Feel for India!

This is one of those days that I hate to watch BBC but still keen to know what's going on.

India is a country that I have visited 3 times and spent altogether 7 weeks. I am absolutely fascinated by its rich culture and rich diversity. Though I read a lot and a lot about India, even wrote my graduation thesis about its economic development. Yet, I am afraid that I don't understand her enough when terrorist attacks stroke.

It is heart-broken for me to see that it is punished for its diversity and freedom. I really want to understand WHY?! Though I am sure that Indians stand up quickly from such incidents because they need to continue with life. I love their spirits and I really hope for peace to be with such an amazing country.

Does marriage matter?

I am trying to figure out if getting registered for marriage does matter or not. Based on what you decide that you want to get married instead of living together? What significant difference it really makes?

There was a conversation between me and 2 engaged guys (both getting married soon) today. It sounded like the most natural thing to do after some time of being together with a girl. But if I am sure that Aron is the person that I want to spend my life with, why do I have to marry him? What will be different on the first day after the "big day" - really curious about it! I should email Vero!

If two people consider marriage as a life long commitment, then taking the vow is certainly a big milestone for their relationship. I am wondering how those in an unmarried long-term relationship VS a marriage feel differently about their relationships and their beloved ones.

I guess this can be a good panel discussion topic for "world cafe" type of sessions by having different cultures presenting their views on marriage. I would love to host it!

Totally amazed by Orwell's brilliance

If Aron didn't insist, I wouldn't have bought "1984" which is an extremely brilliant book, even better than "animal farm". So what I love the most of its brilliance?

The way Orwell described the essence of democracy in that "secret book" composed by O'Brian diguised by "Brotherhood". The idea was that basically in every society there is a very small group of powerful elites. Democracy is the process of the mass "middle class" striving to enjoy the same level of rights and power as the elites.

So what if there isn't a big enough middle class? I believe they still want to enjoy the rights of the elites. But that wouldn't be a movement for democracy. So what happens when "the bottom of the pyramid" wants to have more rights? Is that called "terrorism" in today's world?

The 2nd brilliance was how the Big Brother party was maintaining its ruling position in the country: to convert and control its middle class to the level that they cannot be united to turn against the powerful elites. And the vulnerable poor is not even in the game.

So I cannot help thinking of my own country: it does make sense to grow our economy and grow more people into middle class; at the same time, I feel cold-hearted. The emerging middle class in China is not those will unite to earn more rights for themselves or the pool. They are enjoying being superior to the poor - the class they came from. They are not enlightened enough to understand their responsibilities. They are "educated" to be apathetic. And the growing economy is keeping them content of what they can have. Sounds a bit like a vicious cycle to me though I believe and strongly hope the landscape is going to improve with time.

1984 is simply a very insightful, forward looking and enlightening book. I just want to share my stimulated thoughts here. And hope to hear yours as well.