Radical Sista:
The name radical makes a statement because as a woman, she is departing from the usual/customary positions of women in the Indian culture by dj'ing. Radical also means favoring fundamental changes in current practices, which also goes along with Radical Sista's views on her music. She breaks away from what is expected of woman and of djs; she went out to the clubs that were mostly male populated, and she dj's in traditional Indian clothing. She is a role model for Asian women in Britain to be different and to do what you want, no matter what society wants you to do.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Final Review: Re-mixing Identities
Key term “Bally Sagoo”: Influential DJ that can be seen as a pioneer and revolutionary in the world of music. He is of Indian descent but was raised in
Final review: Simpson article
Key term “Die Skeptiker”: A German punk band that used their music and lyrics to criticize the politics of the GDR.
Final review: Kluger
Key term “moral predicament”: We see Kluger struggle with many instances in which her actions are a product of what she constitutes as being morally right or wrong, however she is constantly questioning whether what she does is right or wrong because of the influences of others.
(pg. 121) Kluger has a chance to steal some extra food and given the circumstances and the conditions in which she lives, these actions are forgivable and necessary even for survival, so Kluger doesn’t feel bad about technically stealing until her friend Vera points out that, that is essentially what she is doing.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Final Review: Vinayak
9. What is Savarkar’s problem with English historians?
English historians like to avoid the truth. English historians do not necessarily write what is correct, and oftentimes it is misleading. The English writings of the Indian Revolutionary War are coming from a different perspective than that of Indians, so if English readers were to come across the writings they would be viewing the War from a completely different perspective. Savarkar believes the English historians are persuaded by a bigger means than needing to tell the truth, and that is personal gain. Find this answer on page 206.
English historians like to avoid the truth. English historians do not necessarily write what is correct, and oftentimes it is misleading. The English writings of the Indian Revolutionary War are coming from a different perspective than that of Indians, so if English readers were to come across the writings they would be viewing the War from a completely different perspective. Savarkar believes the English historians are persuaded by a bigger means than needing to tell the truth, and that is personal gain. Find this answer on page 206.
Final Review: Vinayak
7. What does Savarkar argue in his essay entitled, “A woman’s beauty and duty?”
In his essay, "A woman's beauty and duty?" Savarkar argues that the woman is more than just a figure of beauty, but as a figure of duty, meaning that she has a purpose to be educated and promote Indian nationalism. Although a woman may be physically weak, she must be mentally strong and educated. Educated in Indian nationalism; and with this knowledge she must teach it to her children so they too can become strong supporters of Indian nationalism. This information can be found on page 221.
In his essay, "A woman's beauty and duty?" Savarkar argues that the woman is more than just a figure of beauty, but as a figure of duty, meaning that she has a purpose to be educated and promote Indian nationalism. Although a woman may be physically weak, she must be mentally strong and educated. Educated in Indian nationalism; and with this knowledge she must teach it to her children so they too can become strong supporters of Indian nationalism. This information can be found on page 221.
Final Review: Vinayak
10. Which text influences Dr. Parchure in naming boys?
Dr. Parchure's influence in naming boys is rooted from the traditional Indian culture of naming children in general. The page where you can find the answer to this question can be found on 224. It's an interesting custom to name children after they are already born, although it does make sense when you think about it. Waiting to name a child after the child is born and when you can find a name that best suits them sounds like a great idea, but the fact that the child is nameless for the early stages of life I don't think that's good. Although the custom is to name children after they are born, Dr. Parchure's interest was specifically in that of naming boys.
Dr. Parchure's influence in naming boys is rooted from the traditional Indian culture of naming children in general. The page where you can find the answer to this question can be found on 224. It's an interesting custom to name children after they are already born, although it does make sense when you think about it. Waiting to name a child after the child is born and when you can find a name that best suits them sounds like a great idea, but the fact that the child is nameless for the early stages of life I don't think that's good. Although the custom is to name children after they are born, Dr. Parchure's interest was specifically in that of naming boys.
Final Review: Retro-Nationalism
1. _____6. What is Simpson suggesting with the last sentence of the article? How do you understand this?
The author suggests that if we do not take in and assimilate the polices of this brand of retro-nationalism, we invalidate everything they stood for. All of the contemporary German art and music cannot be understood unless we get the basic policies of retro-nationalism.
Final review: Kluger
4. She criticizes judaism for its male dominated funeral rituals on page 30. How does this differ from waht we have read about sophocles' world?
Sophocles' world has no male dominance. In fact, Sophocles' world has a higher expectation for women during funeral rituals. Women are responsible to bring a person into a world, and therefore it is also their duty to "escort people out". A woman should be responsible for birth and burial.
Sophocles' world has no male dominance. In fact, Sophocles' world has a higher expectation for women during funeral rituals. Women are responsible to bring a person into a world, and therefore it is also their duty to "escort people out". A woman should be responsible for birth and burial.
Final review: Kluger
1 ____11. The section on the discussion of claustrophobia is crucial to understanding the book. Why is this socially awkward for her? Where does she see connections between her memories and theirs?
Ranchod Vira, “Letter”: Reading and Discussion Questions.
1. How many times does Ranchod mention “Government” in the letter? What can we conclude about Ranchod’s interpretation of the “Government”? (Which Government is Ranchod writing about?)
Ranchod mentions the word “Government” 3 times in the letter. He is writing about the Raj, or rule, of the British Government. Ranchod is calling his native people of the village of Chaklasi in Western India to stand up against the British Topiwallahs (hat-wearers), a reference to Europeans from as early as the 1780s, as opposed to the Indians, who were referred to as puckery wallahs, “turban-wearers.” By the end of the nineteenth century, however, the term Topiwallahs had referred to anyone working for the government, not just the British. When Indians where recruited by the state, they became “government-men.” This depicts the extent to which civilians and government officials opposed each other through symbolic classifications.
2. According to Ranchod, what started (“commenced”) once the “authority of the Government ceased”?
According to Ranchod, once the British rule ceased, so begun the full moon of the Madgh-Samwat 1956, a reference to the Vikram Samwat era adopted in the Hindu calendar, with the year 1956 corresponding to the year Ranchod wrote his letter, 1898. With this came the beginning of the Satyug (Era of Truth). What this means essentially is that Britain’s fervent anti-religious rule has come to an end with Ranchod’s relgion-supported/inspired uprising. One of the reasons Ranchod’s rebellion was able to persist for so long without government intervention was because it was assumed to be a gathering of peasants simply participating in innocuous religious activity based on the monthly punem festival that was popular locally.
3. If you had to guess, what is the opposite of the Era of Truth (satyug)?
By best guess to the opposite of satyug would be kudharo, an uncivilized way of life (opposite of sudharo), also mentioned by Gandhi. This would probably refer to the British rule in India and its basis on material wealth and power, or artha, one of the four endso f human existence as noted by Gandhi.
4. According to the letter, what are people supposed to do in the Era of Truth?
During Satyug, people are supposed to refrain from lying, or performing wrongful acts or sinning. Ranchod warns that if anyone goes against Satyug, the wheel of Ram (a Hindu deity) will appear from the sky and decapitate the sinner.
5. What are the punishments for violating the principles of the Era of Truth?
The punishment for violating the principles of the Era of Truth as noted by Ranchod is decapitation by Ram, a Hindu deity that would “pass above the ground and cut off the heads” of those who transgress.
6. Is Ranchod’s letter religious or political? (Or, both?) What makes it religious? What makes it political?
Ranchod’s letter is a testament of attaining certain political and religious rights, through political means, on religious grounds. Ranchod’s basis for exiling the British government is his faith in the Hindu religion. The fact that he wrote a letter claiming his actions means he took a more politically appropriate approach to the issue.
7. Is it possible to tell who is Ranchod’s intended audience?
Ranchod’s letter declaring the end of the government was forwarded not just to his fellow villagers, but to government officials too. Of course, as self-proclaimed peasant king, Ranchod made no secret about his intended revolution. He informed his own fellow anti-government Village Headman, Patel Kashibhai, that “If [people] want to inform [their] their Government, [they] may do so.” This implies that people who are supposed to pay taxes to the British government should heed from doing so and even tell the British government that they support Ranchod if they so wish.
10. Does Ranchod’s use of “Truth” have any similarities to Gandhi’s use of the word?
Ranchod and Gandhi both talk about truth. Although they both would like to protect their religious faith and rights from the infringing British rule and would like to achieve certain political goals, their methods differ. Gandhi’s approach is to swaraj is through ahimsa (non-violence) and passive resistance, while Ranchod takes the more European physical revolutionary approach.
11. What kind of information is revealed in the “Source”?
It is made known that Ranchod Vira’s letter had been saved as a political document in the Maharashtra State Archives in Mumbai, a city in the Gujarat, a state in Western India home to the city in which Ranchod lived, Chaklasi (on the east side). This is important because it establishes the large effect Ranchod’s relatively small revolution had. Because Ranchod grew up as a farmer in the village headman’s land in Chaklasi, located in the plains of central Gujarat, Ranchod was a simpleton un-involved in political affair throughout most of his life. He would have remained relatively unknown bhagat (village priest) if it wasn’t for his uprising revolution, initiated when he was already a 50-year-old peasant living with his wife, son and grandson. On January 9, 1898 he declared the end of British Raj and proclaimed himself king of a new form of polity.
12. If you were asked to develop a research project based on this letter, where would you begin? What kinds of questions would you ask? Which literature would you consult?
If I were to develop a research project on this letter, I would ask questions such as:
How big was Ranchod’s revolution? How many people were involved?
How long did his reign as peasant king last?
Who did he influence?
Was there a response to his letter?
Did he have any effect on the geocultural politics of India?
For more information on Ranchod Vira see The Making of a Peasant King in Colonial Western India: The Case of Ranchod Vira by Vinyak Chaturvedi
and lecture notes https://eee.uci.edu/programs/humcore/Student/Spring2008/LectureNotes/LNWk6-2_RanchodVira_S08_printerfriendly.htm
Ranchod mentions the word “Government” 3 times in the letter. He is writing about the Raj, or rule, of the British Government. Ranchod is calling his native people of the village of Chaklasi in Western India to stand up against the British Topiwallahs (hat-wearers), a reference to Europeans from as early as the 1780s, as opposed to the Indians, who were referred to as puckery wallahs, “turban-wearers.” By the end of the nineteenth century, however, the term Topiwallahs had referred to anyone working for the government, not just the British. When Indians where recruited by the state, they became “government-men.” This depicts the extent to which civilians and government officials opposed each other through symbolic classifications.
2. According to Ranchod, what started (“commenced”) once the “authority of the Government ceased”?
According to Ranchod, once the British rule ceased, so begun the full moon of the Madgh-Samwat 1956, a reference to the Vikram Samwat era adopted in the Hindu calendar, with the year 1956 corresponding to the year Ranchod wrote his letter, 1898. With this came the beginning of the Satyug (Era of Truth). What this means essentially is that Britain’s fervent anti-religious rule has come to an end with Ranchod’s relgion-supported/inspired uprising. One of the reasons Ranchod’s rebellion was able to persist for so long without government intervention was because it was assumed to be a gathering of peasants simply participating in innocuous religious activity based on the monthly punem festival that was popular locally.
3. If you had to guess, what is the opposite of the Era of Truth (satyug)?
By best guess to the opposite of satyug would be kudharo, an uncivilized way of life (opposite of sudharo), also mentioned by Gandhi. This would probably refer to the British rule in India and its basis on material wealth and power, or artha, one of the four endso f human existence as noted by Gandhi.
4. According to the letter, what are people supposed to do in the Era of Truth?
During Satyug, people are supposed to refrain from lying, or performing wrongful acts or sinning. Ranchod warns that if anyone goes against Satyug, the wheel of Ram (a Hindu deity) will appear from the sky and decapitate the sinner.
5. What are the punishments for violating the principles of the Era of Truth?
The punishment for violating the principles of the Era of Truth as noted by Ranchod is decapitation by Ram, a Hindu deity that would “pass above the ground and cut off the heads” of those who transgress.
6. Is Ranchod’s letter religious or political? (Or, both?) What makes it religious? What makes it political?
Ranchod’s letter is a testament of attaining certain political and religious rights, through political means, on religious grounds. Ranchod’s basis for exiling the British government is his faith in the Hindu religion. The fact that he wrote a letter claiming his actions means he took a more politically appropriate approach to the issue.
7. Is it possible to tell who is Ranchod’s intended audience?
Ranchod’s letter declaring the end of the government was forwarded not just to his fellow villagers, but to government officials too. Of course, as self-proclaimed peasant king, Ranchod made no secret about his intended revolution. He informed his own fellow anti-government Village Headman, Patel Kashibhai, that “If [people] want to inform [their] their Government, [they] may do so.” This implies that people who are supposed to pay taxes to the British government should heed from doing so and even tell the British government that they support Ranchod if they so wish.
10. Does Ranchod’s use of “Truth” have any similarities to Gandhi’s use of the word?
Ranchod and Gandhi both talk about truth. Although they both would like to protect their religious faith and rights from the infringing British rule and would like to achieve certain political goals, their methods differ. Gandhi’s approach is to swaraj is through ahimsa (non-violence) and passive resistance, while Ranchod takes the more European physical revolutionary approach.
11. What kind of information is revealed in the “Source”?
It is made known that Ranchod Vira’s letter had been saved as a political document in the Maharashtra State Archives in Mumbai, a city in the Gujarat, a state in Western India home to the city in which Ranchod lived, Chaklasi (on the east side). This is important because it establishes the large effect Ranchod’s relatively small revolution had. Because Ranchod grew up as a farmer in the village headman’s land in Chaklasi, located in the plains of central Gujarat, Ranchod was a simpleton un-involved in political affair throughout most of his life. He would have remained relatively unknown bhagat (village priest) if it wasn’t for his uprising revolution, initiated when he was already a 50-year-old peasant living with his wife, son and grandson. On January 9, 1898 he declared the end of British Raj and proclaimed himself king of a new form of polity.
12. If you were asked to develop a research project based on this letter, where would you begin? What kinds of questions would you ask? Which literature would you consult?
If I were to develop a research project on this letter, I would ask questions such as:
How big was Ranchod’s revolution? How many people were involved?
How long did his reign as peasant king last?
Who did he influence?
Was there a response to his letter?
Did he have any effect on the geocultural politics of India?
For more information on Ranchod Vira see The Making of a Peasant King in Colonial Western India: The Case of Ranchod Vira by Vinyak Chaturvedi
and lecture notes https://eee.uci.edu/programs/humcore/Student/Spring2008/LectureNotes/LNWk6-2_RanchodVira_S08_printerfriendly.htm
Final Review: Ranchod Vira
7. Is it possible to tell who is Ranchod's intended audience?
It seems Vira's letter is directed to other oppressed Hindus living under British rule. Because he declared himself as a peasant-king, it may be possible that his goal of this letter was to be passed on from village to village. Therefore, his intended audience could be his fellow peasants and simple people of India.
It seems Vira's letter is directed to other oppressed Hindus living under British rule. Because he declared himself as a peasant-king, it may be possible that his goal of this letter was to be passed on from village to village. Therefore, his intended audience could be his fellow peasants and simple people of India.
Final Review: Ranchod Vira
11 1 ONE. How many times does Ranchod mention “Government” in the letter? What can we conclude about Ranchod’s interpretation of the “Government”? (Which Government is Ranchod writing about?)
Vira's goal is essentially breakdown the british government and make a better home rule.
Final Review: Asian Music
12. What are the techniques used to create Asian Massive?
Asian Massive uses the technique of "cutting and pasting" contemporary and traditional music, which is also used to create Bhangra music. The proper placement of speakers with "skillful equalization" also brings out the full depth artistry of the music. The music combines traditional Indian music, Indian folk music, and Indian film music. (page 288, paragraphs 1 and 2)
To start looking for this answer, go to the primary source that houses the answer, the course reader. If the content is confusing or vague, try referring to the lecture notes or wikipedia could be helpful.
Asian Massive uses the technique of "cutting and pasting" contemporary and traditional music, which is also used to create Bhangra music. The proper placement of speakers with "skillful equalization" also brings out the full depth artistry of the music. The music combines traditional Indian music, Indian folk music, and Indian film music. (page 288, paragraphs 1 and 2)
To start looking for this answer, go to the primary source that houses the answer, the course reader. If the content is confusing or vague, try referring to the lecture notes or wikipedia could be helpful.
Final Review: Vinayak
2. Vinayak is another name for which Hindu deity? What is special about this deity?
Vinayak is another name for Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. This auspicious deity is honored as a remover of obstacles. Naming children after Hindu deities was an old tradition. Dr. Parchure gave that name to Chaturvedi because he was ill so often as an infant, by naming him Vinayak he hoped it would remove many obstacles for him. (Page 213, paragraph 3)
The best place to start looking for this is in the Humanities Core Reader, the study questions even list the page number. If that is not an option, say if you don't have access to the reader, then you can either refer to your lecture notes (assuming you go to lecture) or the lectures posted online.
Vinayak is another name for Ganesh, the elephant-headed god. This auspicious deity is honored as a remover of obstacles. Naming children after Hindu deities was an old tradition. Dr. Parchure gave that name to Chaturvedi because he was ill so often as an infant, by naming him Vinayak he hoped it would remove many obstacles for him. (Page 213, paragraph 3)
The best place to start looking for this is in the Humanities Core Reader, the study questions even list the page number. If that is not an option, say if you don't have access to the reader, then you can either refer to your lecture notes (assuming you go to lecture) or the lectures posted online.
final Review: Asian Massive
8. (275) What has been the impact of Bally’s desire to “westernize” his music?
Bally desires to westernize his music and is opposed to the idea that Indian music shouldn’t be tampered with. He conveys his ideas by asking the question “I want to know who makes up the law about how music should sound? Why can’t you have hundreds of different styles? He is completely right because if music was not tampered and shifted with there wouldn’t be multiple styles of music. There should be a style for every listener, and in doing this Asian music will find its way to the western market. There needs to be choices because some people don’t like traditional music and some do. And in westernizing his music he will have the ability to cater to them all.
11. (287-288) Why does Karsh Kale call his music “Asian Massive”?
He calls it Asian massive because he has addd electronic drums and bass recordings to the folk music and continues to intertwine both contemporary and traditional music into one.
12. (288) What are the techniques used to create Asian Massive?
Ceratin techniques used in creating this sound include the proper placement of tracks in the stereo image, which is why the Dj’s artistry is only found within the headphones. The ability of equalization is extremely important because too much volume within same frequency will cancel out sounds. The use of multiple reverbs of different depths creates a sense that certain tracks are nearer and further giving it its massive sound.
Final Review: Asian Massive
7. (274) Discuss the different styles of music Ranjit plays to different audiences?
Ranjit explains how his predominant audience are the young kids in clubcs whether it be a daytime party or the bhangra at night. When he plays to mostly white audiences, he tends to play a lot of remixes because they relate better than the traditional music. He gives examples of when hes used remixes such as the Mambo in London or the Bass Clef. When hes in a mixed club environment, he plays mostly asian and mixes which seems to get a good reaction.
final Review: Retro Nationalism
4. (240) In the second to last paragraph, she distinguishes retronationalism from nostalgia for the East. What is her distinction and what do you think of it?
When the GDR no longer existed, many bands articulated it as the so-called retronationalism. It is not the N/Ostalgie that is associated with products and places. She states that Retronationalism cannot be subsumed into the emotionalized model of nostalgia. The GDR is in fact a critique of contemporary German-German society that cannot be explained by invoking sentiment into politics
Final Review: Retro Nationalism
7. (260) What is she suggesting with the last sentence of the article? How do you understand this?
She states “if we cannot countenance this brand of retro-nationalism, we invalidate the critique of the contemporary German nation it articulates and inflects.” Shes is suggesting that if we don’t make an effort to understand this method of nationalism it takes away from the German nation that articulates it. I feel it is important to understand this brand of retro-nationalsim to fully grasp the critiques of the German nation.
Final Review: Savarkar
13. 3. Who is the intended audience of Savarkar’s book?
Final Review: Savarkar
11. 1. Which historical event (or events) is Savarkar writing about in his book? Why does it matter to Savarkar that the events of 1857 be classified as a war of independence?
Final Review: Retro Nationalism
2. The GDR ceased to exist in 1990. Why? What were some of the consequences for its citizens? What does Simpson mean by N/Ostalgie? [hint:Ost=East]
The GDR was subsumed into the Federal Republic of Germany. For the citizens who’s opinions ranged from mildly unsatisfied to somewhat contentious were able to invest their identities into the state. Simpson implies that’s GDR has not lost its cutting edge when referring to its N/Ostalgie
Final Review: Retro Nationalism
6. Why is “FDJ punk” an insult?
The band Skeptiker lost its street credibility after it became known as an FDJ band. Fans that adorned their Die Skeptiker jackets were subject to insult by “FDJ-Punks”. Rainer Borner was first to approach the band and suggest state support. He later expressed regret for his intervention with the band. The fans criticized Skeptiker for selling out to FDJ.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Final Review: Ranchod Vira
4. According to the letter, what are people supposed to do in the Era of Truth?
5. What are the punishments for violating the principles of the Era of Truth?
Doing so, the wheel of Ram will 'pass above the ground and cut off the heads" of the wrongdoer.Final Review: Still Alive
7. (30) She criticizes Judaism for its male-dominated funeral rituals on p.30. How does this differ from what we have read about Sophocles’ world?
Kluger criticizses Jewish customs and culture by calling the tradition of Kaddish is 'ridiculous.' The Kaddish is only performed by men, who say prayers to the dead. She also shows a criticism through her friend, who ask: "who is keeping you from saying any prayer you please?" Her grandfather jokes about how having no sons, the (male) dog is the only one who can say a kaddish for him when he is gone. By restricting the right to observe the dead, the Jewish tradition of kaddish differs from the world in Sophocles. As shown in Antigone, it is every person's job to respect the dead.
Kluger criticizses Jewish customs and culture by calling the tradition of Kaddish is 'ridiculous.' The Kaddish is only performed by men, who say prayers to the dead. She also shows a criticism through her friend, who ask: "who is keeping you from saying any prayer you please?" Her grandfather jokes about how having no sons, the (male) dog is the only one who can say a kaddish for him when he is gone. By restricting the right to observe the dead, the Jewish tradition of kaddish differs from the world in Sophocles. As shown in Antigone, it is every person's job to respect the dead.
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