Hello to all my readers! I don't usually do this, but today I wanted to write something personal.
I came back to the US just over a week ago, for the first time in a year and a half. This explains why I haven't posted in nearly a month: I was preparing to travel 24 hours to visit my family without telling my grandparents.
Surprise!
After giving them the shock of their lives (and hopefully the best surprise they've ever had), I have spent the rest of the time here working, shopping, hanging out with my family, etc. etc. But while I've been here, I've noticed something disturbing but not surprising.
Intolerance seems to have increased while I've been away. I'm sure we all know who is responsible for some of this (hint: his name rhymes with Drumph), but it seems to be much farther-reaching than that.
This observation has made me reflect on why I am doing all of this. Why am I keeping this blog? Does anyone actually read my posts? Who cares about international literature and film?
My answer is: if even one person reads these reviews and learns something new, or wants to watch a movie or read a book they would never have considered before, then it's worth it for me. In my own small way, I'm trying to combat the intolerance I see around me. I am trying to foreground the books and movies made by people from around the world, who may have a different worldview from you or me.
I am trying to say that these people matter. Their voices matter. Their lives matter.
I cannot ignore the terrible injustices that are happening every day, especially to people of color or other minorities.
In my writing, I try not to focus on myself. Although I obviously give my opinion, it is the books and movies that I review that are important.
Do you know why? Because it is their words that need to be heard, not mine.
I have been in a bit of a reading and writing slump, mostly because I am so busy with work and preparing to visit the US. But seeing the terrible intolerance that has gained traction in my home has given me the push I needed to get back to reviewing international literature and film. I must do what little I can to combat this terrifying wave of intolerance and violence.
Now back to your regularly scheduled program.
I came back to the US just over a week ago, for the first time in a year and a half. This explains why I haven't posted in nearly a month: I was preparing to travel 24 hours to visit my family without telling my grandparents.
Surprise!
After giving them the shock of their lives (and hopefully the best surprise they've ever had), I have spent the rest of the time here working, shopping, hanging out with my family, etc. etc. But while I've been here, I've noticed something disturbing but not surprising.
Intolerance seems to have increased while I've been away. I'm sure we all know who is responsible for some of this (hint: his name rhymes with Drumph), but it seems to be much farther-reaching than that.
This observation has made me reflect on why I am doing all of this. Why am I keeping this blog? Does anyone actually read my posts? Who cares about international literature and film?
My answer is: if even one person reads these reviews and learns something new, or wants to watch a movie or read a book they would never have considered before, then it's worth it for me. In my own small way, I'm trying to combat the intolerance I see around me. I am trying to foreground the books and movies made by people from around the world, who may have a different worldview from you or me.
I am trying to say that these people matter. Their voices matter. Their lives matter.
I cannot ignore the terrible injustices that are happening every day, especially to people of color or other minorities.
In my writing, I try not to focus on myself. Although I obviously give my opinion, it is the books and movies that I review that are important.
Do you know why? Because it is their words that need to be heard, not mine.
I have been in a bit of a reading and writing slump, mostly because I am so busy with work and preparing to visit the US. But seeing the terrible intolerance that has gained traction in my home has given me the push I needed to get back to reviewing international literature and film. I must do what little I can to combat this terrifying wave of intolerance and violence.
Now back to your regularly scheduled program.
Please keep doing the work you do in this platform.
ReplyDeleteI hope the rest of your visit was more pleasant and you had time to relax and self-care.
I look forward to more of your posts when you get back to India!
Thanks! I'm finally back and ready to get down to reviewing again. :)
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