The Possibility of Modernizing Indian Culture

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Table of Contents

Abstract
Contemporary Diversity Issues
References

Abstract

Many cultures consist of a set of rules and beliefs that do not undergo change even if those societies adopt modernism. One such culture that is discussed in this assignment is the Indian culture. The major norms that prevailed in this culture at the time of the Mogul emperors persist although the Indians are taking a step towards the western way of living. However, most prejudices remain. The caste system and the racial and religious discrimination are still present, though considerably diminished. In my opinion, the Indian culture needs to go through a transformation and become totally westernized as this middle path for culture can lead to the destruction of societies.

Contemporary Diversity Issues

The word ‘culture’ cannot be defined accurately. It has been derived from the Latin word cultura which means ‘to cultivate’. It may be explained as a set of values and attitudes shared by the members of an organization.

In this paper, I shall discuss the very rich and diverse Indian culture. Although India has prospered and become modern in certain aspects such as lifestyle, clothing, and dining, but its old values and beliefs are rooted deeply in the hearts of the Indians. The Indian culture is based mainly upon the traditions prevailing in the times of Emperor Asoka and the secular rule of Akbar. (Hay, 1970)

Certain rigid and prescriptive norms in the Indian culture have not changed with time. For example, every religion in the world teaches and expects the younger generation to respect the older. In the Indian culture, the youth is supposed to show this respect by touching the feet of the elders. Premarital sex is forbidden whereas in the western culture this is not considered to be immoral. Similarly, homosexuality is a big taboo in India and its punishment, as stated by the Indian government, is life imprisonment. Moreover, as opposed to the west, most Indian families still adhere to a joint family system. A son, after getting married, is expected to keep his wife and children in his parent’s house.

The caste system prevails in some parts of India where it is rigidly followed. The Indians are always aware of their place in the social hierarchy. Likewise, the role of a woman is limited and pre-determined. Her place is inside the house and is expected to tend to her husband and children all day. Women living in villages, who go into the fields to work, are often exploited by upper caste men, and no action is taken against the criminals. Women who do get educated and go to work in offices are not given positions they deserve in the organizations. As a religious duty, all Indians, particularly Hindu men and women, are expected to learn the art of dance and music.

The level of education amongst Indian women has gone up significantly compared to olden times, yet many are still unaware of their legal rights. The failure to bring a sizeable dowry upon marriage will be the bone of contention in the relationship between an Indian bride and her in-laws. All Indian ladies are expected to be submissive and docile, and if a woman tries to speak out for herself, she is looked down upon. The law has no clauses for women suffering from domestic violence which is rampant in India, especially in middle and lower class families. Not much action is taken against sexual violence as well. Even now the birth of a girl in the family is a cause of depression. This is because it is the son who carries on the family’s name and supports the parents in old age, whereas the daughter has to be married off sooner or later and dowry issues are burdensome. Therefore, in rural areas, even today, a newborn girl is killed.

A societal rule that Indian women follow is that when at a gathering they shake hands with other women only, and not with men, as that would be inappropriate. In short, they are expected to follow the path which their fathers, brothers and husbands choose for them. An Indian man, on the other hand, is considered to be the head of the family as in most other cultures. He expects his wife and children to abide by the rules he sets for his household. No one in the family has the right to deny him anything, however unreasonable it may be, as he provides for them all. He wants to be loved, pampered and cared for by his wife regardless of if he is doing the same for her.

India has a thousand ethnic groups, castes, and religions. The interaction between the castes is restricted. Those belonging to the upper level in the hierarchy do not like to mingle with those belonging to the lower level. Certain upper-caste Indians who are very conscious and more superstitious do not even like the shadow of the lower-caste ‘untouchables’ to fall on them as that would bring them bad luck. The concept of rebirth is popular and deeply entrenched in the Indian psyche, and ideas about good and evil, reward and punishment all revolve around this idea of reincarnation. These attitudes are changing among educated modern Indians who do not regard adherence to the caste system as a mechanism of social control anymore. (Béteille, 1991),

People from different religions living in India face many hardships. Due to the worsening religiopolitical scenario, especially in India, interacting with a Muslim is considered almost a sin. This is evident from a recent incident. A man and a woman were forced out of a public bus, attacked and assaulted merely because one was a Hindu and the other a Muslim and had exchanged a few polite words with each other. Such an attitude has forced people from other religions, living in India, to either hide their religions and act as Hindus, or remain in their shells, not expecting any kind of favors from the dominant group. Religious and racial issues are dominant not only in India but exist in modern societies too. The harassment of the famous actress Shilpa Shetty by a co-actor on a UK-based show is an example. If a renowned public figure is not safe from racial discrimination, then how can others be? Color of the skin is another factor that plays a part subconsciously in prejudiced minds. More attention and favors are bestowed upon the fairer than the darker.

All the above cultural aspects figure prominently in India, as would be apparent to an outsider after only a glimpse at their television shows and movies. This is although the majority is trying to move towards a westernized way of life. The Indian culture at the moment is transforming, standing at the midpoint between the west and east. During this process of acculturation, the values and traditions of the Indians are slowly being displaced and they have to struggle with fulfilling the requirements of cultures that are poles apart. Therefore, I think it is better for them to completely give up their old ways and mindset if they are to move forward quickly and without much conflict. However, if the more prejudiced Indians decide to resist this acculturation, then, in my opinion, it would become a violent effort since those who have tried to adopt western ways would not be willing to turn back. However, it remains for the Indians to decide how they want to mold their future and emerge as a nation in the new world.

References

Béteille, A. (1991). The reproduction of inequality: Occupation, caste and family. Contributions to Indian sociology, 3-28.

Mishra, J.(1999). Breakfree. Penguin Books.

Hay, Stephen. (1970). Sources of Indian Tradition. 2nd ed.

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The Possibility of Modernizing Indian Culture

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