Wednesday, August 13, 2008

When East meets West

A perfect blend of East and West - Sounds familiar? If it does, then you are probably one among the millions of (probably desperate) Indian men; Men who are looking for their better-half (many would settle for a better-quarter) over internet.

For those ignorant souls out there, this is the phrase you would find in almost all girls' profiles on Indian matrimonial websites. If you come across this, then you are to understand that the girl is educated, working, has a western appearance (western outfit, short/straightened/colored hair etc) and yet bound by Indian culture. But this is about how much I can say about the culture or westernization aspect, for I wouldn't know where the line is, if at all there is one. This is something that has been conveniently used by all parents to lure men or grooms' parents. Forgive me for using such a word, but I am quite confident that this is the idea with which the advertisers post their story.

Oh, just hold it there. An example alighting from an auto-rickshaw and walking our way; At a distance in a pretty decent western attire - a formal trouser and a shirt. Well, wait a second. The shirt seems just about long enough to reach the belt. And worse, she seems to be so conscious about the waistline being thrown open as she moves. In the course of few seconds, she tries to pull her shirt and cover her waist quite a few times, albeit unsuccessfully. Hmm...I am sure she knows the shirt is too short. As we just watched, we know that as well. And why not, she knows that we got to know what she already knew. (I have always wanted to use such a sentence, you see) So, what on earth is she trying to do? While you are trying to figure out, I would like to share two points that come to my mind.

1. Obviously, the girl was not comfortable with the dress. The girls I know site the comfort factor as the reason for turning western. But where is the comfort if she has to correct her dress every other second or if she just cannot move about freely? Or is it same as the few strands of hair left loosely meant just to fall on the forehead? Whatever it is, I hope many folks will agree that it's an unnecessary distraction.

2. She is trying to prove to the world and perhaps to herself what this generation parents are trying imbibe in our girls - that she is A perfect blend of East and West.

The rules:
It's okay to wear sleeveless. But be careful not to raise your hand, for you represent the Indian culture.
Short shirts/tops are fine too. But never show your waistline even if the shirt is not long enough, for if you did you will bring shame upon your culture.

So, you get the idea now, don't you?

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