I was in high school when I read that magazine article about the lingo used by students in Delhi University. Most of that “cool” knowledge was already passed on by the older sibling who was studying there. It sounded so fancy to hear about “hot sams” and “G-jams” that were eaten with a cup of chai. Perhaps it was more soothing to the ears than the complete version: samosas and gulab jamuns. Well, you need to forgive me for sounding so foppish! I was a naive teenager back then!
Be it language, fashion, lifestyle, food, or anything under the sun, why do we have labels for what is modern and what is not? Invariably, we tend to rule out the fact that what one does or picks could be completely aligned to their personal choice or taste. For instance, preferring your home-cooked desi food over exotic continental dishes does not make you less modern.
In the first place, what does “modern” mean?
Going by the dictionary definition, a modern person refers to one who advocates for or practices a departure from traditional styles or values. There are no rules embedded in stone that establish the superiority of any one set of values. Yet human beings take the liberty to pronounce their judgment on others.
We have diametrically opposite lines of thought along with a whole load of misconceptions that are sowed in people’s minds. Going by the flow of how the society operates, being modern is deemed hip and happening by some and scandalous or inappropriate by others. Conversely, those adhering to age-old beliefs consider themselves to be standing on higher moral grounds. However, they may be pronounced as backward by people who do not share their line of thought.
Harboring a narrow mindset
If you hear anyone using the term BTM to talk about Business Technology Management or Book-To-Market value (a term that Nasdaq uses), it is impressive. But this acronym can also be offensive to others. In India, a woman who botches the transition from traditional attire to western outfits with a ridiculous style statement is rudely referred to as a BTM: Behenji-turned-mod.
Sadly enough, our definitions of modernity are messed up. The outward appearance of a person takes precedence over the beliefs or ideologies they may endorse. A man or a woman may talk eloquently, dress smartly, and happen to be a head turner. However, there is no guarantee that he or she will espouse a set of beliefs that negate sexism, patriarchy, parochialism, racism, or anything else derogatory. And someone with a completely lackluster bearing could be very broad-minded with an unconditional and high level of acceptance of those around them.
Again, we come across some arrogant folks who are opinionated about those who are not comfortable speaking in English. Their benchmark of smartness and modernity is one’s ability to fluently carry out a conversation in English flawlessly.
The stereotyping continues
An interview with veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah from the Indian film industry brought out a very interesting point of view. She shares her experiences of turning down numerous scripts that typecast a modern woman as someone who just smokes and drinks. Shah says that modernity revolves around what is in the mind and how we treat other people as opposed to what we talk, wear, eat or drink.
Drinking and smoking are simply habits that individuals have. They are not indicators of anyone’s character. Nor are they the parameters that establish who is modern and who is not.
Consider two different scenarios. Stylishly dressed in the latest fashion, a lady is smoking expensive cigars, surrounded by a so-called elite crowd. In another locale, a worker in her tattered attire takes respite from her strenuous job at the construction site and huffs a bidi. Both women are indulging in the same activity, and you do not know anything about the way either thinks. Are their actions of puffing out that cloud of smoke any guide in applying or removing the tag of modernity? Food for thought, isn’t it?
rashmi writes 