Dear Selma, In your earlier post, you had a few queries. I shall try to reply to these.
>> For the record, please show me a statement where I have derided Santosh. When Santosh posted his opinions on the Orissa riots, you replied saying that this was not the time for lectures and rationalizations. This, in my opinion, was deriding. Maybe I am wrong on this, but I felt that way. >> Understandably, as Christians, perhaps we have become hyper-sensitive >> following recent events in India but unless one is a minority in India, I >> doubt one has an inkling of the sort of collective hurt, anguish and general >> anxiety, the community is currently going through. I know and I understand that perfectly. That is exactly why I wrote the following earlier: "While Selma and Marshall are understandably anguished and hurt and I have no doubts about that, it does not give them the ethical and moral right to judge people whom they do not even know, on such flimsy and whimsical grounds that we are seeing here." >>Since you've spoken about the tradition of hiring women to cry at funerals, >>let me tell you about another tradition that takes place all over the world, >>regardless of class, culture and geography. To treat those who are grieving >>with sensitivity and assurance. As I wrote earlier, please do not be under the mistaken illusion that those who wail and lament louder are the only ones who are grieving. When fellow humans bleed and burn for no fault of theirs, we grieve too but Goanet is not simply a place to weep and shed tears. Why is the idea of India turning into a horrible nightmare? What are the root causes of riots? What steps are needed to be taken to prevent the constant recurrences of riots? These and several other questions need to be answered here, questions that can be answered only through meaningful dialogues and discussions. People like Santosh are doing a great job at answering these. His views and opinions must not be misinterpreted. If you have doubts, give him the opportunity to explain himself……through polite queries. More polite queries are welcome :- ) Cheers Sandeep
