punjabi renaissance

[pluthra]

ok real fast, isn't a renaissance supposed to be characterized by a change in thinking? I dont know much about punjabi history, and I'm stating an opinion here (so feel free to change this opinion) but I dont think that the overall mentality has changed. Like there hasn't been anything that sorta challenges old cultures or why we do things in a certain way. Instead, I see people are really comfortable with how they live and expect to live like that in the future.

I don't want to say that there's a flaw in the way that the punjabi community thinks because again its not like I live in punjab and would know. But I can sorta speak for the community here and even here I dont think there's been much of a change in how people view traditions, and there's never been an actual battle put up. Like this whole idea of individualism, which yeah is very American, and it just makes parents realllyy mad, but at times you have to show them that sometimes you have to let me go. Staying connected to my community is not going to land me my dream job. Whereas, in our community you better act like everyone else. Don't you dare try to be something other than not a doctor, a lawyer, etc etc. Random point- but if you notice many people our age (18-25) aren't really learning to live life by themselves. They still have a lot given to them, like a motorcycle, their college tuition is paid for (which goes to absolute waste---i think), they don't have to worry about a place to live, they're parents aren't trying to kick them out of the house, mom will still cook you breakfast, lunch and dinner. Like forreal, and we expect a renaissance to occur with these people around????

I'm going to draw back from punjab a bit and go into Indians overall. I think its kinda funny to hear that India is going to be this emerging nation, and could actually take the role America has had for so many years now. But then I'm like whatttt the people in India? They can't possibly be going anywhere (refer to my rant on indians in the previous paragraph). It seems that they always seem satisfied with what they are given, rather than actually trying to attempt to work for more than just the basics. I don't see any Indians (from the ones I know of) going out there trying to find a solution for the population problem, or what to do with the crazyy pricesss. But then again, here I am myself just talking.

If we really did see a renaissance it would be obvious. I dont see many people in India trying to attempt to tackle problems. I know there's been a few movies out which have actually tried to show that this is kind of the mentality that we've been raised with all along and when we have this new one approach us everyone kinda shuns it away. And they do attempt to show people that we have these problems in India and we need to fix them, but what happens to them----they barely make it to the screens, people begin protesting about how this scene is wrong to show etc, etc, and no one ever walks away with the big picture. I don't see a renaissance, but to see one in my life time and be a part of it would be amazing.

 

[Saleem]

ok real fast, isn't a renaissance supposed to be characterized by a change in thinking?

No. http://www.answers.com/renaissance
1. A rebirth or revival.

That said, what you wrote is still relevant

 

[H.S.]

I agree with Harman,

I come from a messed up society that curtains big epidemics like AIDs, is too embarrassed to confront child abuse, is willing to ignore marital rape, puts up a front of pride which means absolutely nothing if you treat white ppl with more respect or believe that using "Fair and Lovely" to make you whiter is the meaning of beauty. And no, thats not the same as tanning because brown ppl often wish they were white but white ppl do not wish to be brown in any modes except skin color. I cannot be proud to come from a culture that has been molded into one of submission and false pride.



Also to answer Sukhdip's question about afterparties, PANJ has hit up around 14 comps, and I've never been to a afterparty, even after placing. Just not my cup of tea.

 

[Meistro]

I agree with Harman,

I come from a messed up society that curtains big epidemics like AIDs, is too embarrassed to confront child abuse, is willing to ignore marital rape, puts up a front of pride which means absolutely nothing if you treat white ppl with more respect or believe that using "Fair and Lovely" to make you whiter is the meaning of beauty. And no, thats not the same as tanning because brown ppl often wish they were white but white ppl do not wish to be brown in any modes except skin color. I cannot be proud to come from a culture that has been molded into one of submission and false pride.

speak on it sister. Totally agree with you. Although these problems being exposed in punjab, many other issues are just covered up and you have heavily condensed punjabi communities that are so glorified as being close-knit and strong to other races. Its sad.

 

[grenadesingh]

I agree with Harman,

I come from a messed up society that curtains big epidemics like AIDs, is too embarrassed to confront child abuse, is willing to ignore marital rape, puts up a front of pride which means absolutely nothing if you treat white ppl with more respect or believe that using "Fair and Lovely" to make you whiter is the meaning of beauty. And no, thats not the same as tanning because brown ppl often wish they were white but white ppl do not wish to be brown in any modes except skin color. I cannot be proud to come from a culture that has been molded into one of submission and false pride.



Also to answer Sukhdip's question about afterparties, PANJ has hit up around 14 comps, and I've never been to a afterparty, even after placing. Just not my cup of tea.

First of all, 14 comps and no afterparty is a crazy track record. I'm curious, what about the rest of PANJ members? Isn't there any bhangra peer-pressure?

I agree with all the posters that have stated serious issues that need to be addressed in Punjabi culture (what it was and has become). I'm a Punjabi, and I confess that Punjabi people simply ignore these serious issues, while still having a huge ego about their culture (what it was and what it is now). Some of this ego is justified due to the rich history, yet most of it is not. Yet we will loudly claim that we're serving Punjabi culture by singing/listening to Punjabi music. I remember Bhagwant Mann once said, "singers often state that they're serving Punjabi Culture, but this is a lie, they're actually making a living off of it, so Punjabi Culture is serving them." [paraphrased into English]

PS: I love meaningful discussions, the responses to this topic are great.

 

[faizan]

going to parties is not a good or bad thing in my opinion. love for your virsa, culture, religion, watan...comes from within and the amount of respect shown has nothing to do with having a good time...

sure stupid things happen at after parties, but if you steer clear of them, and you enjoy with your friends, then good for you.

i think this thread is more about punjabi cultural progression, rather than the micro north american issue of after parties, lets stay on topic.

 

[Saab]

The Renaissance of the Europeans in the 15/16th centuries was a revival of old ideas-particularly those of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. I would say Punjabi Culture is also going a transformation, but not the kind that includes the revival of old ideas.

Its changing. The identity, the language, the cultural capital (ideas, politics, song, dance, livelihood, religion)...it is adapting to a new age where a region like Punjab is at the forefront of globalization (via consumer markets, diaspora immigration, new wealth. and even globalized war (West Punjab-Taliban-Al Quaeda). So culture is always reinventing itself and changing. No need to sound so damn apocalyptic. There never was a "Golden Age". Good and bad things happen in every era.

It was a revival of wonderment as most individuals looked at Ancient Greek and Roman texts and realized how shitty the Dark Ages were with their Catholic Zealots, little to know information, no rights.

America had this great "leap forward" because, unlike most countries, it didnt associate itself with a background or roots steeped in Tradition. Being "American" isnt a solid concept or idea, just a mash of different backgrounds that have been co-oped into the notion. When America "modernized" it did so without many cultural, religious, or political backlash/loss as there never has been a concrete American Image.

If you ask people who hate America what they hate, they hate the western ideals. Why? Most likely it comes from teaching on a variety of things. Americans...they dont really hate anything. Their self-indulgence fuels their ignorance, which is worse than hate. Yeah, ill also put myself in this too, because until I hit college I was a stupid prat as well.

America is unique in that many cultures and a variety of things can show up, but that whatever is showcasing these ideals can be hijacked, derailed, and/or sidetracked by popular thought as that is our culture for the most part.