Did you recognize any common touchpoints across the cultures of India and America? What aspects reminded you of life in America?

As strange as the customs and traditions described in this book may seem to an American reader, did you recognize any common touchpoints across the two cultures? What aspects of the novel reminded you of life in America?

Comparisons of Indian culture to American culture, included:
1. Anjali says the village head, Rupal, is a monster. Smita thinks, every time there was a mass shooting in America, there was a rush to label the shooter a crazed monster, rather than place him within the context of a culture that fetishizes guns. Further, every time a cop shot dead a Black man, there was an attempt to paint him as a rogue cop, [rather than place him within the context of a culture that discriminates against African Americans]. Smita recognizes that cultural influences produce Americans who love guns and Americans who discriminate against African Americans.
2. Mohan asks Smita “Why do you hate India so much?” Smita sighed, “I don’t. There are many things I love about the country. And I know that what happened to Meena happens all over the world. Even in America, of course. Smita recognizes that discrimination against women exists across the world including in America too.
3. After the not guilty verdict for the brothers, Smita thought, “What the matter with you? You act as if you have never covered a wrong verdict before. Hell, how many times have the cops gotten off after shooting an unarmed Black man in America? Smita recognizes that cultural influences creates social injustice in America too.

I think the quotes from the book provided by CLTAYL00 make me realize that when I read books that take place in other countries and encompass cultures that are different from my own I am often blown away by the injustices suffered by women, the poor, and people from minority religions, and discrepancies between cities and villages. And the violence of it all! It is easy to to forget that the United States also has these problems- -or to say well, at least WE aren't lighting women on fire, celebrating in the street, and not seeing jail time for it. Wow, have I been arrogant- -or stuck in the "yeah but at least" about where I live.

Just because one city isn't marching into another and lighting people on fire TODAY, doesn't mean our injustices aren't as horrific. So many of ours happen in private or are dressed up to look nicer- - the corruption of government by lobbying/political donations for example. Or money is used to influence outcomes--like a rapist receiving a two month sentence or being able to afford to appeal a subpoena. (I never even knew that was an option until this year.) According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than one in three woman will experience rape, physical violence, or stalking. So that number is lower than India's... I should feel proud about that??

I'm going to come back later and write about all the GOOD comparisons between India and the US. That was another important part of the book, Honor, for me. In spite of the bad, you can still find the good. On the other side of violence and horror, we can find love and hope.

There is good and bad in every culture. I was a 60's teenager. Basically, women were told they could be secretaries, teachers, nurses, or beauticians— women's occupations. No one ever said to me, "You can be whatever you want to be!" It was also expected that you would marry and have children. Fortunately, that has changed!
I didn't like the fact that the book kept bringing up the shooting of Blacks by the police in the USA. Whites are shot by the police. More Blacks are shooting Blacks than the police are. Perhaps one should address those issues. Perhaps one should support the police instead of maligning them? Sorry I digress!
I'm a strong Christian, but there are faiths that put men above women and treat them as second class citizens with no voice. Those faiths are here in the USA also, but their beliefs aren't impeded in our culture. India has had a caste system that "puts everyone in their place" without much chance for advancement. In more educated parts of the country, that should be changing. The US doesn't have a formal caste system, but there are certainly layers of privilege. However, I do think with hard work, one can better themselves. That wasn't possible in this book in the small village culture.

Sadly, there were several common touch points between America and India. Actually, the US does operate like a caste system and has for quite some time. This topic would be much better suited for an in-person discussion for me. Tone and non-verbal communication would make it easier to discuss without being misinterpreted in writing.

Joyce, I would be very interested in reading what you have to share. I do understand where you are coming from. As I fellow participant in this discussion, I give you my word that I will listen with an open mind and be respectful should you decide to add more to your above post. I’m also willing to continue the conversation privately if that interests you.

I couldn’t help thinking of this question as I read the recap of the day’s news last night.

Beyond the commonalities mentioned above between India and the US. Here are just a few more:
1) Religions imposing their own beliefs on others to the degree of impinging on their rights (for example, recent book bannings, trampling on reproductive freedom of women)
2) Extremism and mob mentality leading to violence (January 6, 2021 events)
3) Hate crimes/violence perpetuated against people on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

Sadly today, more than ever and getting worse. We've always had caste systems but it seems that today the middle castes are disappearing and the upper and lower castes remain. Also, with the rise in antisemitism and violence against Jews these days it reminds one or the religious problems between the Hindus and Moslems in this book. Poverty in this story reminds one that we in the US have the same.

One important similarity between India and America is that there are people who will always advocate for those who are more vulnerable. Find the helpers! I think too, that no matter how concerned, unsure, and scared we may be by what we see/experience in our daily lives, we can always find some inspiration that gives us hope. For example, the gift of Smita’s friendship to Meena made her last days on earth richer and fuller. Look for the marigolds!

Despite our desire to believe the contrary, there is definitely a caste system in the United States. Those with a lot of money and the correct ancestry are the annointed ones. Immigrants and the impoverished have much less available to them. The one difference between India and the United States, in my opinion, is that through education, people can rise above the circumstances of their birth and achieve beyond their parents' dreams for them. Universities, however, have quotas on how many minorities they will admit and some minorities are at a disadvantage when it comes to the admission process of higher education.

Many people have posted excellent points that contrast India and America and sadly our country is becoming more controlling in many ways including civil liberties, book banning, voter suppression on the other hand we have more support groups while people until very recently are more accepting about religion and state rules.