Agreed, Rakesh is the reason we all started thinking and talking about this issue with such fervour and depth. He is our teacher, in a certain way (though I could still do without the persona insult).

This conversation is a lot like being in India itself: up and down, emotional, frustrating and then, bhoom, the sun comes out, someone does or says something exceptional, the beauty of the universe is revealed and you feel that moment of exultant revelation, like something inside you opens up and you catch a glimpse of the abode of the gods. India.

I agree with you Mariellen, it is easy to critique others but offering solutions/knowledge is more meaningful and difficult. That is why, Rakesh is prone to making the same mistakes that he is accusing others. By the way, I really liked your statement, “In fact, even the poorest of the poor in India take pride in their appearance and would never let themselves look like some of the slovenly backpackers and hippies I have seen.” – Very true !!

Rakesh- I think we Indians should analyze our strengths and shortcomings objectively without comparing ourselves to any country. The hypocrisy is not in foreign writing – the hypocrisy is in our culture where one hand we tout our thousands of years of culture and philosophy but conveniently ignore the fact that the same ancient wisdom exhorts us to strive to be better citizens of the planet, be compassionate towards others and nature. Instead of criticizing poverty, help fix it. Every complains about a problem- what can you do to fix it? If you are doing something- get together with others and increase your outreach.

I think every culture is hypocritical at some level and many societies are struggling with the concept of basic human rights and equality of opportunity. We in India have to come to terms with it too. I think rhetoric and ranting is just like the grandstanding of politicians everywhere- only cheap talking points no actual results in the lives of people on the ground.

anyway, I thank everyone including Rakesh for this opportunity to learn and helping me to collect my thoughts on this issue

He writes, “Despite this, there is a growing antagonism towards the idea of foreigners engaging with India, a latter-day literary swadeshi predicated on the theory that Indians should be doing it for themselves, rather than listening to what outsiders have to say. It is a view that arises out of a justified sentiment, namely that for too long India had to endure books by foreigners which distorted its culture and history. But today, the denouncers of the foreign hand on the keyboard are more often than not vigilantes in search of a crime.

…

Literature should not be constrained by parochial rules of engagement, self-censorship or the pious, self-affirming orthodoxies of social media. Creativity should not be stifled by finger-wagging. Let the “Who should write about India?” question be consigned to the dustbin of history. Let Xuanzang go free, to write the books he wants. Let India accept the rest of the world, as the rest of the world accepts India.”

You have proved to me that you just want to fight because you didn’t answer my challenge to teach. Rather than clarify you just want to critique. I would be very interested to see your writing about the places you have travelled.

btw, you made a lot of the kinds of sweeping statements you say you abhor in the above comment.

background: 22 years,electronics post-grad.; well read, well traveled across South Asia, Western Europe.

My take on foreign writers who think they get what India is:

– everyone writing on travels in India: are too bland and prosaic. all they write about is: dirt,crowds,cheats, thugs, spirituality, poverty, more poverty, and some more poverty. Hell! if you don’t like it, don’t bother coming, and nobody cares if you complain. I have seen far more abject poverty in many so called classic european cities (i thought of naming some, but that will again begin an another debate). But poverty + India sells; its exotic.

– everyone writing on anything apart from travels (history, politics, and yes, Gandhi!): always too much distorted, cold, and negative. and though they might not realize – racist, demeaning and mocking. they write as if they all are saints, and try to impose their own morals upon us. and this includes most of the western media groups — never impartial and all jealous.

It is irritating to read so assured and sweeping but fallacious statements by such people who judge India according to their cognition and prejudices.

Although this may sound rhetoric, you can not understand India unless you were born and raised here. Your statement: ‘But would you prefer that we ignore you, and not visit and spend our hard-earned dollars in India?’ — you won’t find any indian marking such remarks about a country he frequents. there lies the difference.

Keep traveling.

No one is forcing you to read a foreigner’s website full of ‘sweeping meaningless biased prejudiced judging racist statements.’ One has to assume you derive pleasure in negatively critiquing articles about India the way so many Indians do as well, as if no foreigner could possibly understand India in all it’s infinite complexity. Oh sorry, was that a sweeping generalization of Indians or just the truth?

Can’t wait to read your India blog so we can get pointers. When is that launching?
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that he might want to investigte further on that since I have read SO MANY blogs from expats who absolutely Love India and say only wonderful things about it.
Many who travel there every single year and do spend their hard earned money in India as well~

Namaste~

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My momma always said, “stupid is as stupid does.” You are promoting another culture and learning, rather than slumming through foreign lands and your post was spot-on.

Thank you for highlighting that ‘backpacking culture’ CAN BE just another form of narcissism in the form of enlightened travel. It can also leave a poor impression for the next group of backpackers. I have luckily hiked a lot of places in Northern Pak, etc. that didn’t have many visitors at least dropouts, druggies, etc. so we were always well-respected and in turn, always respected, those we met on our travels.

Your observations of India are your observations and you are right to hold them and to express them. Saying that doesn’t mean it’s true in the absolute sense or that your intention was bad.

I can imagine that it is frustrating to read foreigners trying to come to grips with India. India is a daunting, fascinating and enigmatic place to most of us. But would you prefer that we ignore you, and not visit and spend our hard-earned dollars in India? A lot of people depend on tourism for their livelihood, as you must be aware.

I can assure you that though you may find me doltish, I am well-meaning. My heart is in the right place, though perhaps you don’t find that my words are.

But instead of just insulting me, why don’t you raise yourself up and teach me, and the many thousands who read this blog and are genuinely interested in learning more about India?