The Three Ages of Country
So, back to Yankeeland. To a place that I have not seen before. For the Geographically challenged, this is how you tell where you are in this country:
If you're surrounded by African-Americans, you are in Atlanta.
If you're surrounded by White people, you're in Texas.
If you're surrounded by Desis, you're in California.
At least, a good rule of thumb to go by!
So, what's the difference between America, India and Europe? Or are they all the same in the end? I guess, after a year, certain aspects of life in these parts, and why they are so are making themselves clear.
The U.S. is a pretty young country - only 230 years old; and its attitude reflects this. It is a rebellious teenager, and most of the country is built like that. It is a paradise for teenagers - all the activities you can do, but very little of any meaning. (Oh, yeah, you even feel that it could do with a stern talking to at times!)A country built for the kid with the car, with miles to go before he does not sleep. Not much sense of community, especially since every kid is experimenting with new stuff here. Hard to stick around with the same set of folks. There is energy, but very little focus or purpose.
Europe is built for the young adult/middle aged person. Plenty of stuff to do, but also with some cultural activities to enlighten the mind. And, like people in this stage of life, it is the prime of civilization today. The realization that cars are not everything has dawned, and better systems and infrastructure is in place, to make even strangers feel welcome at once. The energy has been channelized towards something useful.
India is essentially - an old person. The infrastructure is broken down, normal functioning is down to an all time low, but, in spite of all that, life is still more enjoyable - without the need to work your butt off as you did in your prime. There is time to stand and stare; and quite a bit to stare at as well. The sense of community is paramount; after all, you realize after all these years that it is the people who you have around you that matter.
Having been brought up in an old man's home, makes one used to a certain level of don't-really-care, and also a certain level of community. Now living in a country that is essentially miles behind in such matters is an interesting prospect; it is like moving in with a bunch of kids, who've somehow become the head of the household.
If you're surrounded by African-Americans, you are in Atlanta.
If you're surrounded by White people, you're in Texas.
If you're surrounded by Desis, you're in California.
At least, a good rule of thumb to go by!
So, what's the difference between America, India and Europe? Or are they all the same in the end? I guess, after a year, certain aspects of life in these parts, and why they are so are making themselves clear.
The U.S. is a pretty young country - only 230 years old; and its attitude reflects this. It is a rebellious teenager, and most of the country is built like that. It is a paradise for teenagers - all the activities you can do, but very little of any meaning. (Oh, yeah, you even feel that it could do with a stern talking to at times!)A country built for the kid with the car, with miles to go before he does not sleep. Not much sense of community, especially since every kid is experimenting with new stuff here. Hard to stick around with the same set of folks. There is energy, but very little focus or purpose.
Europe is built for the young adult/middle aged person. Plenty of stuff to do, but also with some cultural activities to enlighten the mind. And, like people in this stage of life, it is the prime of civilization today. The realization that cars are not everything has dawned, and better systems and infrastructure is in place, to make even strangers feel welcome at once. The energy has been channelized towards something useful.
India is essentially - an old person. The infrastructure is broken down, normal functioning is down to an all time low, but, in spite of all that, life is still more enjoyable - without the need to work your butt off as you did in your prime. There is time to stand and stare; and quite a bit to stare at as well. The sense of community is paramount; after all, you realize after all these years that it is the people who you have around you that matter.
Having been brought up in an old man's home, makes one used to a certain level of don't-really-care, and also a certain level of community. Now living in a country that is essentially miles behind in such matters is an interesting prospect; it is like moving in with a bunch of kids, who've somehow become the head of the household.
posted by Firebringer at 8:45 PM
9 Comments:
brilliant analogy :)
awesome:) it's actually true!
looks like you jumped from puberty straight to sanyas ashram!
@ harsh & @ neha : thanks
@ nenlos: wouldn't it be the other way around?
Nice stuff BJ, Junta will not always agree. But, Wud love to read more stuff like this in ur blogs ... Real nice ..
Thanks Ash!
No, actually. When you're "young n wild" all you wanna do is shoplift and drink beer. It's when you hit sanyasa that you tend to write theses.
Inspired...
...definitely not lunacy!
For once Brat you wrote some seriously debatable stuff.
Err...u sure it's u?? This is a REALLY nice post!!!
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