog.
@ Ann, Ellie, Jamie, Ruby, Lisa - most welcome. I have learnt so much from everyone, it is a pleasure giving a bit back. I've always felt that India is not so much a country, as it is an experience. Or a few dozen experiences, to be specific.
@ Tami - thank you for making me blush. But you do realise what you are being fed is my version of reality?
~ Rayna
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