The discussion on gated community has been so long that perhaps Cornel and
Selma would have gone around the block at least five times. Did Selma serve
ambot-tik (though her writing is unlike the same variety but rather sweet) as
well as from the agnostics book of recipes?
Don't know if the vomitting was rather belching. But the good doc, should know
better, much better than he knows Goa's freedom history.
Surely, the goanet, besides being a cyber discussion forum, it is also a
consoling place -- be it the loss of Portuguese territory or loss of Goan land
or loss of a friend.
If Selma has bared her family history, she perhaps wanted to show that caste
and prejudice does not figure in her lexicon. On the other hand, Cornel has
made himself clear than caste also does not figure in his world.
In the socio-cultural structure in India caste still prevails, but in the
poltical landscape of India caste has got a battering. Low-caste (sorry to use
the word) politicians have come to the fore, such as Mayawati and she has a
brahmin as her secretary.
I was once accused by some friends of Churchill Alemao for implying in my
writing that Churchill was a "fisherfolk" when all I wrote was that he was
president of the fishing trawlers owners association. So, people will draw
different meanings.
See, how a simple error is associating a different type of brahmin to the wrong
"mutt" caused some netters to accuse Miguel of being a "bigot."
In the same way, John Monteiro bared his soul, however disparaging it may have
ben to himself and his family. At times, getting things off one's chest does
one a world of good.
In the gated community confusion, I think Cornel meant no disrespect or sounded
ungrateful to Selma. It was unfortunately that a lunch meeting spurned out into
an academic discussion on what constitutes a gated community. As they say,
there's many a slip between cup and lip.
All's well that ends well... assuming that it has ended. We do not wish to read
any further recriminations.
I think Selma you should now invite Cornel for dinner, as a special guesture
(or guest).
Eugene
