As a Goan who has lived outside of Goa, but has an affection for her
homeland, I must confess that I had always heard of the Goan crab mentality.
I can see that in addition to such valid questions as Goan identity, this
forum has also spent much time questioning "crab mentality.' To me it
appears that both interpretations are based on personal experiences. For
example to identify with Goa, one has to have knowledge of its history,
culture, traditions and language amongst other indicators.
To have a Goan identity is more personal and will differ individually. For
example, I am told that even the spoken Konkani language differs between
Bardez and Salcette Goans. This does not make one category more Goan than
the other, even though each may claim their Konkani is more pristine and
better sounding, and represents the real Konkani. Through the convention I
have learnt that Goan Identity is also prone to evolution. Our idea of Goan
identity today probably differs greatly from that of what our ancestors four
to five generations before us, might have described it as. Hence the key to
keeping our identity alive is through communication with the next generation
and building bonds and values that endear them to their homeland. This was
the main goal of the convention.
We do this through example and transferring of knowledge. If we are proud of
our people, our homeland, our traditions ....then our children will reflect
the same value.
If we encourage and support our fellow Goans when they endeavor to do good
for the community, so will our children.
If we share in the success of our fellow Goans when they have worked hard
and achieved goals that will bind and promote our culture, bring awareness
to issues that are hurting our ancestral land called Goa,
and provide opportunities for our youth to explore their identity through
interactive workshops, then we have taught our children to promote harmony
and growth within our community.
Goanet could have been a forum to promote the best in our community. However
when the gossip and malice of 2 "broken" individuals continue to tear down
the efforts and successes of the Convention, what are we teaching our
children?
Positive feedback from much greater minds than either of these 2 individuals
continues to be swept aside. Furthermore several delegates have written
positive testimonials of the convention and the personal effect it has made
on their lives, only to be harassed by these small minds.
Instead of learning from their comments, and making a positive contribution
to this forum, these 2 individuals continue to work against the flow of
progress and spread more gossip.
Would you blame our children if they choose to walk away from this
community? Rather, let us put an end to this destructive behavior and
moderate this forum responsibly. Let us be an example of goodwill,
support and encouragement within our community.
By maligning and slandering the personal integrity of Kevin and myself
(without provokation), and insulting and demeaning members of our family,
what example are we showing?
The likes of Eugene Correia and Roland Francis are the epitome of the so
called crab mentality. Why are they so bitter and envious? In Eugene's own
words, here is a story behind the story. Eugene was involved with the 1988
convention, could not follow through with his commitments and left bitter
and resentful. 20 years later, Roland Francis came on board the 2008
convention committee with many grand promises, failed to deliver, resigned
with many reasons why the convention would never happen, and now is shamed
and bitter.
Through my own personal experiences here is my definition of crab mentality,
which I have already shared with Roland privately. However, he still
shamelessly continues to deride the convention and give his grand opinion
after the convention has already come and gone without him!!
{Envy (also called invidiousness) may be defined as an emotion that "occurs
when a person lacks another's superior quality, achievement, or possession
and either desires it or wishes that the other lacked it."[]
[ Bertrand Russell said envy was one of the most potent causes of
unhappiness.[4] It is a universal and most unfortunate aspect of human
nature because not only is the envious person rendered unhappy by his envy,
but also wishes to inflict misfortune on others.]
Lisette Saldanha
