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I really enjoyed the article “Out of Context” by Gaiutra Bahadur. As a Guyanese born American, I can relate well to Bahadur’s experience. I would love to see more articles about people of West Indian descent as they are often under-represented in the Indian community. People often forget that we too are Indian; we were just born somewhere else. I commend Little India for recognizing this and look forward to more quality articles. Tejwatie Sohan, Via eMail
I was truly upset by Achal Mehra’s editorial “Worst President in History?” But is George W Bush really the worst president? While it is clear that you are a Democrat, but to insult our President is clearly wrong. I wonder what your thoughts were when President Clinton was in office? Did you feel the same anger when we messed up Somalia? Did you feel proud when our president was caught “red handed” with an intern? Did you hold your hand up high when his associates were literally found hanging in the White House? What about the DWI episodes of his close advisors on the streets of Washington DC? I wonder which president has not had “bad” associates. Which president did not favor his friends? Just look at the endless list of pardons that Pres. Clinton gave out in his last few days in office as did ex-presidents Bush, Reagan and many others. To say that our current president is incompetent and committing unconstitutional acts is ludicrous. No president in American history has had to deal with what Bush has. To fight a war against an enemy that has no name or face is the most difficult task. Bush did not ask for 9/11; it came to us. We are in the most difficult time of our lives. At this time instead of insults we should be showing support. And yes we do have a chance to change things in the mid-term elections and obviously in 2008. I look forward to that myself. But for now, I support the president we have, just like I supported Pres. Clinton when the Republicans waged a relentless personal war against him in his last years. Aash Shravah, New York Congratulations for your bold editorial “Worst President in History” from an 83-year-old Indian journalist visiting his daughter in New Jersey. I wish it would be reprinted in some Indian newspapers. I thoroughly enjoyed your June 2006 issue, especially sections on Star Gazing, Inmerica, the article “Let’s Dance,” Gen2Gen and Chandani Chowk. When it comes to getting information about India, it’s always Little India magazine. Abraham, New York, NY Many years ago, when I first became involved in the travel industry, a very successful Indian businessman (also in the travel industry) advised me to avoid doing business with Indians if I wanted to stay in business. I never understood why Indians are the way they are until I saw the piece, “Hindu pre-approved for a loan,” in your May 2006 issue. I then got a better understanding of the Indian psyche. I recall how when any Indian walked into the agency (we had as many as 40 people working there) just about everyone would turn “busy” or “run away.” No one wanted to handle an Indian client. Indians had a reputation for being not just frugal, but cheap. In spite of their wealth, education and disposable income (there are exceptions), the vast majority of them continue to practice frugality to an extreme level. Until Indians as a group adopt and adapt, they’ll continue to have this negative perception when money, finance and business are involved. Sometimes I wonder if people see me that way too, since I’m 3rd-generation (now up to sixth) Indian. Dominic Anthony, Raleigh, NC |
Letters August 2006
