Readers Write
Surprised by Khabar
Khabar’s perspectives have many times pleasantly surprised me, catching me off guard. A recent example was your article ‘An art market on steroids’ (September 2008).
With the current boom in the Indian art scene, I was expecting to read about its tremendous rise in popularity. The article stunned me by talking about the side-effects of the boom, instead, which I gathered is not uncommon in such worlds.
The decision to call a creation mediocre is highly subjective but I guess that is the nature of the decision that is being misused by those striving to make more money. When I look at an abstract painting, I always wonder who could make a call on its quality and depth. After reading this article, I’ll be asking myself a few more questions.
Nandini Savoor
Suwanee, Georgia.
Sarah Palin and Indian Women—Reality Check
Mr. Narender Reddy is quoted in your cover story, “In the Arena” (October 2008) as saying, “Indian women are more feminist than they express themselves, and so there’s more support after Palin’s selection.” He is simply out of touch or blinded by his vested interests.
As an Indian woman, I do not identify with Sarah Palin! We have always had great women leaders to look up to—from Indira Gandhi to Mother Teresa. Indian women have shown their feminist side with grace and dignity. Somehow this notion that Indian women can now get in touch with their feminist streak because there is moose hunting, pistol packing woman on the Republican ticket is preposterous; more so considering she is clueless about the job she has been offered. Even my teenage daughter knows what the Bush Doctrine is.
I consider it an insult to suggest that Indian women, as a demographic group, would be energized by Palin’s selection.
Ami Parekh
Norcross, Georgia
Indian Americans’ preference for White churches
Dr. Bhagirath Majmudar’s article (“From color bind to color blind”, September 2008) must be read with seriousness, because most Indians harbor a deep rooted discrimination against African Americans.
When I came to Chattanooga in 1971, I was shocked to see a similar discrimination perpetuated by White Americans. Sadly, the church was the most segregated place. I was revolted by it and took a deliberate decision to attend a black church. The members of this church showed extraordinary love towards me. Those friendships have lasted to this day.
In those days, I was the only person of Indian origin who attended an African American church. My Indian friends were all attending white churches. Some disliked me for my association with an African-American church.
Thankfully, a lot of improvement has taken place during the last four decades. Even the second generation Indians are far more broadminded as they interact with all races.
When we can admit the fact that God has created us all in His image, then the problem can be easily solved, and we can love everybody without any reservation.
A. S. Mathew
Ringgold, Georgia.
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