On 6 October 2012 16:55, Mervyn Lobo <[email protected]> wrote: [1] Goan parents in N. America are on notice that their kids will find their own spouse. This is the reward for giving their off-springs a good education.
[2] A good education allows for economic independence which produces real partnerships in today's marriages. The dependencies that resulted from yesterdecades marriage are thankfully, a thing of the past. [3] My opinion is that the faster we lose some Goan ethos, the happier we will be. While social and religious groups can be a comfort to the elderly, the same groups sometimes serve to 'ghetto' a community. As an example, I do not see the reason of moving to Canada if 20 years later, a person lives in the Punjabi part of town, speaks only Punjabi and even votes only for Punjabi politicians. [4] Goans are different in that they have assimilated quickly into every community/country they have been exposed to. The ability to question and lose some inherited values is part of what makes us successful. The cherry on the cake is that, by and large, the community accepts those with differences. In other communities, those that do not adhere to the norm, are shunned. COMMENT: Very well stated, Mervyn. If I may, I will make a small addendum to #1 (above): MANY Goan parents - all over the world - have been on notice, for quite some time, that their kids will find their own spouse. In fact, I know many Goan parents who are relieved that they did not have to hurt their heads trying to find a spouse for their child. jc
