MovieChat Forums > Million Dollar Arm (2014) Discussion > Indian here.There are Millions of Indian...

Indian here.There are Millions of Indians who havnt been on an elevator.

posted 11 years ago by despod
43 replies | jump to latest

India is a land of 1.2 Billion people. And two-thirds of this population lives on less than $2 a day.

You just have to go to any mall in India and if you wait for an hour, you will be sure to find a person from the rural hinterland who is very exited and scared on seeing an escalator.

Similarly for elevators that have automatic doors. Only malls and posh offices have such things. While most urban Indians must have experienced it (most, not everyone), I'm sure there are MANY villagers (and by many I mean millions), who have never been on an elevator which has automatic doors. Can vouch for it. (And other than the main cities, you will find it hard to find a building that has more than 5(3?)floors).

Of course, I'm not denying the enormous development in India. You will get all the luxuries that you see in any other developed country. And the number of people enjoying this lifestyle is also huge.(identical to the population of the US). But its a sad fact that there are many people who haven't benefitted the fruits of development. But please dont paint 1/6th of humanity with a single brush. As a wise man once said "Every thing that you say about India, its opposite is also true."

PS: Why are so many Indians denying this ? Please travel the countryside. You will see things (both good and bad), that you never would have believed. Its a great experience !!

PS: Why do the western movies show only the squalor and the poverty? And why do you show only the dusty plains of north India. And why do you have the sitar music on whenever anything is mentioned about India?? (seriously, No One listens to sitar music in India.) Not every Indian does yoga. Not every Indian speaks with that caricatured 'Indian' accent. And no. No one ever does synchronized dance on the street.

[–] pinturicchio_juve 11 years ago

Agree with despod's post about hollywood stereotyping India. I'm an Indian living in urban India. Granted, India has many more slums than any other country in the world, and certain parts of the country are still quite impoverished. But that doesn't mean the whole country is devoid of human development and everybody lives in little huts without electricity. A large proportion of Indians (including me), the middle class specifically (which comes to a few hundred million people) live quite comfortable lives without experiencing the harshness of poverty or hunger.

And although I know Hollywood loves to stereotype, I still think painting an entire country as this underdeveloped wasteland full of dirt, garbage and overcrowding is very wrong.

I dread the situation, when, if at all I visit the US, I'll be asked the question "So all the stuff in slumdog is true? You guys do live in slums?"

[–] leo-wilhelmson 11 years ago

You have to understand that when someone from a wealthier country visit India they don't look at the relatively well habituated middle class, you see the poor and the horribleness of the whole thing. this is an american film so it is of coursed angled from an american's point of view. I'm from Sweden, which is a very good country to be living in at the time, and i'm fortunate enough to have visited many parts of the world. Though I haven't been to India, I have been to South Africa, Oman Brazil. I can only imagine that the middle class of India is as well off as the poorest 10 % of Sweden. So for someone like me India would look bad, maybe not as bad as in the movie but you have to understand that your viewing as a citizen of urban India would not be the same as for someone like me.

[–] thunderemperor 11 years ago

While most of what you say is true, the last bit where you said the middle class of india is as well off as the poorest 10% of Sweden is absolute *beep* Lower middle class? Perhaps. Upper middle class? They are loaded as *beep* You greatly under estimate the wealth of the upper middle class in India. Do the poorest 10% in Sweden have sports cars? A holiday house? Go on expensive holidays? I have been to Sweden and I know they dont.

[–] King_Of_Fuh 11 years ago

Then why the lack of redistribution of wealth to India's poorest? I know American RepubliChristians would be vehemently against it, since American-style Christianity states a person is a lesser human the poorer they are. Hence their hatred of socialism, where the teachings of Christ are actually put into practice. Religion is evil and Hindus prove it each day.

American voters will destroy the economy by 2016. Whoopsy-daisy!

[–] thunderemperor 11 years ago

Hinduism has calmed down now but it used to be an terrible religion. Once you are born to a lower caste family, you have NO chance of improving your situation. No matter what your deeds in life are. Why do you think so many indians converted to christianity and islam?

[–] KartofflMuter 10 years ago

Don't start attacking Hinduism. THIS is not the forum. Is it ?People converted to both religions with the promise of a better life and found they were still oppressed living in a country suffering from the results of hundreds of years of the wholesale rape of India and Indians by foreign powers who turned India into a third world nation. Remember that the cloth you wear the spices you consume,TEA?, the perfumes,incense,Purple Kush, and of course gold and jewels you enjoy came from one place.Before that,pasty faced Brits were boiling their beef and turnips. Soooo glad the Christians were there to save the poor little Indian man. India swallows up Christianity and adds Jesus to the pantheon.It doesn't conflict with Hinduism.It fits in neatly in a corner-if you wish. There were plenty of "Christian" Jews in the second world war in name only. Your mouth can say one thing if your heart and mind are still true to your faith. Ignorant. India was civilized when the british were in furs using clubs to play cricket. "Ugh. You kill cricket. I eat. Then I kill cricket. You eat. Right toe?" Seriously you condescending bunch of "wannabe experts. "When I live in India ,I live with family,not in hotels. No,I never got on an escalator or elevator.I stayed in Delhi,Poona,Mumbai and Kolkata.Shopping is difficult.A 3 mile trip can take half an hour.Yes-cherish your horn.We had our own car and driver when we wanted and my husband drove some of the time. But sellers come to the house with trunks of saris. You never need to leave home.Guests come to visit and each of them leaves a gift usually a sari in honor of my father-n-law or some gift sent with my in-laws previously. Saris and cloth are a form of exchange in India as welcome as money.I have never met a kinder people ,or a more honest people.They have a delightful sense of humor,much like Germans,honest and ironic. G-d and religion did not go wrong. It is always individuals whether Christians,Muslims,Hindus,Buddhists, Jews, or Parsis, the fault is in the person. No G-d said "Kill 12 million Jews and gays and Mormons and Baha'i's and people of color and Gypsies in MY Name." The crazy wallpaperhanger said that in 1939. So-since he was born in a country that is almost exclusively Catholic and Lutheran,you could say,"Christianity has calmed down now but it used to be a terrible religion." Right? Killing commies for Christ? Hindus lived with Muslims till the Brits came and made them fight against each other. Choice. Skirmishes,wars,disturbances,yes. Religious war-no. Then came Partition. If you think the Civil War left scars on the South, Partition stirred up a hornets nest that still hasn't settled down.Refresh your memory.Watch Gandhi the movie again.Not all Brits were bad either. But power? That always seems to be in the hands of Kocks.(sic) Sorry for the rant. I won't tolerate the dismissal of an entire nation so broad and varied it has 100's of different languages,more than 30 ways to wear a sari not counting the 9 yard and 4 yard,etc. Pajamas-India-It means those loose white pants you see everywhere. What your kids wear to the grocery store. Sitar music? We listen to it. Why? My husband is a classical drummer-so some people still listen to it,and bangra and Kawalis,and Gazzals and Bauls of Bengal. Our children grew up on it.There is much to disparage in India.There is so much more to praise and admire. When we retire ,we will settle in India G-d willing because giving back is the right thing to do,even if I never see another elevator again.Where else can I see a pink donkey wearing a marigold necklace and walking into a shop?

[–] jon_s_chan 11 years ago

That aspect is common in all religious. Religions (especially Judeo-Christian) are evil yes, but on these sort of issues you have to attribute it to the selfishness of our species in general. It is ignorant to blame religion for something like this. Also I wonder why you see socialism as a positive, I won't call it a negative, but I don't care for it. Its all about survival of the fittest.

[–] ofarid 11 years ago

leo-wilhelmson

of Sweden... My parents are from india (typical middle class), I grew up in Bangladesh (also middle class); Came here in good 'ol USA after high school, finished college here & living here ever since (living here most of my life & my entire adult life). Based on my income & standard of life style, I'm considered middle class american. Now, if I compare my life style & net worth (or other just like me here), middle class folks from SE Asia (Indian subcontinent) lives a life style only millionaire in US can have it in their dream. Now, I've never been to Sweden, so, you are saying 10% of poorest swedish are equal to the millionaires in US? Take your time thinking about before you reply.

[–] DataGrab 11 years ago

PS: Why are so many Indians denying this ?

Probably 'cause we're ashamed that even if our country is bigger than Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and all those neighboring countries, our country is very poor in contrast to those I've mentioned above. Oh yeah, I've been to all those countries and compared to them I've got to say, our country (india) is nothing but a *&^%hole. I'm a just a middle class and ever since I was 12, I really wanted to leave that country. Now I'm in Singapore and I gotta say, No regrets.

PS: Why do the western movies show only the squalor and the poverty?

Probably 'cause it's true. We indians like to pretend that what we saw in the movie slumdog millionare is false. It's not. We are a poor country because our government is lazy and corrupt. We weren't even in WW2. South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam to just name a few were countries that's been involved in the war and still they stood up and became richer than our country not to mention one of those country was bombed twice by the US and still reached 2nd place as the richest country in all of Asia. That's why I'm never proud to be an indian. Oh, and a lot of indians feel the same way. Let's not pretend.

[–] Tess-tastic 11 years ago

We weren't even in WW2

Yes, you were. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_in_World_War_II

[–] DataGrab 11 years ago

@Tess: Yeah but not that much. And not as much as those other countries which the war had greater impact and now much more richer than us like Vietnam, The Philippines and especially Japan.

[–] slazev 10 years ago

Considering some countries in Europe stayed neutral, you shouldn't feel too bad about that.

[–] TheCaptainDanger 11 years ago

Great post that really touched on issues I've often pondered myself. I would like you to know, however, that not all Americans think that all of the vastness of India and its diverse population is exactly as popularly portrayed in Hollywood. Some of us find India fascinating and have done at least a little research on it. I also have a few good friends that were born and raised in India, and I hope to one day visit since I have been so graciously invited to stay.

In any case, thank you for your post. Hopefully India will find itself better represented by Hollywood in the future.

[–] DataGrab 11 years ago

Some of us find India fascinating and have done at least a little research on it.

I'm indian and believe me when I say that the one that you researched was probably authored by an indian who believes that our country is "fascinating" and that Hollywood's representation of our country is inaccurate. It's accurate. I'm one of the few indian who don't lie in terms of our country's circumstance. Some even post on forums and/or social networking sites with subjects like these and they say "...well, our country is rich and our GDP is like this and like that" which is a whopper of a lie.

[–] pinturicchio_juve 11 years ago

What is your problem with India as a country? If you hate the country for whatever reason, that's fine but that doesn't mean everything about India is bad, which is what you are making it out to be. I'm an Indian and I don't agree with this.

Are you saying there has been literally NO development whatsoever? Since the opening of India's economy in the 90s the tertiary sector has grown by leaps and bounds providing employment to countless people. Urban development has also been rapid, with infrastructure and railway networks constantly being upgraded.

And, NO, I'm not choosing to look only at the positives. I do agree that India has a long way to go in terms of eradicating poverty and improving standards of living before it can even think of being compared to any Western country. All I'm saying is there has been a lot of progress in the last 20 years across all fields, and it would be foolish to overlook that by simply claiming that we are a poor country.

And, yes, there are a lot of fascinating things about India. If you're saying that India is not an interesting tourist destination, I'm sure you would be in the minority. The fact that a few million foreign tourists visit the country every year is proof enough that they find it fascinating.

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] pinturicchio_juve 11 years ago

"what we can brag about is only the Taj Mahal?" Really? That's all you can find good about India?

I'm from Tamil Nadu, and I can name at least 50 architectural marvels in and around this state, in the form of temples and forts, which would make any student of history gape in awe. There are structures dating back to the 10th Century which have stood the test of time, because of their high quality construction.

Coming back to the point, your statement that people who still stay in this country do so out of lack of choice is not entirely true. I personally know of a lot of people who have had the opportunity to move out, but have consciously made the decision to stay put. Now, you could call that a misplaced sense of pride or whatever, but the fact is that they like the country and have chosen to live here.

And you didn't answer my question. Do you genuinely believe that there has been no development in this country whatsoever? If you do, then I guess YOU are in the minority.

I repeat that I still agree there are a lot of problems here. But I'm choosing to stress the positives because you seem to believe that there are only negatives!

[–] DataGrab 11 years ago

I repeat that I still agree there are a lot of problems here. But I'm choosing to stress the positives because you seem to believe that there are only negatives!

I believe that both of us deserve better lives. If you don't agree then I don't know what to say anymore. You're an optimist? I'm a realist. Ask anyone and they'll know what I'm talking about.

[–] bluemorning11 11 years ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEVcINT5iCY

[–] itsucksman-356-462035 10 years ago

Oi mate, I was born in the city but I've spent most of my holidays and stuff in country(and still do), yokes you so special sir!? Or are you even INDIAN Bro?! Sir "despod" or whatever your u know during the 80's or maybe even the 90's I would have accepted your words blindly before you could finish...but you know due to this thing called "Advancement" in the field known as "Science and Technology"...there have been improvements in social media you know, stuff like TV and Radio and whatnot, You'd be surprised to know just how well-informed people are, they know about elevators, escalators and whatnot, you know India populated by 1.2 Billion people, consists of indigenous people, who do not want to be a part of our society yet, you know maybe you are referring to those people, people who live in the jungle cut off from us living in Isolation, sure you put them in front of a (ele-esc)alator they'd be awestruck and maybe even call you a wizard. But you know this Advancements in Science has shown the Awesome powers of the Human Brain to the common people, you know that has opened the minds of people, now with a little explanation you know people can understand, you know they can watch and learn.

well that being said, Sir you look down upon your fellow citizens like you are in someway better than all of us, what is it that makes you so much better?! Or are you even Indian man?! Sir "despod" or whatever your name is please think about it!! Indian people may look strange to the western eye, but they sure as hell ain't stupid!!

[–] 10 years ago

[deleted]

[–] liam_morty 10 years ago

Can we not just all agree that two young men from a small village in India had never ridden an elevator before? Is that too hard to believe. Also seeing something on TV compared to USING it are two very different things. You can know what an elevator is and see them on TV or in pictures but to ride one for the first time would be quite an experience.

[–] chrichtonsworld 10 years ago

But even the poorest go to the cinema once in a while yes?
So even if they would not know first hand of certain things. They still would have seen it on the big screen.

The CB Association

http://chrichtonsworld.blogspot.com/