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Making and Breaking: An Analysis of Representation and Nonrepresentation in Indian Matchmaking
Get PDFThis paper critically analyzes the Netflix reality show Indian Matchmaking through the lens of feminist and postcolonial theory, focusing on the cultural and social implications of matchmaking practices depicted in the series. By utilizing the theoretical frameworks of Simone de Beauvoir, Stuart Hall, and Michel Foucault, this paper explores how the show reinforces gender roles, caste hierarchies, and Eurocentric beauty ideals. Additionally, the paper integrates meme culture and humor as a medium of resistance against these established norms, highlighting how digital spaces enable viewers to critique the problematic representations within the show. Through this intersectional approach, the paper reveals how Indian Matchmaking perpetuates and critiques societal stereotypes, shedding light on the complex and evolving nature of identity, marriage, and social expectations in contemporary Indian culture
Unveiling Symbols Through Colours: Colorizing Gangubai Kathiawadi
Get PDFThe present study explores the symbolic significance of the color white as portrayed in the cinematic narrative of Gangubai Kathiawadi, a film that intricately weaves visual and thematic elements to highlight its protagonist’s journey. Focusing on the iconic white saree worn by Gangubai, the research explores how this singular color serves as a multifaceted symbol, embodying a spectrum of emotions, values, and socio-cultural dynamics. The white saree emerges as a central motif, representing love, spirituality, power, leadership, defeat, and submission, thus reflecting the layered complexities of Gangubai’s character and her evolving persona. The research underscores how the strategic use of white transcends mere aesthetics, becoming a narrative device that communicates the protagonist’s emotional state, resilience, and transformation. Through an analysis of key scenes and visual storytelling, the study illustrates how white evolves as a marker of purity juxtaposed with the grim realities of Gangubai’s world, thereby challenging conventional stereotypes associated with the color. It also examines how white reinforces themes of power and leadership, while simultaneously symbolizing moments of vulnerability and surrender, encapsulating the duality of strength and fragility. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the broader implications of color in cinema as a graphic element that encapsulates emotions, mindsets, and societal perceptions. By dissecting the nuanced use of white in Gangubai Kathiawadi, this study reveals the potency of color symbolism in shaping narratives, influencing audience perception, and deepening character arcs. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how visual elements in cinema can transcend superficial aesthetics to engage with profound symbolic and emotional dimensions. Ultimately, this study highlights the pivotal role of color in bridging the gap between visual representation and thematic depth, making Gangubai Kathiawadi a compelling case study in cinematic symbolism
Chetan Bhagat’s Novels Effect on Youth Culture: An Examination of Acceptance, Persuasion, and Socio-cultural Importance
Get PDFChetan Bhagat (1974), a prominent figure in contemporary Indian literature, has garnered widespread attention for his novels that resonate profoundly with the youth. His works explore the complexities of modern Indian society, blending relatable characters with themes of love, ambition, and social change. This study examines the impact of Bhagat’s novels on youth culture, focusing on their acceptance, persuasive power, and socio-cultural significance. By exploring how Bhagat’s narratives influence intentions, behaviors, and aspirations among young audiences, the research provides insights into the evolving dynamics of Indian society and the role of literature in shaping cultural norms. Through an analysis of popular novels such as Five Point Someone, 2 States, and Half Girlfriend, this paper investigates themes including love, ambition, generational conflicts, and socio-economic challenges. These relatable topics have earned Bhagat immense popularity among young readers, who identify with the aspirations and struggles of his characters. Bhagat’s ability to simplify complex social issues and present them in an accessible manner has enhanced the persuasive impact of his stories, fostering discussions on challenges like the limitations of the education system, cultural adaptation, and social pressures. His narratives not only inspire self-reflection but also motivate young individuals to pursue their dreams despite societal barriers. Bhagat’s cultural significance lies in his ability to bridge traditional Indian literature with contemporary storytelling, making English novels fashionable among urban and semi-urban youth. While his portrayal of modern India has faced criticism for oversimplification, it effectively highlights pressing social issues, encouraging awareness and dialogue. By combining entertainment with compelling narratives, Bhagat’s novels have significantly shaped youth culture in India, establishing him as both a literary and cultural icon. This research offers a comprehensive exploration of the acceptance, influence, and socio-cultural relevance of Bhagat’s works in the context of youth culture
Colonial Subjugation and Cultural Erosion in Things Fall Apart
Get PDFThis paper deals with British colonizers’ colonization over Nigeria, subjugation and cultural Erosion in Nigeria. On the one hand, it shows how Nigeria is endowed with their different primitive cultural practices and natural resources. Native Nigerians were happy with their indigenous cultural legacy and identity before the British colonization started. But, they became unable to govern their nation developing their natural resources and preserving their cultural practices. On the other hand, it shows the encroachment of Britishers in Nigeria. The white Europeans start implanting seeds of Christianity, education system, establish courts, and their government in Nigeria rejecting the indigenous cultural norms, social values, their ancestral spirit and divine power of cultural society. As a result, the conflict between the white intruders and African indigenous people that gets reflected in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is clearly discussed in the research. Finally, the research reflects how the novel is written as a counter-narrative that opposes western views towards African civilization. Regarding research methodology, qualitative approach becomes very contextual since the novels deals with the fictional characters and details. For a broad theoretical framework, the postcolonial theory that incorporates the idea of colonization and after effects of colonization becomes very effective. Likewise, for the theoretical tools, Edward Said’s Orientalism becomes a very applicable tool as it shows how the westerners take the orient, subjugate, dominate, exploit and colonize. Besides, Frantz Fanon’s theoretical concept of racism and Homi K. Bhabha’s theoretical concept of mimicry become effective tools for the textual analysis of the primary text
Jürgen Habermas and the Critique of the Urban Subcultures of Subversion and Resistance
Get PDFThe Frankfurt School thinkers are concerned with practical aspects of the society that contribute to domination and subversion of masses not just through visible forces but also through subtle propaganda. The aim of these thinkers is to understand the modus-operandi of this subversion and to suggest ways of resisting this domination. Being a major thinker of the School, Jürgen Habermas critiqued a vast number of aspects that also include several issues related to urban subcultures. Habermas’s basic objective behind these critiques is to understand the modus-operandi of social domination and to suggest ways of emancipation and resisting the subversion. This paper is aimed at understanding the ways in which urban subcultures are related with issues pertaining to subversion and control and how they can be used as tools for resistance and human emancipation. For this, the paper evaluates the views of Jürgen Habermas regarding European Urban Subcultures including but not limited to Art and Music Performances, Radio and Television, Professional Subcultures, and the inherent qualities of these subcultures for understanding the role of these subcultures viz a viz social subversion and resistance
Resilience in the Wake of Destruction: The Sociological Impact of the Marawi Siege
Get PDFThis study examines the sociological impact of the Marawi siege on the internally displaced Mёranao population, focusing on the psychophysiological challenges faced by 70 mid-to-late adult IDPs in evacuation centers in Iligan City. Using a descriptive research approach, the study explores how environmental conditions, such as inadequate ventilation and sanitation, have adversely affected the health and well-being of these individuals—primarily women aged 36-55. Respondents reported physical symptoms, including joint pain, stiffness, and psychological symptoms like depression, anxiety, and trauma, all worsened by financial hardship and disrupted living environments. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires to gain insights into the respondents’ lived experiences. The findings highlight the urgent need for sustained support from government and Non-governmental Organizations or NGOs, particularly in health services, financial aid, and psycho-social interventions, to help Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) overcome trauma and restore stability. This research provides critical insights into the socio-economic and psychological needs of the displaced Mёranao community and calls for targeted programs in health, education, and economic stability to support their resilience and recovery
‘The Gate Is Open, Madmen Escape’: Reconstructing Urban Spatial Experiences into Experienced Spaces of ‘Other’
No full textThe meaning of ‘Spaces’ has adapted a more abstract notion in the course of time rather than being the simple tools for sensing the empirical data. Today, it extends beyond the physical boundaries to include social and psychic factors which are momentous to sustain lives and maintain order among men. Efforts to make sense of geographic spaces, especially, its politics in urban spaces/cities represented in literature are many. Apart from the politics of the cities, it is interesting to note that the stability of these well-planned cities is brittle. The spaces which are familiar to us through our daily interaction changes along with the changing attitudes of humankind and it changes drastically when we are hit in the face by adversity. Not just the structures of physical spaces, but the social system of laws and the meanings of institutions also crumble in such circumstances. This paper is an effort to understand how human attitudes are when the experienced spaces regresses into experienced spaces of ‘Other’ and social institutions crumble after getting affected by the pandemic, as depicted in the dystopic novel Blindness by Jose Saramago. It applies the concept of ‘experienced space’, ‘experienced space of ‘Other’’ by Lefebvre and ‘third space’ of Edward Soja to explore the nature of spaces and the interactions involved, when individuals lose their societal roles and are reduced to a status of mere animals
The Uneasiness of the Crown: A Comparative Study of Nayak and Autograph
Get PDFThis paper presents a comprehensive comparative study of two acclaimed Indian films, Nayak (1966) and Autograph (2010), to shed light on their cinematic narratives, legacy, cultural contexts, artistic significance and ultimate messages. Satyajit Ray’s experimental movie Nayak tries to uncover the psychology and mental anguish of a movie star of great fame. Srijit Mukherjee’s Autograph explores the same theme but with much complex varieties giving us an alternative reality of Ray’s picture. Both the film set against the backdrop of the film industry, weave together a tapestry of narratives as they follow the lives respectively of Arun Chatterjee and Arindam Mukhopadhyay reflecting on their past and reconnecting with their roots. Apart from analysis, this paper highlights two of the main themes explored in the film: one is the idea of fame and success and another is the actor-director relationship. Furthermore, the paper also tries to examine whether Autograph can be regarded as a successful tribute to Nayak or not. The paper explores the stylistic devices used by Satyajit Ray and Srijit Mukherjee in addition to comparing Nayak and Autograph. It does this by examining how each director uses character development, narrative structure, and cinematography to portray the complex layers of their protagonists’ struggles. The goal of the paper is to explore how the Indian film industry’s dynamic actor-director relationship and changing views on success and fame are reflected in the societal and cultural shifts that occurred between the times the films were made
Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing English Language Education for Tribal Empowerment
Get PDFTribal communities, often marginalized and underserved, confront various socio-cultural challenges in their pursuit of empowerment. English language proficiency presents both opportunities and challenges in this context. English language education holds significant potential as a catalyst for empowering tribal communities, offering access to socio-economic opportunities and global connectivity. Despite the potential benefits of English proficiency in enhancing socio-economic opportunities for tribal communities, various hurdles exist in its effective implementation. Drawing on existing literature and case studies, this paper analyses the socio-cultural, pedagogical, and infrastructural challenges encountered in providing English language education to tribal populations. Socio-cultural challenges encompass the preservation of indigenous languages and cultures, resistance to linguistic assimilation, and community attitudes towards English language education. Pedagogical issues include the scarcity of qualified English language teachers, inadequate teaching materials, and the need for culturally relevant curriculum content. Infrastructural constraints manifest in limited access to educational institutions, insufficient infrastructure, and the digital divide. This paper also explores the potential opportunities, including access to higher education, vocational training, employment prospects, and participation in the global economy, that English proficiency can afford tribal communities
A Study of Women in Disability in the Select Works of Rabindranath Tagore and Manik Bandopadhyay
Get PDFColin Barnes and G. Mercer define disability as the consequence of a societal structure that inadequately accommodates individuals with physical impairments, resulting in their exclusion from mainstream social engagement due to limitations or barriers in activities. The formation of disability studies in the present-day society is mainly built up with reference to the active campaigns and social changes. Perspectives on disability undergo transformation through considerations of structure, genre, and narrative form. These transformations challenge established theoretical paradigms in literary criticism, offering a fresh and provocative approach to analyzing diverse literary works. Literary portrayals of disability spark discussions on contemporary issues, presenting opportunities for nuanced examination while also prompting a reimagining and rewriting of literary and cultural histories. In this study, the focus centers on women with disabilities, explored through an analysis of select short stories authored by Rabindranath Tagore and Manik Bandopadhyay. Both the litterateurs have contributed volumes of writing and short story is both of their comfort zones among the other genres. It is significant to note that disability as a distinctive branch of studies developed later (in the1990s) but the two writers mentioned above have depicted various characters with their “challenges”— physical and mental. The paper attempts to look at women’s disability to analyze the outlook of the society towards such identities from a historical perspective and what particular role they play towards society. The following short stories have been selected for the present study; “Subha” (1893) and “Drishtidaan” (1898) by Rabindranath Tagore, and “Peranta” and “Gayen” (1948) by Manik Bandopadhyay