If there's anything more palpable than the fear on the face of the elderly man, it is the chilling fearlessness of the men who carried out the assault with such pride and jubilation.
Sanobar thank you for writing this. There is so much mending and healing we need to do. I’ve been thinking about how we ‘other’ people so easily all the time.
From what I’ve been reading on conflict mediation - the truly tragic part is if we want to change how the cow vigilantes behave one has to express some form of curiosity towards them- what makes them tick to then begin to challenge the underlying assumptions they have in their head. While theoretically that makes sense to me - the practice of that would be so hard for so many of us. Anyway I’m going to stop rambling but your piece made me think of many things !
Thank you, Smriti. I've always believed in any place, things fall in order top down. When those that are meant to serve us become blind with power and forget their actual role, those of us at the bottom will suffer. When those at the top in power preach and support hatred, those at the bottom will continue to be victims of that hate. And when those at the bottom remain indifferent and silent, it only emboldens the ones fuelling this hatred.
Yes and yes, Charulatha. I'm learning through my writing that pain is not our only story. However, I don't want to shy away from giving pain the mileage it deserves before it makes way for my joy. Thank you ❤️
My heart simply sinks. Such senseless hate. We've really lost the plot on how to 'live and let live.' Thank you for this honest reflection, much love <3
The real problem in India is that some people have been dividing communities between "we" and "they" not from any religion perspective but only with a view to gain power and drive their own agenda. They do not realise that spreading message of love is difficult but is required. Spreading hate is easy but not required. And there are many emotional fools here who fall prey to this game. It will take another decade to reverse the damage. All the People cannot be fooled All the time.
Grim and telling. Thank you for putting your words about this gruesome incident out there.
Thank you, Sai. I’m glad I did.
Tragic
It is. And we will continue to speak against it.
In solidarity
Sanobar thank you for writing this. There is so much mending and healing we need to do. I’ve been thinking about how we ‘other’ people so easily all the time.
From what I’ve been reading on conflict mediation - the truly tragic part is if we want to change how the cow vigilantes behave one has to express some form of curiosity towards them- what makes them tick to then begin to challenge the underlying assumptions they have in their head. While theoretically that makes sense to me - the practice of that would be so hard for so many of us. Anyway I’m going to stop rambling but your piece made me think of many things !
Thank you, Smriti. I've always believed in any place, things fall in order top down. When those that are meant to serve us become blind with power and forget their actual role, those of us at the bottom will suffer. When those at the top in power preach and support hatred, those at the bottom will continue to be victims of that hate. And when those at the bottom remain indifferent and silent, it only emboldens the ones fuelling this hatred.
Just so heart breaking. And with no end in sight. Sanobar, I hope you find some way to deal with this. Such senseless hate and pain.
Writing our pain away helps, doesn’t it? Hopefully, it will also help us build bridges.
Thank you for reminding us that we must never forget. And I hope you will also recall happier times with your father. Much 💗
Yes and yes, Charulatha. I'm learning through my writing that pain is not our only story. However, I don't want to shy away from giving pain the mileage it deserves before it makes way for my joy. Thank you ❤️
My heart simply sinks. Such senseless hate. We've really lost the plot on how to 'live and let live.' Thank you for this honest reflection, much love <3
Thank you for showing up, Aradhana.
Heartbreaking! Read this on The Wire the other day and wished I could give you a hug. Thank you for writing this ❤️
Intended hug warmly received. Thank you, Ila ❤️
this is heartbreaking! thank you for writing this. hugs to you Sanobar.
I’ve found bravery in my voice because of you guys, Savvy. Because of us. Thank YOU!
This throbs with hurt and betrayal.
It does. Thank you for receiving it as such ❤️
Thank you, Doel!
The real problem in India is that some people have been dividing communities between "we" and "they" not from any religion perspective but only with a view to gain power and drive their own agenda. They do not realise that spreading message of love is difficult but is required. Spreading hate is easy but not required. And there are many emotional fools here who fall prey to this game. It will take another decade to reverse the damage. All the People cannot be fooled All the time.
Exactly. We do what we can.