Mira + Brian’s Blog

I promise pictures sometime very soon, we’re having a bit of trouble locating a computer with an SD reader… in the meantime, more ramblings!

Today’s topic: Indian slums versus American slums.

To be sure, Indian slums are not a very nice place to hang out.  They’re dirty, smelly, and amazingly overcrowded.  The poverty on display is simply overwhelming. However, I can’t help but notice that despite the crushing poverty, Indian slums appear to be quite safe.  I’m able to roam around freely, with the distinct impression that I will not be harmed.  Never have I recieved a threatening glance, nor been concerned for Mira’s or my own safety.

This got me thinking.  The American equivalent is probably Roxbury in Boston, or Bronx in New York, or maybe inner city Baltimore.  Would I dare roam the streets of these places, with a pocket full of money and a slightly lost appearance?  Hell no!  I wouldn’t even DRIVE through those neighborhoods by choice.  Why, then, are America’s slums so much more dangerous than Indian slums?  Mira and I spent some time yesterday considering the topic, and have some ideas:

1. Drugs – To my mind, this is the single most important distinction.  Indian slums are remarkably devoid of drugs and alcohol.  This sobriety provides a welcome level-headedness and predictability.  By contrast, I would assume that most of the violent crime taking place in very poor American locations has a chemical aspect, either as purpose or accelerant.
2. Religion / Culture -  This is Mira’s primary cause of choice.  Religion  and  spirituality are  very deeply woven into the fabric of Indian society.  The influence is so deep as to pervade the daily existence of these people.   A deeply religious person is obviously far less likely to commit a violent crime.  (Religion will be a continuing topic on this blog, especially as we venture to “holier” locales than Delhi.)
3. Marketing – Americans are consantly bombarded with marketing.  The less than subtle message: stuff makes you happy.  And stuff provides status, which is the most important thing on earth.  This provides for a volatile situation: I must have stuff, yet I have no money for stuff and no prospects for obtaining this money legally, therefore I must tke stuff from others who already have it.  The poor in India do not have access to the chief marketing medium, the television. The poor in America spend vasts amounts of time in front of the tube.
4. American culture of violence – Just look at the (arguably) defining moments in both cultures.  America gained independence from England through violent uprising.  India gained independence from England through the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi and his movement of nonviolent resistance.
5. Entitlement – Perhaps the most controversial point, but an important one nonetheless.  Americans have developed a keen sense of entitlement, perhaps (?) as an unwanted byproduct of welfare programs.  For better or worse, the lack of such programs in India means that the attitude of entitlement is non-existent.

Any other thoughts on the topic are quite welcome, please post a comment.

I hope I haven’t jinxed myself….