[Reader-list] Freedom of Expression my foot!

[Pawan Durani]

For Fatima ,The concept of nationalism starts with British Raj in India
Reason : It suits Fatimas argument .........

God Bless

On 8/27/07, S.Fatima <sadiafwahidi at yahoo.co.in> wrote:
>
> Dear Kuber
> Do you think one would be so ignorant so as to not
> even have a cursory look at the history and mythology
> of nationalism. The nationhood is there even in the
> colonies of amoeba. Of course one is aware of these
> historical references, although most of these
> treatises are written for/by the ruling class, so we
> never get to know what the ordinary people of the
> world/India felt about their nation, or whether it was
> necessary in those days to whip up the emotions or
> create euphorias about one's nation, or was is
> necessary to be patriotic those days to be an Indian.
>
> I was only responding to the present day version of
> nationalism/patriotism which is based on a lot of gas.
>
> The present day nationalism (and its version of
> history) is not so old - it was certainly sowed in the
> British period. And its flowering only now. I don't
> want a nationalism which shows a foot to the freedom
> of expression.
>
> Using your own phrases such as "annexation" and the
> "ambitions of a ruler" which no right thinking person
> would like to endorse in today's politically correct
> world, one can assume that a lot of assertion of
> nationalism can lead to problems and conflicts. For
> instance, the enforcement of a unified culture on
> every citizen of a nation (in the name of
> nationalism). Why is that Hindi is not acceptable to
> Tamils as a national language? Because a centralized
> nationlism is forcing it down their throat, and they
> don't want it. I was simply referring to the
> artificial/superficialities of nationalism which have
> creeped into us now - and we need to rise above them.
>
> (Alas, by being apologetic about my name you are
> merely invoking a stereotype. How do I know whether a
> Nomad/wanderlustt/Kuber is a Parsi or a Swahili or an
> Inca).
>
>
>
> --- Nomad <wanderlustt at rediffmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Dear Sadia,
> >
> > The concept of Nationhood was there since the time
> > Men & Women learnt to live in communities, yes its
> > premise has kept evolving over the time from forced
> > annexation because of the ambitions of a ruler to
> > today.
> >
> > I do not know what your area of specialization is,
> > but even a cursory glance at Mythology and History
> > books is enough to answer your poser.
> >
> > Ramayana and Mahabharta are replete with references
> > to Kings and Kingdoms, the term used is Rashtra.
> > Ashoka fought wars till he became a champion of
> > peace. Cholas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, Santhavanas,
> > Lodhis, Mughals. Wonder how come you have not heard
> > of even one.
> >
> > Elsewhere Alexander traveled all the way to India
> > annexing territories along the way. There was the
> > Pax-Romana.
> >
> > Considering the etymology of your name, I will
> > refrain from referring to Darul Islam or Crusades,
> > for you might label me a fascist which is not the
> > case.
> >
> > This was just an off the cuff reply, will get back
> > with a better researched & politically correct reply
> > shortly
> >
> > Cheers!!!
> > Kuber
> >
> >
> >
> > On Mon, 27 Aug 2007 SFatima wrote :
> > >Dear Rahul
> > >I don't agree with you on this. Where has this
> > concept
> > >of Nation, Nationalism, Rashtra come from? Was it
> > >there in our country 100 years ago, or 300 years,
> > or
> > >2000 years ago? Has it been mentioned in any
> > Shastras?
> > >I don't think so. It has been implanted into us by
> > the
> > >colonial rule. While we continue to reject so many
> > >things as "foreign" we have happily accepted this
> > >concept as it suits our ends. Why?
> > >And what is constitution/legisilation? Is it a
> > voice
> > >of God? Is it embedded in our DNAs? Isn't that
> > created
> > >by some individuals (who we may or may not agree
> > >with).
> > >
> > >I think its time we rise above the definition of
> > the
> > >Nation if we want to bring any real change. And a
> > >civil war and bloodshed is not required for that.
> > What
> > >is required is the opening of hearts and minds.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >--- Rahul Asthana <rahul_capri at yahoo.com> wrote:
> > >
>
>
>
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