Radhika's Creative Portfolio

Jasmine and the Stars was one of my favourite readings this course. The author managed to put into words – so eloquently – some of my own thoughts on inter-cultural interactions. That feeling of having to defend an entire religion, a whole nation is difficult to convey, but this book does it beautifully. She aptly describes the look of surprise – or what can be considered condescension, when the British or Americans learn about the beauty of Iranian culture, or advancements in the state. I think this draws us back to our central point of religious literacy, but also cultural literacy. Its not just important to learn about people of other cultures living in the United States of America, or the UK for that matter. We should also know about peoples lives in other countries – but not as a means of comparison to our own cultures! Each society has its positive aspects, and negatives, even if we tend to forget that sometimes.

My piece this week shows three feminist poems written in three different languages – English, Hindi and Urdu. What I wished to present by portraying them parallel to each other is that knowledge is powerful in whichever language it is conveyed. Scientific concepts do not change with language – whether I know Hooke’s law in English, or Arabic, it is still effectively the same science. Then, why do some native English speakers consider someone with weaker English, inherently inferior to them? Why are people in the UK, and in USA, so surprised – and often impressed – by my English? In fact, I know that in India, being able to speak fluent English gives many a sense of superiority compared to other Indians. I think people of different cultures must be encouraged to be proud of their origins, and mustn’t try to mimic the west! Ideally, cultures should integrate and mix and adapt with one another, but this is a longterm goal. First, we must respect different cultures, on an equal standing.

~ by radhikagoyal on December 11, 2015.