Eastern Open-mindedness Vs. Western Narrow-mindedness

This is a conversation between my friend (who's settled in the US now) and I, at a restaurant in India:

Me: I wanna use the washroom

He: Me too

Me: Let's go find where it is

(We walk around, ask a couple of waiters and reach the washroom.  Its just one wooden door.  I open and walk inside)

Me (to He): Oh, there are two commodes here.  Come in.

He (reluctantly): Well..

Me: What well? There are two commodes here, we can both relieve ourselves.

He (walks in with reluctance): Okay

(After completing the task, we walk out.)

He (Smiling now): I could never do this in the USA!

Me (I've lived in the US too): I know, they'd all think you and I are gay

He: Yea!

Me (Laughing)

He (Laughing)

No but really, the west is so narrow-minded.  All the Americans can think of between two persons is the possibility of a sexual relationship or no relationship at all.  This is ridiculous.

In Hindi-Urdu combine, we must have more than a score of words to describe different types of love.  The makers of English language chose to give it poverty in this context.  There is only one majorly used word for love – love itself.

I was discussing with a Jewish friend of mine, who had gone to a family wedding in NY and had fun dancing with all the guys without anyone concerned about 'queerdom'.  He had felt sheer joy in having fun without the worries of being misjudged or misconceived.

In the east, we have a lot of fun together (again, this statement if made in the USA would refer to sexual fun – there is no other form of fun left anymore).  It's about friendship, about bonding (oops! Bonding is another word one should avoid or be branded as queer).  A touch from a friend goes a long way in making life warmer, better, secure.

During my first days in the US, I was told that it is almost a sin for two guys to put their arms on each other shoulders while hanging out, or even patting on the back!  Now, if two guys are holding hands and walking, that could raise an eyebrow.  But patting the back or putting your arm around a shoulder – these are basic gestures of human warmth.  No wonder the west is full of cold people longing for a touch of human warmth... and it's not a touch on the body I am talking about, it's a touch on the heart.  A touch that secures, a touch that conveys – I am there for you. 

It's gone missing.  Everyone's become so narrow-minded.  In such times, I love my east.

The Poor Li’l Fidgeting Indian Bride

It's so funny to see the Indian bride on her wedding day and the wedding reception day (the party for all people post-wedding).  She is all decked up in her best clothes and jewelry.  But behold!  This has made her so extremely uncomfortable.  You see, girls aren't really used to wearing this much anymore.  Watching her trying to balance her heavily embroidered saree is really a funny sight, unparrelled even by comedy cinema.  The poor thing keeps a straight face, and constantly smiles at the sea of endless visitors, while on the other hand constantly fidgeting with her clothes and jewelry or asking her friends for help.

But hey, it's her wedding day. It's so special. Isn't she supposed to look her best?  I dunno. You answer that for yourself.  If you really ask yourself you'll come across these questions - look her best for whom? For what? It's a special day but why does special have to be so uncomfortable?   Why are we so busy appeasing the "society" most of the time, that we forget the most important fact: finally, its we who should be having the most fun.

The poor Indian bride.  In her effort to look her best and win accolades for her looks (that is all girls are judged on in weddings anyways; who, including all the other women too, cares for her character, her attitude or her ability to make a good wife), compromises on the basic sartorial comfort that would have let her enjoy her wedding in totality.  

Kaun, kise?

This is me talking to a lighted cigarette as the fire singes it downwards:

Tu Mujhe Peeti Hai..
Ki Mein Tujhe Peeta Hun?

Ye Kaisi Kashmkash Mein, Mei Rehta Hun..

Zindagi Mujhe Jeeti Hai..
Ya Mein Zindagi Jeeta Hun;

Ye Kaise Kashmkash Mein Mei Rehta Hun.

English Translation:

Do You Smoke Me..
Or Do I Smoke You?

In This Confusion, I Live..

Do You Live Me Life..
Or Do I Live You;

In This Confusion, I Live..