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| Some of my homework... not fun. |
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
New Perspectives
Possibly the most interesting aspect of my classes, thus far, is learning about issues that I’ve previously learned about in America, like environmentalism, women’s issues, social structures, religion, etc., but from the Indian perspective. In terms of environmentalism, a big difference that I’ve noticed is that everyone here, no matter what job they have, is an environmentalist. They all talk about it, and everyone makes it an issue that affects them, which I think is pretty amazing. I think in America, being environmentally conscious creates divides in society. In America being environmentally conscious is not a habit one adopts, but instead it seems like it’s a lifestyle one adopts, bringing along other stereotypes.
Anyway, another huge difference that has become apparent is that in America, it seems social structures are largely based on race, class, and gender. These three things come up constantly in my art history and women’s studies classes. I’m sure Kate Krohn has no idea what I’m talking about. But what is fascinating here, is that in academia, they base their social structures on caste, class, and gender. I’m still working out the differences between caste and class. I know there are some but I do not know enough to articulate them. Like race in America, social discrimination based on caste is illegal here, but it still largely exists. One of my professors, Dr. S.G. Vombatkere wrote an article about Hinduism and included a passage that I found interesting:
I am brahmin because I use my knowledge and intelligence to earn a living. I am also kshatriya because I served long years in the army to earn a living. I have saved some money and invest it so that it will multiply, and that makes me vaisya too. I personally clean my house toilets used by visitors who may be from any “caste”. I, not a servant, carry household garbage to the dustbin; I dig and plant in the garden; do “menial” work around the house; perform odd jobs for friends, and that makes me sudra also. I am content if my fellow citizens recognize me as a Hindu without ascribing caste, since I am a mix of all castes. Hence, I do not believe in “caste”, and yet I am a Hindu.
Hinduism and caste relate because the system was created by Hindus. This system of Hinduism relating to caste reminds me so much of the issues in America and how people have come to relate the upper to middle-class with conservatism and sometimes Christianity. And it’s still surprising to me internally when my professors mention minority groups in India and mention Christians. It’s definitely not something I’m used to hearing.
Today, in my Science and Technology class, Dr. Vombatkere told us a hypothetical story about a man who fished for leisure and brought the few fish he caught home for his family. Eventually, another man came along and told him how he could catch more, sell them, hire people, and create a business from it. The fisherman asked why he should create a business and make money, and the other man replied that he should so that he could have leisure time. Anyway, the point my professor was making was that the differences between the ultra rich and the ultra poor are in fact very small. Physically, the ultra rich have more material goods, but mentally, more dissatisfaction.
What I found so amazing about this story, was that a man who is intending to teach us about Indian science, technology, and development told it to us. His views on social structures, economics, how to truly measure a person or a nation’s wealth, and what true development is, are absolutely fascinating. I’m beginning to see the Western values that have been ingrained in me that I didn’t even know about. With each new idea he brings up and plants into my head, it’s like he’s drawing out a small impurity that plagued my mind. He’s slowly unscrewing each tiny bolt that might actually open a door.
And this is only week 2!
I hope you’re all enjoying my blog!!!!
Love,
Julia
Anyway, another huge difference that has become apparent is that in America, it seems social structures are largely based on race, class, and gender. These three things come up constantly in my art history and women’s studies classes. I’m sure Kate Krohn has no idea what I’m talking about. But what is fascinating here, is that in academia, they base their social structures on caste, class, and gender. I’m still working out the differences between caste and class. I know there are some but I do not know enough to articulate them. Like race in America, social discrimination based on caste is illegal here, but it still largely exists. One of my professors, Dr. S.G. Vombatkere wrote an article about Hinduism and included a passage that I found interesting:
I am brahmin because I use my knowledge and intelligence to earn a living. I am also kshatriya because I served long years in the army to earn a living. I have saved some money and invest it so that it will multiply, and that makes me vaisya too. I personally clean my house toilets used by visitors who may be from any “caste”. I, not a servant, carry household garbage to the dustbin; I dig and plant in the garden; do “menial” work around the house; perform odd jobs for friends, and that makes me sudra also. I am content if my fellow citizens recognize me as a Hindu without ascribing caste, since I am a mix of all castes. Hence, I do not believe in “caste”, and yet I am a Hindu.
Hinduism and caste relate because the system was created by Hindus. This system of Hinduism relating to caste reminds me so much of the issues in America and how people have come to relate the upper to middle-class with conservatism and sometimes Christianity. And it’s still surprising to me internally when my professors mention minority groups in India and mention Christians. It’s definitely not something I’m used to hearing.
Today, in my Science and Technology class, Dr. Vombatkere told us a hypothetical story about a man who fished for leisure and brought the few fish he caught home for his family. Eventually, another man came along and told him how he could catch more, sell them, hire people, and create a business from it. The fisherman asked why he should create a business and make money, and the other man replied that he should so that he could have leisure time. Anyway, the point my professor was making was that the differences between the ultra rich and the ultra poor are in fact very small. Physically, the ultra rich have more material goods, but mentally, more dissatisfaction.
What I found so amazing about this story, was that a man who is intending to teach us about Indian science, technology, and development told it to us. His views on social structures, economics, how to truly measure a person or a nation’s wealth, and what true development is, are absolutely fascinating. I’m beginning to see the Western values that have been ingrained in me that I didn’t even know about. With each new idea he brings up and plants into my head, it’s like he’s drawing out a small impurity that plagued my mind. He’s slowly unscrewing each tiny bolt that might actually open a door.
And this is only week 2!
I hope you’re all enjoying my blog!!!!
Love,
Julia
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Two Weeks
Ahhhh the sweet sweet taste of two weeks. I wasn’t planning on updating just weekly, but it seems like it’s the way it may work out! This past week has marked a lot of decisions and even some breakthroughs for me. Well I guess I also realized some good things.
First, I have had absolutely zero stomach issues since I’ve been here. I’m a little obsessive about my probiotics, but overall I think the food is so good for me. I feel so much better just cutting out meat, as of now I have decided to try to keep it up when I get home too. I find it really remarkable how many people advocate vegetarianism here. It’s so common because of Hinduism, but so many people are vegetarians regardless. Frankly the meat kind of grosses me out, so it’s easy! But honestly, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt this healthy. I sleep well, I eat well, I’m drinking tons of water, and I do yoga 4 days a week. How lucky am I??? The only bad thing is that my skin has taken awhile to get used to the change in humidity and everything and has been irritated and stuff, but hopefully that’ll just work itself out.
Second, I am enjoying my classes so much. I am starting to feel what I’d like to dub the Triple I: Intense Indian Immersion. I just feel the desire to soak up all things Indian. I just checked out Ghandi’s autobiography from the library, and I’m going to read the Gita while I’m here for sure. I watched my first Bollywood movie called Lagaan. They are so freaking entertaining in the most annoying way possible, but the music’s really great. And I could not hate more how much they perpetuate tradition family and marriage values. It’s depressing… but they make you so damn happy.
Third, I have decided on a possible internship project. There is an artist’s colony called Cholamandal outside of Chennai where I would like to volunteer for a month, doing anything and everything. It’s right on the coast of the Bay of Bengal I think and supposedly it’s beautiful, although Chennai is supposed to be pretty nasty. Anyway, the director of my program is going to put in a call for me and see if they could use me. There’s a big chance there might not be anything for me to do there, in which case I’d have to choose something else, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
So, that’s mostly what I’ve been up to! Last weekend we went to Bandipur, a wildlife reservation, and it was possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. We saw four or five elephants, but from very far away. VERY far away. Pics to come on Facebook soon.
Love,
Julia
The Group at Bandipur
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| From L to R: Alex, Sara, Matthew, Me, Justin, Kesia, Ryan, Nira, Jackson, Ohmar |
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
One Full Week
I've officially been in India for one full week! But I feel like I've been here for a year. I think it's because every sight, sound, and smell is so new, I'm bombarded with experiences every second of the day. I have a feeling that once those experiences become more routine, time is going to pass very quickly.
Today is my last day of class for the week. My schedule for the past few days has looked like this: wake up at 5:30, yoga from 6-7, then breakfast at 7:30. My first class starts at 9, and we have classes until 1:30, each lasting an hour, with a short break in between. I have been sitting in on all of the classes, and 4 and half straight hours of class is a lot! The classes are Gender in India; Indian Culture and Civilization; Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development in India; and Heath and the Environment [in India]. I like all of the classes a lot, but since we don't have to take all of them I think I'm going to drop the Science class. Then after lunch, we have our language and elective classes. So I am taking my Kannada class (we starting learning the alphabet and some of the characters, and OH.MY.GOD. it is so complicated!) But the students and teachers here seem to be so excited that we're taking Kannada at all. My elective is yoga, so I don't have anything after that. Except I did sign up for a cooking class that will be once a week, but I'm not sure which day.
I made a bunch of videos but haven't been able to upload them onto the blog yet! For photos and stuff, check my facebook!
I am really excited for today because in H&E class we have a snake expert bringing in a bunch of snakes that we'll learn about and get to hold and stuff! I mean, I hate snakes, but in a controlled environment, I'm pretty excited. And tonight we are going to attend a concert that is put on by some students from the University of Michigan that have been studying music and dance here for the past month. So I'm really excited to see what they have learned and to see some people I know perform.
Also, I got some really beautiful Indian clothes at this great store called Parampare. It's all fair trade and everything is one of a kind. I'll post pictures of me wearing the clothes and stuff eventually. The only problem is that I notice a lot of the clothes leak dye pretty badly.
Last week I was dealing with a lot of issues with going out into public because it made me feel very uncomfortable. The Michigan students were telling us stories about the women getting groped and men were pulled into rooms by other men, and there were even some weird people hanging around the hostel. So that sort of translated into me being SO hyperaware when I went into public and feeling terrified to walk through a crowd because I felt like I could be molested at any point. That has definitely shifted. I feel so much safer now, and I realize that it's OK for me to act like a tourist. I am a tourist and I look like one and I'm never not going to look like one, given that I'm white. The best I can do is wear Indian clothing, and be sensitive to the culture, but just have fun and relax. It's not really about letting my guard down or not, it's just that people won't bother you if you are going about your business with confidence and assurance. I've watched other white women here, and it's true that they really do stand out, so I just make sure that I stay in a group, and I also have to realize that I'm probably not the first tourist most Indians have seen. And also, 99% of the people are so friendly and they love to say hello and some even take pictures of us. So we just smile and take pictures of them too.
Oh, and a lot of people have asked me about the food. In general, it is amazing! All of the food comes from a local farm owned by a man named Manu, who serves us, and everything is cooked by Manu's wife. Everything is vegetarian. There is always a flatbread called chapati, and rice. And they serve curds at almost every meal. At breakfast they give us hard boiled eggs which are always super fresh! They also LOVE sweets. The desserts are always so sweet you can hardly stand it. Most of the time they're good, but I prefer the savory stuff. My favorite dish so far has been these sauteed rice noodles that we had for breakfast once. Also, one thing that surprised me is that we each a lot of okra! It's often really good and cooked in oil with peppers, onions, and other delicious things. We don't eat the same food as the Indian people at the hostel, which I think causes some disconnect in general. But they make sure to give us more protein and I think it might be less spicy than what they're eating. We've asked for the same food, but they won't let us. I was right though, I definitely miss Mexican food!
Ok so this has been a really long post! I hope you're all enjoying my blog and if you have any questions or want to see pictures of anything in particular, let me know! I love you all and I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Julia
Today is my last day of class for the week. My schedule for the past few days has looked like this: wake up at 5:30, yoga from 6-7, then breakfast at 7:30. My first class starts at 9, and we have classes until 1:30, each lasting an hour, with a short break in between. I have been sitting in on all of the classes, and 4 and half straight hours of class is a lot! The classes are Gender in India; Indian Culture and Civilization; Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development in India; and Heath and the Environment [in India]. I like all of the classes a lot, but since we don't have to take all of them I think I'm going to drop the Science class. Then after lunch, we have our language and elective classes. So I am taking my Kannada class (we starting learning the alphabet and some of the characters, and OH.MY.GOD. it is so complicated!) But the students and teachers here seem to be so excited that we're taking Kannada at all. My elective is yoga, so I don't have anything after that. Except I did sign up for a cooking class that will be once a week, but I'm not sure which day.
I made a bunch of videos but haven't been able to upload them onto the blog yet! For photos and stuff, check my facebook!
I am really excited for today because in H&E class we have a snake expert bringing in a bunch of snakes that we'll learn about and get to hold and stuff! I mean, I hate snakes, but in a controlled environment, I'm pretty excited. And tonight we are going to attend a concert that is put on by some students from the University of Michigan that have been studying music and dance here for the past month. So I'm really excited to see what they have learned and to see some people I know perform.
Also, I got some really beautiful Indian clothes at this great store called Parampare. It's all fair trade and everything is one of a kind. I'll post pictures of me wearing the clothes and stuff eventually. The only problem is that I notice a lot of the clothes leak dye pretty badly.
Last week I was dealing with a lot of issues with going out into public because it made me feel very uncomfortable. The Michigan students were telling us stories about the women getting groped and men were pulled into rooms by other men, and there were even some weird people hanging around the hostel. So that sort of translated into me being SO hyperaware when I went into public and feeling terrified to walk through a crowd because I felt like I could be molested at any point. That has definitely shifted. I feel so much safer now, and I realize that it's OK for me to act like a tourist. I am a tourist and I look like one and I'm never not going to look like one, given that I'm white. The best I can do is wear Indian clothing, and be sensitive to the culture, but just have fun and relax. It's not really about letting my guard down or not, it's just that people won't bother you if you are going about your business with confidence and assurance. I've watched other white women here, and it's true that they really do stand out, so I just make sure that I stay in a group, and I also have to realize that I'm probably not the first tourist most Indians have seen. And also, 99% of the people are so friendly and they love to say hello and some even take pictures of us. So we just smile and take pictures of them too.
Oh, and a lot of people have asked me about the food. In general, it is amazing! All of the food comes from a local farm owned by a man named Manu, who serves us, and everything is cooked by Manu's wife. Everything is vegetarian. There is always a flatbread called chapati, and rice. And they serve curds at almost every meal. At breakfast they give us hard boiled eggs which are always super fresh! They also LOVE sweets. The desserts are always so sweet you can hardly stand it. Most of the time they're good, but I prefer the savory stuff. My favorite dish so far has been these sauteed rice noodles that we had for breakfast once. Also, one thing that surprised me is that we each a lot of okra! It's often really good and cooked in oil with peppers, onions, and other delicious things. We don't eat the same food as the Indian people at the hostel, which I think causes some disconnect in general. But they make sure to give us more protein and I think it might be less spicy than what they're eating. We've asked for the same food, but they won't let us. I was right though, I definitely miss Mexican food!
Ok so this has been a really long post! I hope you're all enjoying my blog and if you have any questions or want to see pictures of anything in particular, let me know! I love you all and I'll talk to you soon.
Love,
Julia
Thursday, August 12, 2010
My Favorite Place in India: THE BUS
This is going to have to be a quick post because it's 7:15 and I have to be at breakfast at 7:30. By the way, my sleeping schedule has completely reversed here! I wake up on my own around 6 in the morning, and by 9 o' clock every night I can barely keep my eyes open. I kind of like it. It feels more natural that way since it gets dark here around 7. And I also feel very conscious of how many resources I'm using, like electricity. So going to bed early suits me fine. (Impressed? ahem.... Dad.)
Anyway, my group and I took the bus into Mysore yesterday, about a 20 min ride, and I felt like it was the first time I could sit down, relax, and watch people, instead of having them watch me. And believe me, there are plenty to watch. The buses are really nice too! They play this really great Indian pop music too. I did notice that they overcharged us, almost double what they were charging Indians. But still, the bus cost less than 50 cents to take. Going into downtown Mysore was great, but absolutely exhausting and overwhelming. I think it's going to take practice to get used to so many people and so many stares. I feel like I have to be so hyperaware of myself and my surroundings. It's tiring....
Today, I'm going to meet the last two members of my group, and we'll all have an orientation about our classes and met our professors. I'm excited! It should be a good, full day. I really like my (tiny) campus so far, but I feel really comfortable here. And Dad- I told the director you are coming to visit and he's really excited! He wants you to come to my classes with me!
I know this is a quick update on my life, I will continue to post more, and hopefully will have pictures or video to share soon.
Love,
Julia
Anyway, my group and I took the bus into Mysore yesterday, about a 20 min ride, and I felt like it was the first time I could sit down, relax, and watch people, instead of having them watch me. And believe me, there are plenty to watch. The buses are really nice too! They play this really great Indian pop music too. I did notice that they overcharged us, almost double what they were charging Indians. But still, the bus cost less than 50 cents to take. Going into downtown Mysore was great, but absolutely exhausting and overwhelming. I think it's going to take practice to get used to so many people and so many stares. I feel like I have to be so hyperaware of myself and my surroundings. It's tiring....
Today, I'm going to meet the last two members of my group, and we'll all have an orientation about our classes and met our professors. I'm excited! It should be a good, full day. I really like my (tiny) campus so far, but I feel really comfortable here. And Dad- I told the director you are coming to visit and he's really excited! He wants you to come to my classes with me!
I know this is a quick update on my life, I will continue to post more, and hopefully will have pictures or video to share soon.
Love,
Julia
Sunday, August 8, 2010
My Last Day in America
Here I am, laying on my bed designing this blog when I should be packing. I should be freaking out, checking and double-checking my passport and visa, poring over my information packet and packing list. But instead I'm laying around and waiting for my mom to come over. Personally, I'm shocked at my lack of stress. For weeks, people have been asking me if I'm nervous, and I have yet to feel nervous. I feel ready. Being a relatively (make that HIGHLY) emotional person who is easily stressed out, the only thing I feel the slightest tinge of nerves about is that I don't feel nervous. Pointless, I know. Normally before I embark on huge adventures I am an emotional (and typically physical) mess. If you saw me before I left for Alaska, you understand.
On my last day in America I feel it is appropriate to let all of you- dear fans- know what I am most excited for and what I am going to miss the most while I am in India for the next 4 months.
What I (assume I will) miss the most:
1. Mexican food, mainly burritos
2. Skimpy clothing
3. 508 E. Davenport St. Iowa City, IA 52245
What I am MOST excited for:
1. Unlimited access to delicious, vegetarian Indian food
2. The slim to none, but still slightly possible possibility that I will get to ride an elephant
3. Traveling!
And one last list.... This one is comprised of elements of my trip that I am looking forward to overcoming, or obstacles that I anticipate:
1. Dealing with being a minority
2. Overcoming language barriers, though let's be real, I am practically fluent in Kannada
3. Seeing poverty (<-----but maybe they'll have those parking meters for the homeless, a la IC???)
Well, time to pack! This is J Bear (shout out to Katie D!), signing OUT (shout out to Chatty Kathy)!
Love,
Julia
On my last day in America I feel it is appropriate to let all of you- dear fans- know what I am most excited for and what I am going to miss the most while I am in India for the next 4 months.
What I (assume I will) miss the most:
1. Mexican food, mainly burritos
2. Skimpy clothing
3. 508 E. Davenport St. Iowa City, IA 52245
What I am MOST excited for:
1. Unlimited access to delicious, vegetarian Indian food
2. The slim to none, but still slightly possible possibility that I will get to ride an elephant
3. Traveling!
And one last list.... This one is comprised of elements of my trip that I am looking forward to overcoming, or obstacles that I anticipate:
1. Dealing with being a minority
2. Overcoming language barriers, though let's be real, I am practically fluent in Kannada
3. Seeing poverty (<-----but maybe they'll have those parking meters for the homeless, a la IC???)
Well, time to pack! This is J Bear (shout out to Katie D!), signing OUT (shout out to Chatty Kathy)!
Love,
Julia
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