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The Western East

Shelby L., Rosa D.

4A1

With a culture rich with its religion and customs, India must fight to maintain these century-old traditions as the western world invades with modern technology and influence. Religion still seems to be a part of the culture, but as for the traditions, they seem to be neglected by many who feel that India should be modern as opposed to the less-lenient binding tradition. Though the population claims to be predominantly Hindu, the customs of the religion are typically not held in as high an esteem as they once were. This westernization is the cause of change in clothing, food, manners and various aspects of previous Indian culture that once was, but is no longer the standard. Though there is such immense change in this ancient country competing in a modern world, tradition can still be found, though it isn’t the same as it once was. Typically the elder citizens of India are the ones that feel the need for tradition is ever prominent, while most of the youth feel the opposite sentiments as they lean towards Western style and standards. These tumultuous feelings for India make for a mixed country based on the tradition that founded it and the innovation that moved it forward.

As seen in the video above, marriage still calls for the same tradition, though it is a more modern time, Indians embrace their culture in the marriage ceremony. This particular wedding above was Hindu, meaning that the ceremony shown was one that follows Hindu custom. Hindu weddings are not the only religion to follow religous matrimony rituals, such as the Sikh wedding shown below does. As shown in the Sikh wedding the traditional customs can be used for the ceremony, but modern touches will still be added with the cars and cameras and other various technologies involved. The outfits of both bride and groom were traditional in both religous ceremonies, showing how there can still be a happy medium when culture is embraced, but at the same time so is modern lifestyle.

In this typical wedding procession of the Sikh religion, in this modern time they still practice rituals that are centuries old. Though it is predominantly traditional, there still are modern touches. Such as after the wedding when the men changed into western style suits, which is obviously not the typical custom. Overall though, there is the typical religous ceremony.

Though modern clothing has come into fashion in some Indian cities, traditional is still seen worn throughout India. For instance the sari shown here in this picture above. Saris have been worn for centuries as a typical Hindu outfit for women, though they have also been associated with Muslim women in the Bengal region of India (Banjeree 138). There are many forms of this five meter-long tradition, which differs based on region. The oldest records to date show the use of the sari that is still worn and used today. Though there are newer styles of the sari, it is still a century-old piece of tradition that has not been erased by the shadow cast by the Western influence.

Traditionally dressed Indian people would don saris and turbans, and women would cover their entire bodies with cloth material. But now, times have most certainly changed in their culture. This is because of western influence on a once religiously-based society. As this comes as an outrage to certain parts of the population, others welcome the changes proclaiming that it is necessary for India to keep up with the rest of the world. But by conforming to fit the modern styles of the West, the Indians are abandoning their sacred religious traditions and beliefs. They are bending the rules to the breaking point; the rules that once held their society together.

This video is the perfect example of how westernized India is. The majority of the people we see are not traditionally clothed, but rather wearing business suits, jeans, t-shirts, and tennis shoes. The technology, factories, automobiles, skyscrapers, big cities, modern architecture, transportation such as airplanes and trains, and military advancements such as modern weaponry are all results of westernization. While traditional Indian people donned saris and turbans, westernization drastically turned the tables. This overwhelming influence on India has depleted it of its once beautiful and intriguing culture.

This video, made available by the New York Times, displays how westernization is both benefitting and harming India. While the new job opportunities help unemployment rates decrease, and bring income into India, they also destroy the culture of the Indians. In this video the spread of Western technology through India is made very apparent. Large Western corporations are moving into more recently constructed cities, opening factories, and bringing with them cars, and other consumer products. The cities and roadways look very similar to those we have in the States. Although the Indian people now have more job opportunities they hoped for better education, and a chance to make more money in life. Though their culture is westernized, it is not what they ultimately had hoped it would be.

This is a video touring the first floor of a typical shopping mall in India. This particular mall is the MGF Metropolitan Mall Gurgaon. Shopping centers are overflowing with Western companies such as Nike, Lee, The Body Shop, Rockport, etc. The majority of the people are dressed in jeans and t-shirts. It appears to be your typical United States mall. Yet hanging from the ceiling is a banner advertising Hindustan News, etc. It seems like the collaboration of cultures is flowing seamlessly but “at the same time, some Western social attitudes, especially those concerned with consumerism, dress, the consumption of alcohol, and the social mixing of the sexes, have either been vigorously embraced or equally vigorously rejected by Middle Easterners.” Invasion into their society and causing so many drastic changes make westernization appear intrusive, and unnecessary, a side of the story we don’t usually hear in the States.

Traditional Indian meals consist of spicy foods, flat breads, rice, and many vegetables. Some religious practices prohibit the consumption of pork or beef, while some are strictly vegetarian. Here we see a McDonald’s located at Panch-Batti Circle on Mirza Ismail Road in Jaipur, India. McDonald’s in India serve food just as fast as they do in the States, but they have adjusted their menu to ‘better’-suit the culture. For example, their classic Big Mac is called the Maharaja Mac in India and is served with either lamb or chicken meat. They also serve vegetarian meals and burgers. The western companies such as McDonald's are not primarily interested in carefully collaborating western and eastern cultures though. In fact, they are merely making these slight adjustments to their menu so they can have businesses in India. Why? To make a profit, and the largest profit possible. The Indian people believe their culture and traditions are being respected, when they are actually being destroyed right under their noses. Traditional Indain meals were prepared by chefs of the highest ranking. They worked very hard to get to their coveted position in society. And the meals took hours to prepare. Now, westernization has replaced these traditions with Happy Meals, and drive-thrus. They may seem convenient and harmless. But they're unhealthy, and disrespectful to Indian culture and traditions.

Its apparent that Western culture has taken over India through food, clothing, transportation, technology, etc. This idea may seem welcomed on the surface but in areas where the two cultures do not collaborate there is hidden frustration. Western companies moving their factories to India are not looking to benefit the country by bringing in new job opportunities, but simply to make a profit, and the largest profit possible. This is depleting India of its beautiful, meaningful, religion-based culture. India must fight to preserve their traditonal beliefs while Westernization strives to change everything. So far, they appear to be losing this 'battle'.

WorksCited

Sari. 2005. Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion. 6 May. 2009.

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