Ok I will keep this as short as possible because our discussion is distracting others.
1. First of all, those articles aren't strawman arguments. They are validation of what I am trying to say. Let me explain.
2. There is a
cause and effect for everything. A nation doesn't suddenly get tons of people doing something without an underlying cause. The cause is that we Indians have a heady mix of religious beliefs, cultural practices and superstitions which we are trying to integrate with science in the modern world. What to integrate will vary across the spectrum (even I am included in this) but the core desire remains. Some will integrate only the most logical things while others will integrate almost everything.
3. Before talking about proof, let's sidestep from this issue and talk the
"hamare zamane pe lecture". This is a widespread practice across desi communities (not just Indian). It's widely accepted this happens. What's the proof? Was there any scientific studies done which prove the same? So why do desis across the world RELATE to this? Cos it's that pervasive. So just because there wasn't any study, we will deny that this happens?
4. Coming to this issue....yes, one doesn't need to come from a conservative family to understand this....but those from one get to experience MORE incidents than other people. Lectures about everything under the sun. Even something as obvious as workout and nutrition (the opposing argument was that our culture helps us get the best nutrition and workout - which in certain context has merit but can't be applied in modern times). When you move around with some of the most hardcore religious folks and hardcore atheists, you get much more clearer insight on how people operate.
5. As for widespread acceptance, you just have to look around and see.
a. Look at what the old generation talks about and how they argue.
b. Look at whatsapp forwards that goes viral. Even look at the forwards that completely educated folks send you.
c. Look at social media where people try hard to show how Indian practices are scientific.
d. Look at long answers in Quora where cultural hindus try hard to make sense of our practices. Again, it's a spectrum.
e. Look at what our politicians are doing.
f. Look at what our celebrities are doing. Eg - AB.
g. Look at how many people believe gau mutra and gobar can help fight corona (again, this is a subsect).
h. Look at what our scientists and rationalists say reg this issue (as in pseudoscience gaining ground).
i. Look at how many of these fake babas are roaming around in India promising cure for everything (subsect).
f. Look at why this thaali bajao was so misinterpreted by many folks (as in sound will vanquish corona).
Everything doesn't have to be in a peer reviewed journal for being the truth.
The fact that you have SO MANY claims made about our religion, mythology, practices being scientific is clear proof.
All this doesn't MEAN every single Indian believes every single thing. Different people will fall in different categories (including me). But the core desire is very deep. You might say it's true for everyone in the world which might be the case but with our history & practices...things are a lot more stronger.
6. As for Modi, it's obvious I have no love lost for him. But as part of my profession, I always look for what makes him the persuader that he is. And a big part is that he taps into the aspirational goals & cultural identity of Indians. Now this isn't a bad thing at all. There are many things that Modi does(attire, language, sense of pride) that highlight and champion our culture which positively resonates with people. Unfortunately, he does a bit more than that. But he's not the only one to blame. It's our deep rooted desire (some rational, others misinformed) that contributes to the mess that we are in.
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I know this post has gotten longer than it should. Damn it
If you need to discuss further, just tag me in another thread and we can continue there.
