After reading the brief autobiographical excerpt from Shudha Mazumdar, I want you to think about and answer ONE (you can address more, but don't feel obligated to do so) of the following questions:
1.
On page 137, Mazumdar's mother is quoted as saying, "A man may do
whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her
own desires." Is this an utterly sexist comment? Is there any truth
to it?
2. Was it difficult to understand the many rites, rituals, and puja
that Mazumdar describes in pp. 137-142? If so, why? Do you think it
would be difficult for Mazumdar to understand some Catholic rituals
if they were described in detail? Why?
3. When
discussing the multiplicity of religions with her older brother,
Mazumdar seems to think that her brother is teaching her that all
religions are basically the same thing called by different names (cf.
the water anecdote on p. 142). Mazumdar then asks her brother, "Then
it doesn't matter much, does it, which road we take" (143)? Her
brother responds, "But it does matter..."(143). What does he mean?
Do you agree?
4. After a near death experience (cf.
pp. 147-148) Mazumdar feels a "detachment from [her] body." She even
refers to her body as "this cage of flesh that decomposes." Do you
think this detachment from the body is good/healthy? Does the Hindu
emphasis on the "real self" as opposed to the "surface self" (i.e.
body, conscious mind, ego, attachments, etc.) make sense to you?
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When Mazumdar's brother says that religions are called differently but are the same and the road we take does matter, I think that he means that all religions have the same essence. For example, there is sparkling water, room temperature water, and cold water, but at the end of the day they are all water just in different "forms". We all have a special preference to what type of water we like. We may like cold water, while others prefer room temperature water. Some people may just be drinking sparkling water their entire lives without trying a different type of water. What her brother means is that she should pick the "water" that she prefers instead of one that tastes bad to her. She can pick whichever type of water because they all serve the same purpose, keeping you satisfied.I think the water analogy is beautifully put.
ReplyDelete1. Although this comment is sexist and stereotypical, the fact that men are more at liberty than women to do what they choose is true in almost any society. As most societies are patriarchal, the actions of men are questioned less and respected more than the actions of women. A stereotype of women is that they are prone to sin, make mistakes, and often represent temptation. However, men following their own desires have caused problems in history. For example, throughout history men driven by greed have begun wars, become dictators, and ruthlessly killed thousands of people for the purpose of gaining territory. Men often blame women for the temptations that they pose, but sometimes it is the men who are at fault for not being able to control their desires. Since women were taught to be subordinate to men during Mazumdar's lifetime, once a woman believed she could choose freely and follow her desires, maybe she would think herself equal to men. This would go against the rules of society and cause problems, which is what Mazumdar's mother means by "that home is doomed."
ReplyDeleteThis is a sexist comment but it is also what society has been taught to believe. Sexism, as we see from Mazumdar, does not only come from men, but women eventually start to believe that men are better to a certain degree. Though one may not completely believe it, when they are told one thing over and over again, they begin to believe it. When you grow up in society that portrays women as more sinful than men, that is what you are taught to believe. Like what Regina stated, if the man doesn't have complete control or make all decisions and the woman believes that she is equal to her husband, it causes friction and conflict in the household which makes the home "doomed".
DeleteI believe that it is a sexist comment, but I agree with Hélèna when she said that at a certain point, women begin to believe that they are inferior to men. To some extent, i believe that the part of the quote: "but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires" is the most sexist part because it implies that when a women does what she wants, things will fall apart around her. Being a female, that would annoy me so much because I am used to being able to voice my opinions and be listened to and respected and I cannot see how any other way is right.
Delete3. When Mazumdar is speaking with her brother about the many religions and if it matters which one you practice, he says, “But it does matter…” (143). I think he means that religion should be personal, so it should suit your individual personality. Just like every person is unique, so is every religion. While the destination of every religion is God, the paths to getting there are different. It is a matter of preference as to how you want to get there, and maybe even what you believe is the right way to get there, if there is a right way. It is the journey that matters the most, not necessarily the destination. I agree with Mazumdar’s brother, however, I feel that since you grow up knowing probably only one religion, it is difficult to have the choice in what religion you practice. You grow up being conformed to the aspects of your family’s religion so it is unlikely, though possible, that you will choose another religion. Ultimately, no matter what religion you practice, religion and your path to God should be personal.
ReplyDelete1. Honestly, it is a completely sexist comment, and the fact that it's a woman saying it doesn't make it any less so--if anything, it makes it more sexist. The world is so patriarchal; men, back then, would scoff at women's decisions, and that leads to women believing they're "unworthy" to do what men do. As Regina said, women are portrayed as temptresses, corrupters. For example, in the story of Adam and Eve, Eve is the one to take a bite of the forbidden fruit and then urges Adam to do the same. Granted, this could be seen in more than one way. One, women are seen to be as sordid, or two: men are weak, easily persuaded. However, I digress. In a way, there is some truth in Mazumdar's mother's favorite saying, but there is only that sliver of otruth because women themselves have begun to believe. Forgive me for sounding like a "hard-core" feminist.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think it was so hard to understand what the rituals are, as to why they were performed. I know the obvious reasons because they were stated in the article, but it is hard for me to picture a little girl reciting prayers and rituals for very abstract ideas. That then brought me to the question of if the children really understand what they are praying for, or if they think they do because they were told to. That thought then brought me to a parallel with Christianity. When children receive their First Holy Communion, do they really understand consubstantiation or do they just believe what they are told to do and practice. I must say, it is no easy task spelling consubstantiation, much less teaching it to 2nd graders.
ReplyDeleteI think that, with almost all religions, it is difficult to understand teachings that we were not raised by. Children are much more open-minded, and will absorb the teachings much more willingly than a skeptical teenager who was raised by different rituals. In broader terms, I do think that explaining the rituals of Christianity to Shudha Mazumdar would be difficult and confusing for her because she was raised with such radically different traditions.
4. I do not believe this is particularly healthy for one main reason. It really does sound like she is going crazy, and I think anyone who had a near-death experience thinks about what could have happened if they had died, and they imagine their loved ones' lives without them. It also sounds a bit like post-traumatic stress, but since she believes she is hearing from her "real self," she does nothing about it and continues on with her life, with it always in the back of her mind. I think others who have an experience like this go to a psychologist, and learn to cope and learn to forget or put the traumatic experience behind them. This idea of two different selves is partially true because we all have a different conscious mind, and we all have an ego that is what we want it to be, not necessarily who we truly are inside. However, the whole idea is extremely complex and hard to fully understand.
ReplyDeleteOn page 137, Mazumdar's mother is quoted as saying, "A man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires." I believe that this comment is ultimately sexiest. This is because even though the mother is giving the praise and responsibility to the women in the relationship, its would be better if both people in the relationship were viewed equally. I also do not like how this implies that a woman cannot do as they please, but a man can. This statement grants more freedom to the man. In a sense it chains the women because she cannot do what she wants. She is forced to stay at home. That is my personal opinion, however, in the context that Mazumdar's mother states it she used it to defend her own beliefs. She does not mind staying at the house in fact she wants to. She takes pride in the fact that she raises the family and runs the household. She feels that it is her duty, and she would like to do it in her way, without the interference of she husband. She says it as if she is trying to raise women's rights by giving them responsibly. I still don't agree with it however.
ReplyDelete4. I think Mazumdar’s detatchment from her physical body makes complete sense. It is natural for her to be in shock after her accident, and for her near death experience to provoke reflection. I agree with Angie, upon most near-death experiences, one reflects and learns to appreciate what they have in life even more, but when Mazumdar says, “But the memory of that brief encounter of the truth lingered, and I yearned to re-experience it,” it’s almost as if she wants to pursue this again. I think that she “truth” she is talking about is her detatchment from her body. She isn’t referring to the “truth” as a near-death experience or even death itself, but as an experience that will skin away all your excess being so you can fully embrace your atman, and attempt at achieving moksha. Its hard to put what I’m trying to say in words, but I believe that Mazumdar felt a separation between her soul (atman) and her physical body during her drowning experience. One of the most important phrases she states is, “you are here to play the game of life for a little while till the call comes to leave it. Do not forget this glimpse of the ultimate truth”. I believe that this, overall, really shows the aspect of cyclical time in hinduism. “life” to a hindu is just a pastime, a stop on the way of one’s journey to achieving moksha. It disconnected Mazumdar from her current life and reminded her of her long-term journey. I’m not sure whether I think this is healthy/good or not. It is definitely good for her spiritually, to be reconnected with the true purpose, but it also isn’t good because she sounds slightly suicidal when she wants to “re-experience” the traumatic event.
ReplyDelete1. I think that is quote is completely sexist, but has an alternate meaning when considered in relation to the Hindu religion. Although this quote is indeed sexist, it was something that was understood to be a complete truth in Hinduism. As a wife and as a women, Mazumadar’s mother is considered not only as inferior to her husband but also not allowed the freedoms of her husband. I think it is easy to wonder why women during these times allowed such unfair treatment, but we must consider that challenging these social and religious understandings is to challenge their culture. This statement also suggests that in this tradition the home represents not the individual but the family and to follow personal desires means to ignore the needs of the family. Women are meant to sacrifice their own interests to look after the happiness of the group. But why should women make this sacrifice, and not men?
ReplyDeleteOne very interesting thing that Mazumdar's mother says is: "A man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires." It is both interestingly worded and quite sexist! Basically she says that a man has no punishment for any of his actions; however, a woman gets in trouble for any of his bad actions. Despite many people's high thoughts of America and its freedom, there many injustices toward women in our society. For example, often men, instead of a women, get a certain job. Also, when women cheat on their partner they are called slatternly; but, when men cheat no one really minds, in fact they are encouraged by their friends.
ReplyDeleteI think that I have no choice but to agree with Mazumdar’s brother. If I didn’t agree with him, then I would be forced to face the fact that maybe my religion is not the right one. Maybe it’s not the one that will save me in some way or form. It comforts me to believe, as Mazumdar’s brother does, that all religions are true, that they all lead to the same outcome and same God. Of course, I do not believe that all religions are the same, because I know they are quite different, but I like to believe that each religion is a different way to the one true God or overpowering force that unites all religions. In believing that “All religions are true,” as Mazumdar’s brother does, I can be assured that my religion will not fail me.
ReplyDelete1. I find this quote very sexist because it basically says that women are not going to be good influences. If a man does something bad, people forgive him and forget about it, while if a woman does the exact same thing, she gets punished and people remember what she did. Its really frustrating learning about how women are degraded and seen as evil. Men also have more freedom to do what ever they want, while once again women are not allowed to/have little freedom in their lives.
ReplyDeleteMy feeling on the statement made by Mazumdar's mother, "A man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires,” are conflicting. Today, as a young women in society, I feel that this statement is extremely sexist. I do not agree with what she says and do not feel in any way that men are superior to women. However, I can understand where Mazumdar's mother’s feelings are coming from. Indian culture was based on caste systems, and so was their mindset. If you were born poor, you are born to serve. In the same ways, if you are born a women you are born to serve the man. In truth, that is why it is not sexist. it is based on ritual and tradition. Mazumdar's mother knows nothing more than that which she was taught, does not mean for it to be taken as a sexist comment, but one which is reflexive of their tradition and religion.
ReplyDelete1. The idea of allowing men to do as they please and saying that "a home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires," is sexist. It enforces women's subordinate position and restricts women from living their dreams. I agree with Anastasia that it is unfair for women to have to sacrifice their own wishes for the benefit of their family. Also, it displays a prejudiced distrust in women to make smart decisions without guidance. Finally, the fact that Shudha Mazumdar's mother considered this to be her favorite quote shows how the women in her society accepted their inferior status.
ReplyDelete1. This quote is definitely sexist. Throughout history, women have gotten a reputation for being temptresses and sinners with weak morals. Even since the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, women tend to have the blame for an event forced upon them. Eve supposedly "tricked" Adam into eating the fruit from the tree, and this has been held against her and all women for centuries. Women, in my opinion, are sometimes used as a scapegoat for men when men don't want to be blamed for something. I don't mean to say that men are always to blame, just that sharing the blame when necessary would be a more sensible solution. When Mazumdar's mother says, "A man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires," it shows that she recognizes that men can do what they please, whenever they want, but when a woman makes her own choices, everyone around her will suffer. There is a major double standard for men and women. If a man made a bad decision, it was forgiven much more quickly than if a woman made that same bad decision. As Pia said, this quote applies to our society even today. For example, men are still paid more than women for working the exact same job. In Mazumdar's mother's time, women were always discriminated against and judged based on stereotypes. This quote describes perfectly the double standard that exists for men and women, and it can be applied in the 1800's and today in 2012.
ReplyDelete4.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that the rites, rituals, and Puja are hard to understand at all. What I do not understand, is why these rituals are necessary; as I was reading through all of the rituals, all I could think was, "What's the point of that? Why is that important?" Clearly I do not understand because I am not Hindu; I do not practice this religion. If I did practice Hinduism, I would probably think that these rituals were perfectly normal. If Shudha Mazumdar were to read about the Catholic rituals, she would probably ask the same questions: "What's the point? Why is that important?" because she is not Catholic. I was raised Catholic and she was raised Hindu; therefore, we are accustomed to the rituals of our own religions. Hence, when we read about or study the rituals of other religions, it is normal that we understand the process of these rituals but not the root or the purpose.
1. I think that this quote is sexist because it is basically saying that a woman’s desires will have a negative effect on her home; therefore, she shouldn’t do what she wants. I believe that men and women are equally responsible for having irrational desires that can have consequences. However, I also feel that both can desire to do what is best for their family; thus, having a very good effect. I think it is extremely unfair to say that men can do what they want and women can’t, and it is unfortunate that both believe this. Also, there are so many single mothers in the world today, raising families, that it is unfair to not give them credit where they deserve it. For the most part I found this quote to be untrue. However I did also interpret it to make the assumption that what women desire most is to have some alone time; thus, leaving the family fend for itself. In this case then hypothetically, the family would fall apart. It is similar to when my mom is away. We joke that we can’t survive without her, but really we just don’t know what we’re going to have for dinner.
ReplyDelete1. I believe that this quote is sexist, as it implies that men have more freedom to do what they want than women do, that men and woman are not equal in marriage. The saying says "that home is doomed" when a women follows her desires, which implies that women's actions affect the household life more which is the case in Hindus life; for example, with Shudha Mazumdar's mother, it is apparent that the woman's job is to maintain the household. This is also a sexist idea - that women belong at home. Yet this quote displays how important the role of women are in the household in Hindu culture. In addition, what Daniella says is very true -that because Hindus are in a multiple-life mindset, women must do their duty (dharma), being subordinate to their husband, in this life to be reborn at a higher level (possibly as a man).
ReplyDeleteI think there is truth to it when seen through the eyes of Hinduism and through the eyes of a multiple life reality. But as a Westerner and as someone who believes that we only have one life, I disagree with this quote.
I thought it very interesting how Mazumdar's brother was described as being incredibly pious, and then stated how although religions have different paths, they ultimately all lead to the same place. However he was still adamant about the fact that it matters which path you choose.
ReplyDeleteI don't entirely agree with this, since I do not believe all religions have the same goal. I think there is the common thread of God throughout many religions, but even so God can be illustrated in many different ways. The components of different religions are all vastly different, with some emphasizing purity, others giving, or others adherence to religious law.
I also think Mazumbar's brother, being a devout Hindu, would like to think that it does matter which path you follow, since he's dedicated his life to following the path of Hinduism. The passage brings up the question of tolerance and acceptance for other religions. What exactly does being tolerant mean? By saying that all religions lead to the same place, is Mazumdar being accepting? I should think that someone who had spent their whole life devoted to their religion might not want to believe that absolutely everyone will reach spiritual fulfillment without the proper devoutness. (In turn this might cause their religion to lose meaning.) Yet does this make a person not accepting?
2. Yes, I did find it difficult to understand the rites, rituals, and puja because there were so many of them, and each one of them has a specific part to it. Even more confusing though then the actual rites, rituals, and puja are when they have to be performed, and how many times a month or year because it was like one you perform three times a month, and then another once a month. I feel like I would need a calendar just to remind and tell me when each specific rite, ritual, or puja had to be performed. Yes, I think Mazumdar would have difficulty understanding Catholic rituals because unlike Hinduisms way of physical preparation through things like sacrifice, in Catholicism we tend to prepare ourselves in a more mental way for God and our rituals, meaning that we have opened our minds and our hearts enough that we are prepared/ready to receive the ritual. Our rituals our more of preparing ourselves to undertake something (in a mental way), while their rituals seems to involve more doing and preparing things for a god so that they can pray to them for something. Lastly compared to Hindu rituals it seems that ours are less elaborate and more of just a couple simple steps, instead of a dozen or more detailed steps.
ReplyDelete1. The saying, "A man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires," strikes me as extremely sexist. Hindu women of the past had been led into thinking that their role in the home was extremely important- which it was, and still is. However, the belief of the importance of the home role led these women, especially Hindu women, into believing that they had to give up everything to make sure their household was running as smoothly as possible. They did not question their role or the tradition because the idea of being the home-maker was passed down from generation to generation. As Daniella and Renata said, dharma played an important role in the Hindu culture. The women felt it was their duty to help the men, and in return, possibly be reincarnated in a higher caste, or as a man. Also, the fact that Shudha Mazumdar's mother chose this as her favorite quote shows just how easily she, and other women, accepted their "assigned" role as the home-maker and status as an inferior to the men.
ReplyDelete4) When Madzumar almost died from drowning, she claimed to have "a detachment from body." There haVe been many other incidents of people claiming that that has happened to them so it is not a totally unheard notion. I think it is healthy because in a way she is almost getting a chance to look at herself and see what she really is on the outside but also how her soul is different. It definitely helps you understand why the Hindu emphasis on the "real self" and the "surface self", and I think Madzumar better understood it too. It also made me thi about the samsara and how Hindus view life after death in reincarnation. It was almost like her soul was prepared to leave Madzumar's current "cage" and move on to the next one.
ReplyDelete3. When Mamzudar asks her brother, "then it does not matter much, does it, which road we take?” (143), he responds: “but it does matter. It all depends on how you look at it. You may reach your destination through a flower-filled garden, or through an unclean latrine, it is for you to choose which path you prefer” (143). Mamzudar does not understand why the “path” you choose matters if all paths lead to the same destination. Mamzudar’s brother tries to explain to his sister that religion is about the journey, not the destination. Although all religions lead to God, each religion is a completely different journey. “Some roads are broad and some are narrow, some are long and some are shorter ways…” (143). I completely agree with Mamzudar’s brother. For most, religion is a significant part of life, and therefore, the path one chooses will affect their life forever. Some people learn more from a certain path than others. Others decide that the path they have chosen is not the right one. One must choose the path that they think they will learn the most from.
ReplyDelete1. I believe this saying to be a bit sexist, but also very true. It is not fair to say men can do whatever they want to, but for a woman to do what she wants would end in great disaster. Women should be able to do whatever they want to do if men can, but they are not. For instance, Shuda’s brother forbade her to eat the food from their father’s table. When Shuda asks why he can do it and she cannot, the brother replies that it is because he is a boy and she is a girl. Interpreting the saying in this way leads to the justification of sexism against women. However, it could also be interpreted to mean that without the women, everyone else would be hopeless. This interpretation lends great power to the women, because it shows that without them, the rest of us would be doomed.
ReplyDelete1. The assumption that a “man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires” is extremely sexist and untrue. Not only is it unreasonable that women are restricted from following their own dreams and desires, but the fact that a woman (Shudha Mazumdar’s mother) says this quote is almost disturbing. She has been brought up in a society where women are subordinate to men, and this idea has been ingrained in her mind. It is almost as if she is brainwashed into thinking, and accepting, that she and her sex are not as worthy as men are.
ReplyDeleteWhat Dada, the name Mazumdar called her eldest brother, means when he says that the religion you choose makes a difference is that, although all religions lead you to God, they each have a unique path. One may then question, why would it matter what path you take if the final result is the same? The religion you choose, or the path that you take matters, because each path is so different. If a person grows up with a certain religion, there is a good chance that is the easiest path to God for them. That religion will most likely make the most sense to them. If someone tries to take on a religion that they do not understand, they will probably have problems with having a strong faith in it. It is nearly impossible for someone to believe in and trust something that makes little sense to them. For example, in reading this exerpt from Mazumdar's autobiography, the rituals that she describes may not make that much sense to a Christian, or a Muslim, and vice versa. Therefore, a Christian or a Muslim would find difficulty in taking the path of Hinduism to God. I agree with what Dada says, because personally I would find trouble having faith a in a religion that is so foreign to me, when Catholicism is what I have grown up with, and therefore easier for me to accept and understand.
ReplyDelete1. I also agree with Elizabeth that a "man who may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a women follows her own desires" is very sexist. The fact that a woman says this about herself make sit even worse because she is putting down her own gender and allowing others women to believe so as well. Without women taking care of the children and cleaning the house everything would end in disaster, as Kelsey said. I understand why Shudha Mazumdar's mother would think this way because she has grown up in a society where woman are constantly put down; and if people keep telling you that your worthless and below men you start to believe and accept it more and more.
ReplyDelete4. As someone who has had a near-death experience, I can completely relate with what Mazumdar is feeling. I think this awareness that the body and soul are separate is very good, for it allows us to see beyond ourselves and overlook our environment to think of greater truths. However, her stage of realization, that her body is a “cage of flesh that decomposes” is not necessarily healthy. When you’re so close to losing your body and the fickle flesh that embodies your spirit, it’s understandable to feel like your worldly body simply confines your spirit’s great potential to soar. However, as our bodies are what literally give life to our spirit, I think it’s important that Mazumdar learn to make her body and spirit be one. Without our body, our spirit has no meaning, for then it has no ability to cause action.
ReplyDelete1. This quote is sexist, because it implies that women have chaotic desires that cause destruction to families. It does, in a more positive light, show that the woman is the manager of the household. Therefore her goal is to be the best provider, which cannot be done if she does as she pleases. However, this does then enforce the double standards between the men and women. Women are supposed to be held accountable for their actions and suffer the consequences, while a man can do anything he wants. Shudha Mazumdar’s mother is still a strong woman, and she understands her role in this society, but this thinking does put so much more pressure on women than on men. A small scale example of this is when Shudha, as a young girl, is told by her brothers that she is not allowed to eat her father’s Western food. The boys can but she cannot because she has her cleanliness to uphold.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the quote, " A man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires" is very sexist. She is saying that women only have one path, which is to please their husband, not themselves. Although this quote is unfair, I understand why she said it. She, and many other women, were raised up in a culture where it was common to think like that. Women are raised to serve their husbands from when they are young up until they marry. This kind of thinking is encouraged by their family and faith, so who is going to encourage them to think otherwise?
ReplyDeleteTo a certain extent, I found it challenging to comprehend the rituals
ReplyDeletethat Shudha Mazumdar described. In the Catholic religion, one is
somewhat obligated to participate in the majority of the seven
sacraments; however, Mazumdar is obligated to participate in all of
the rituals her religion supports, both major in minor ones. Mazumdar
explains on pg. 137 that she must wash herself fully if she eats from
her Father’s table, as it is not encouraged to eat unorthodox food. In
my life, I am highly encouraged to venture out from my culture, and I
am always persuaded to learn about and taste other cultures’ foods. As
I am encouraged to do such things, I find it incomprehensible as to
why a religion would instruct you to live in such a primitive and
highly structured way. Therefore, if Mazumdar would hear of my
Catholic rituals, I could understand if Catholicism would surprise her
just as her ways surprised me. Would our ritual of communion and
eating the “body and blood of Christ” confuse her? I can almost
predict that she would be more than a little confused.
I agree with Isabel when she says that it is difficult to understand the rituals. I think in the modern world where eating certain foods and wearing certain things have become a much more vague line it was very surprising to see that she does have to be so selective about what she does because of her religion.
Delete1. I believe that the quote of Mazumdar’s mother saying, “A man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires,” is extremely sexist, yet not totally untrue. Some may argue that because a woman made this statement makes it less, however that is false; this quote discriminates against women regardless of the person who says it. I believe that there are bits of true pieces from this quote, the first being that many people believe that women are meant to be the homemakers of the family and that if they stray off the predetermined path then the entire home suffers the consequences. This also shows how little freedom women have in their lives that when a man and a woman choose to follow their desires the women’s affects are monumentally larger.
ReplyDelete1. "A man may do whatever he chooses, but that home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires."
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read this quote I get so confused. My mind goes on a whirlwind. It just doesn't seem to make any sense; it doesn't sound like something Shudha Mazumdar's mother would say...
When I first read a "home is doomed where a woman follows her own desires," I thought she was saying that women were incapable of making the right decisions for their family because of their overwhelming emotions, and/or desires. However, that didn't sound right coming from Shudha Mazumdar's mother, a very assertive woman who had a lot of control over children's religious rituals. This made me realize that maybe her mother meant that, in this patriarchal society today, homes are looked down upon as being "doomed" if the woman is the head of the family and makes most of the decisions--simply because of the mere fact that she is a woman.
Shudha Mazumdar's mother made many of the decisions under her roof; however, her home was never really "doomed."
In response to question three, I'd say that I completely agree with Mazumdar's brother in that all religions are basically the same thing called by different names. And although I understand why Mazumdar would therefore assume that it doesn't matter "which road we take," I also agree with her brother in that it does. He was saying that all religions are basically the same, not that they are in every way the same thing. All religious people share something in common: they are searching for answers; but the answers that they find and the ways in which they find those answers are unique to each religion. The answers act as guidance, something all people need, and it's important that they fully believe in the guidance they are given. So, I believe that it does, in fact, matter very much which road we take. It's the details that we connect to, not just the general concept of religion.
ReplyDelete3. I am compelled to think of the quote "It is not about the destination, but about the journey." Obviously the destination, God, here is important, but it is the journey that distinguishes a "trip".This is what her brother means, the destination is the same, therefore it is the path that you choose to take that matters. He describes these paths as "some are broad and some are narrow, some are long and some are shorter". These adjectives signify the characteristics of different religions. If you go on a hike to a specific place, there might be many different means of getting there, and they are all different. You then have to chose how you want to get to your destination, and that is choosing a religion. In that respect, I do kind of agree with him, to an extent. Although, I think the destinations of different religions do differ in their form. From my perspective, perhaps a better metaphor would be that all roads lead to one town, but in that town there are different ultimate destinations, still essentially part of that town.
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