Don`t Slander My god
Bhumika Ghimire
February 05, 2006
The debate on depiction of Hinduism in text books of California has been going on for some time now. I did not pay much attention in the beginning, thinking it`s just another way for the Hindu diaspora to gain attention. But then when I read a report by an Indian journalist I had to inform myself to what was happening. The report said that in the text books Hinduism is presented in bad light, showing it as a intolerant, discriminatory and primitive. Although I have not read the text books myself, I am commenting based on what I have gathered from media so far. If indeed the text books are at fault, immediate steps by California Government is needed to rectify this.
No matter what is the outcome of this controversy, it has brought our several issues regarding the depiction of Hinduism in America. We have been portrayed as bride burning, primitive, discriminatory. I agree that we have issues in Hinduism which need to resolved, we have huge problem discrimination against the so called "lower caste" citizens, then there is the question of women`s rights. But then why single out Hinduism for criticism? Are all the other religions perfect?
The Christians did not have to face harsh questions about their belief and faith after the Holocaust? The Pope during WWII, as history tells us, did not do much to stop the massacre. So where is the debate about that period? In the developing countries there is a mass drive for conversion into Christianity from local religions going on, no one hears about that in USA. The western media has written so much about the short coming of Hinduism, same introspection of Christianity is same critical tone is yet to come around.
I am not trying to justify the negatives of my faith by pointing at shortcomings of other religions, I just want this debate to be fair. After 9/11, whole world started on the fact finding mission on Islam and now look at where the war against terrorism has gone. In the mind of Muslims, that war is against their faith and culture. I don`t want the same to happen with Hinduism.
I hope that in coming days, America will stop judging other religions based on Christianity, and show some sensitivity while dealing with religious and cultural issues.
No matter what is the outcome of this controversy, it has brought our several issues regarding the depiction of Hinduism in America. We have been portrayed as bride burning, primitive, discriminatory. I agree that we have issues in Hinduism which need to resolved, we have huge problem discrimination against the so called "lower caste" citizens, then there is the question of women`s rights. But then why single out Hinduism for criticism? Are all the other religions perfect?
The Christians did not have to face harsh questions about their belief and faith after the Holocaust? The Pope during WWII, as history tells us, did not do much to stop the massacre. So where is the debate about that period? In the developing countries there is a mass drive for conversion into Christianity from local religions going on, no one hears about that in USA. The western media has written so much about the short coming of Hinduism, same introspection of Christianity is same critical tone is yet to come around.
I am not trying to justify the negatives of my faith by pointing at shortcomings of other religions, I just want this debate to be fair. After 9/11, whole world started on the fact finding mission on Islam and now look at where the war against terrorism has gone. In the mind of Muslims, that war is against their faith and culture. I don`t want the same to happen with Hinduism.
I hope that in coming days, America will stop judging other religions based on Christianity, and show some sensitivity while dealing with religious and cultural issues.
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