Change is one thing that is most difficult. However, change is also something that always remains 'constant.' With time, advancements and improvements are made to facilitate change. Here, in my amazing country, bringing about any kind of change is a bit difficult though. Not that it's not happening - change for good is surely happening. However, a bit slowly. More so because of the many deep-rooted pracitces that are given the name of traditions, out of which many are not valid in today's world / scenario anymore.
Though following some traditions are good - for example who would want a wedding without proper rituals and traditions? I wouldn't have at least. And in today's chilled-out generation (more or less), weddings are fun.
There are many other practices just passed on to the younger generation. Without the respected elder generation themselves understanding the rationale behind it. And behold! Don't you dare ask the reason behind doing something that has been passed on since generations. You'll be termed as someone who disrespects elders! I fail to understand all this. Maybe because of this, I am the black sheep in my household. I question practices (which I find invalid in today's scenario) that have been followed blindly over the generations. I try to tread gently though - with no intention of disrespecting anyone at all. Give me a solid rationale behind following something passed on since generations and I promise if I find it right, I'll follow it.
Consider an example. In India, new born babies were made to wear old clothes and not the new ones. In fact in many smaller towns, this is still followed. New born babies are made to wear old clothes. Ask many elders the reason behind it and they don't know it. "I don't know why, but what I know that it is been followed by generations." I'll tell why. Reason being that once upon a time each family had so many children - 5, 6, 8, or 10 at times. And at times, the next baby used to be born within a year of the previous baby. In those times, the earning member was only the husband. With such a big joint family to support, buying new clothes for so many children wasn't possible. Another reason being that once upon a time, new baby clothes were made of course/rough material & avoided. Therefore.
Now, that's not the case. Neither do the progressive Indians have more than two children, nor is there any shortage of options for soft baby clothes. And at times both husband and wife are earning. So, why follow something that is no longer valid?
In the past few days, I've been having this discussion at home about what is 'culture' and 'tradition'? Unfortunately, I have not been able to get any kind of appropriate response to it. The only answer I have been getting is culture is maintained & followed by marrying in the same community. Well, this is not a good enough response and something I don't understand.
And as per me, traditions are made by families. What is followed by one family, may not be followed by another. In today's scenario, with so many inter-religion and inter-state marriages happening in our country, it becomes even more important to accept the best of both communities.
However, there are times when elders don't want to listen or accept anything new. And that's the time, bringing about change becomes a bit difficult - not impossible though. Come on people, open your minds - encourage change.
Though following some traditions are good - for example who would want a wedding without proper rituals and traditions? I wouldn't have at least. And in today's chilled-out generation (more or less), weddings are fun.
There are many other practices just passed on to the younger generation. Without the respected elder generation themselves understanding the rationale behind it. And behold! Don't you dare ask the reason behind doing something that has been passed on since generations. You'll be termed as someone who disrespects elders! I fail to understand all this. Maybe because of this, I am the black sheep in my household. I question practices (which I find invalid in today's scenario) that have been followed blindly over the generations. I try to tread gently though - with no intention of disrespecting anyone at all. Give me a solid rationale behind following something passed on since generations and I promise if I find it right, I'll follow it.
Consider an example. In India, new born babies were made to wear old clothes and not the new ones. In fact in many smaller towns, this is still followed. New born babies are made to wear old clothes. Ask many elders the reason behind it and they don't know it. "I don't know why, but what I know that it is been followed by generations." I'll tell why. Reason being that once upon a time each family had so many children - 5, 6, 8, or 10 at times. And at times, the next baby used to be born within a year of the previous baby. In those times, the earning member was only the husband. With such a big joint family to support, buying new clothes for so many children wasn't possible. Another reason being that once upon a time, new baby clothes were made of course/rough material & avoided. Therefore.
Now, that's not the case. Neither do the progressive Indians have more than two children, nor is there any shortage of options for soft baby clothes. And at times both husband and wife are earning. So, why follow something that is no longer valid?
In the past few days, I've been having this discussion at home about what is 'culture' and 'tradition'? Unfortunately, I have not been able to get any kind of appropriate response to it. The only answer I have been getting is culture is maintained & followed by marrying in the same community. Well, this is not a good enough response and something I don't understand.
And as per me, traditions are made by families. What is followed by one family, may not be followed by another. In today's scenario, with so many inter-religion and inter-state marriages happening in our country, it becomes even more important to accept the best of both communities.
However, there are times when elders don't want to listen or accept anything new. And that's the time, bringing about change becomes a bit difficult - not impossible though. Come on people, open your minds - encourage change.
No comments:
Post a Comment