#middle class Indian life stories

[zindagi-jhandwa-firbhi-ghamandwa]

I have family priests and even family seers.

You guys think I'm talking about a DND campaign, but this is real life for me.

Anyway, my family seer has said that I'm being cursed by the sins of my past lives and what I need is a clean slate, which can be accomplished by human sacrifice.

This got me excited, but it turns out they're not actually gonna sacrifice me, it's only going to be figurative.

I will then be "reborn" and no longer cursed by the sins of my previous incarnations.

My family wanted to spend the equivalent of half a month's salary on this.

I said that every six months, these priests and seers (con-men and grifters, all) advise you to spend money on some ritual or the other to fix my life and so far, nothing has worked.

At which point my Mom said that's not true, otherwise how would I be living at home with them and working this full-time job at a prestigious organization.

And it really hit me. The kind of life I want to live and the kind of life my parents want me to live are diametrically opposed.

And I've lost my chance of leading the life I wanted. I'm stuck here. Living with my folks, working a shit job that's slowly killing me. One day I'll be arranged married to some poor woman who won't like me or even understand me at all but it won't matter because her real duties will be to cook and clean. And I'll have to occasionally impregnate her and bring children into this world who I'll have to frequently beat with slippers and belts (because that's Indian parenting) so that they do well academically and become doctors and engineers before I force them into arranged marriages with strangers.

And I've been crying all morning, but the good news is that I can start smoking again because I think getting lung cancer will be a mercy.

[sindhumnart]

Shambhavi episode 58 :)

[sosuigeneris]

Socialite series: Manufacturing your Personality

So you want to get into high society. I can give you a guideline as to how you can do that. 

I was born in high society, in India. I know how these systems work. Even across cultures, they’re quite similar. I know some German, Asian, American high society people. Certain things are very similar across continents. 

You can permanently secure your position by two ways: marriage, or by becoming somebody. 

In Indian high society, there’s two kinds of people: those who have lineage, and those who are rich. 

Those who have lineage are those (mostly bankrupt) Maharajas, artists, singers, musicians, poets for generations - it’s an art form or royalty handed down to their children. They have ✨culture, a legacy✨ that can only be obtained by birth. They want to mingle with the business rich so that they get access to the opportunities they need for their livelihoods. 

The business rich can be new or old money. It doesn’t matter. Their businesses are family businesses. They have money, but may lack class. Don’t be mistaken that only new money can be “tacky” - I know plenty of influential, old money families who are equally classless and tacky. 

They want to mingle with the lineage crowd because they need that ✨culture✨ to be seen as someone. They want to be associated with them, to improve their reputations. By connecting to the artistic and musical world, it shows that they have class and persona. 

Both groups, as you see, need each other. You may ask - can’t there be families where there’s both?

Yes there can. But that is not common. 

Let’s say you take the route of dating someone who is of high society, and are hoping to convert that into marriage. I’ll be very honest with you - you have to seriously stand out for Asian and Middle Eastern high society families to accept you if you lack both lineage and money. 

You need to have a strong educational background - you need to go to a great college or masters, or whatever - otherwise this is really not going to happen. This is requirement number 1. If you don’t have this, don’t even bother reading the rest. 

And in Asian and ME families, remember one thing. Marriages are between families, NOT individuals. You have to impress the family, the family’s friends, their maids and barbers and god knows who else. 

And here are Cherry’s insider tips, just for you, to fit right in. If you fit in comfortably, it makes your life and everyone else’s life easier. 

Extrovert tendencies 

don’t be intimidated by people, don’t be shy or awkward 

It’s better to mix in being a combination of “social + slightly bored” like “it’s nice to meet you, but I wouldn’t die to be here.” 

Be open without jumping around like a Disney kid. Being “overexcited” or jumpy, smiling and laughing at just about everything comes across as weird in some cultures, IF that’s not how you genuinely are. That might work in the US, but not everywhere else. 

If I had to very simply define an extrovert - approach new people with ease, learn the art of small talk and be a good listener. 

Confident 

have a sense of self: career, hobbies, likes or dislikes, experiences

Be a multi faceted person. Do things that YOU like. If you like reading Japanese literature and collecting quartz, great! That’s your thing! 

Good communication skills

articulate, small talk abilities, good listener, curious, engaging

be able to tell little stories about yourself without giving everything away 

Well dressed 

do an image consultation for your colours, understand your body shape type and find a style that works for you

Create a capsule wardrobe that is timeless 

Remember - modesty is ALWAYS the best idea for any event. 

Posture - stand up straight, be able to walk in heels, sit without slouching

if you don’t know how to walk in heels, learn to. Practice it. 

Sit up straight, do some yoga or something for good posture 

Maintenance- good skin, hair, fit body, skin, nails, teeth; good hygiene; smell good 

hygiene comes first. Shower regularly, wash your hair as often as needed. 

Put on perfume. 

Find a make up style that works for you. Again, this takes practice. It took me years to figure out what kind of eyeliner works on my eyes and that bronzer doesn’t suit me at all. Crazy make up, unnatural hair colours, visible tattoos or piercings will not sit well in these societies. 

Etiquette 

dining etiquette- learn how to eat properly. This is not just for white culture but for other cultures as well. Understand broadly how popular cultures etiquettes work - Japanese eating etiquettes, European fork and knife etiquette, Korean drinking etiquette, Indian and Middle Eastern etiquette, etc. 

giving appropriate gifts to the host - bottle of wine or flowers 

Learn thank you etiquette- shoot a text message to the host thanking them for the event 

Intelligence

Show that you have some sort of a personality. 

Stay updated with current affairs

know your line of work and the relevant people (top companies, CEOs, etc), trends happening in your industry 

Be open to learning new things  

Put together

have a routine, show some form of discipline. 

This can be done by committing to something long term, such as healthy habits - exercise, reading, waking up early. 

Keep a watch on what you say 

people, especially women, who come across as bratty are seen as a big no no and can come across as exhausting and blood sucking. Zip it. 

Don’t talk about your failures, vulnerabilities, mistakes or mishaps. That’s confidential. 

Don’t complain or be snotty or a potty mouth. 

Do not put other people down in front of people who are not your absolute close friends. 

Poise (this is for your mental health and wellbeing)

Don’t be over eager. Being overly friendly can be seen as submissiveness. 

You’re overly friendly with someone because you want to be accepted by them. Acceptance only happens when you’re familiar with one another. When you become too familiar, it becomes a breeding ground for disrespect. Boundaries get crossed easily. 

Body language

practice practice and practice. 

Video yourself and have a fake conversation with someone. Or maybe FaceTime a friend and record yourself and see how you react to things. 

I used to watch those “try not to laugh/ get angry/ cry” videos to maintain a strong facial expression at all times. Not everyone deserves to see you vulnerable. 

Social media 

Take. Shit. Down. 

Go private if you don’t make money of social media. You’re perceived as more mysterious if you’re a private account. 

Remember, even if you’re private, it doesn’t mean that your pictures aren’t being shared. Someone’s taken a screenshot at some point for SURE or shown your account to someone else. Don’t give anyone anything to talk about. 

Don’t upload every second of every day. 

Don’t upload anything questionable- your break ups, your new boyfriend, girls nights, clubbing, your latest shopping spree etc etc. Keep things halal. Think of it this way - if your boss were to see those photos, how would you feel?

Overexposing yourself on social media comes across as desperate for attention. Limit that.

Cherry 🍒

[theyungihven]

ATEEZ X BOLLYWOOD SEASON 2

Time fades away but the moments captured on films last for an eternity. It is your choice to revisit them, enjoying the forgotten times which still reside in your heart.

As an adult whose childhood was filled with these timeless classics, this is an attempt to bring together two things dear to me; bollywood and K-pop. Presenting, a crossover between ATEEZ and Bollywood (late 2000s and early 2010's in Season 2)

just leave a comment under this post to be tagged

SEASON 1

SEASON 2 MASTERLIST (below)

↬ Seonghwa as Rahul in Chennai Express

Kashmir to Kanyakumari

Genre : romance, comedy Synopsis : a north indian guy travelling to goa gets on the train only to be met by a south indian girl who he finds out is running away from home and gets involved with a tamil mob boss and his sidekick.

↬ San as Arjun, Wooyoung as Imraan and Seonghwa as Kabir in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Oh Foolish Heart!

Genre : romance, comedy Synopsis : The trio finally go on a spain trip but things start going downhill when their unresolved issues come in between until Arjun meets Zoya brings him back to Earth.

↬ Yunho as Abhimanyu and San as Rohan in Student Of The Year

Is There Someone else?

Genre : romance Synopsis : Abhimanyu is a full ride student from a middle class family while Rohan is the son of a billionaire. When they meet, clashes happen because opposites attract but they find a common ground. However, things go downhill when Rohan catches his best friend kissing his girlfriend.

↬ Wooyoung as Guru in Ek Villain

A Summer Miracle

Genre : romance, angst Synopsis : They say love finds you when you least expect it and it did find Guru on a Summer Morning which tied his heart forever to a girl who was the epitome of happiness.

↬ Jongho as Jay in I Hate Luv Storys

I Hate Luv Storys

Genre : comedy, romance Synopsis : Shaken by personal traumas, Jay swears to never fall in love but life reminds him that there's always this one person for whom you'll risk everything

↬ Hongjoong as Aditya in Jab We Met

My Stella Maris

Genre : romance, comedy Synopsis : Geet, the epitome of sunshine meets Aditya, who is a depressed millionaire, on a train he never planned to get onto but she just had to be there. However, Geet becomes his stella maris, his north pole star as she guides him out of the sea of darkness in which his mind was once emerged.

↬ Mingi as Kabir in Yeh Jawani Hain Deewani

The Traveller without a home

Genre : romance, comedy Synopsis : Kabir dreams of travelling in order to discover new things but when he meets Naina after a almost a decade, he realises that he was actually running away from himself.

↬Yeosang as Rahul in Aashiqui 2

In depth of love and despair

Genre : romance Synopsis : Rahul, a singing sensation, falls in love with Aarohi, a woman who sings in a bar. He helps her accomplish her dream of becoming a famous singer but his own shortcomings jeopardise their future

↬ Wooyoung as Aman and Yeosang as Rohit in Kal Ho Naa Ho

Let there be a tomorrow...

Genre : romance, angst Synopsis : Aman changes the pessimistic Naina's view of life and makes her fall in love with her friend but little do these two know that Aman loves Naina secretly.

SEE YOU SOON!!

[fishyyyyy99]

OK, I seriously can't believe someone actually thinks this about season 4 of Never Have I Ever:

"In 2023, the message of the show suddenly turned into *"racism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and class inequity doesn't exist anymore. Devi did a Bollywood dance, got into Princeton, and a racist white guy said he loves her at the last minute, so everything is going to be okay (for Gen Z)."*

This is the opposite of the premise that the show started with in 2020, which acknowledged the brutal unfairness in the world."

Firstly, it wasn't a Bollywood dance. They danced to the Tamil dubbed version of a song that is originally Telugu. Tamil cinema is known as Kollywood, and Telugu cinema is known as Tollywood. Maybe people who comment so much on racism should learn a little more about not clubbing all of Indian culture together. As a Telugu woman who lives in Tamil Nadu, I'd like to say that I was really happy with the dance number. I was especially happy because it wasn't a Bollywood dance (season 1 just used Hindi songs, and that really annoyed me because Devi is Tamil).

The show literally acknowledged that Devi ("our little hothead from the valley") was happy in that moment. There was no claim about everything being okay forever. It's just that she is better equipped to deal with problems now. She will continue to grow non-linearly, just like she did throughout the show.

Of course, the show became less about dealing with intense grief as it went on - time heals. But they did portray that grief still lingers, despite that.

Also, the portrayal of familial relationships was great - Devi talking about how it's cool to live with three generations of women in her house, Nalini having to deal with empty nest syndrome, Nalini talking about her own struggle with having to start over in the US after being a top resident in India (but of course, the last season does not acknowledge how brutally unfair the world is /s) and how she was just trying to protect Devi from being devastated, Devi setting her mother up (showing how much she had healed and grown since season 2), Kamala being too attached to her family to move away and Nalini telling her that change is good (and even Kamala's coping mechanism of becoming overprotective of Nirmala), Kamala and Devi's sweet moments, the family's acceptance and joyous celebration of Nirmala finding love again, Nirmala calling Nalini out for being mean to Devi, and of course, the heartwarming scene of Nalini helping Devi pack and telling her she's proud of her. Devi's final monologue focused primarily on how much she cares about her mother. Did all of that mean nothing to some people?

Never Have I Ever is not an unproblematic show. But I still can't believe it's being reduced to this. I. Seriously. Just. Can't. Devi was so much more comfortable in her skin than when the show started, and was no longer obsessed with external validation. Her relationship with Nalini had improved greatly. She embraced her culture so much more. She was okay with not getting into Princeton, and realised that she'd always be connected to her father no matter what. I don't mind that she didn't completely give up on her Princeton dream. I don't think she needed to, to show that she had healed. She was able to tell her dad's story in a way that felt true to herself, and did not feel exploitative (she reclaimed her power from a racist white guy). She was truly happy when she prayed to the gods before leaving to Princeton. She was surrounded by people who cared about her and loved her, as she said. And she was happily in the middle of a fun game of Never Have I Ever before Ben showed up. She had learned to love herself and her life. The show having a happy (for now) ending does not equal them saying that everything is going to be okay forever. The world is still brutally unfair. Devi is just a little better at dealing with it.

I don't know who needs to hear this but Never Have I Ever had a TEAM DEVI ending! Just because Devi was not single at the end of the show/ended up with someone you dislike, it doesn't mean that the ending wasn't a win for team Devi.

TEAM DEVI FOR THE WIN! AND THAT'S WHAT WE GOT.

I'll acknowledge that there were issues with the show throughout all four seasons. But I can't see such an empowering show being dismissed in such a ridiculous way.

[thethirdromana]

Suggestions for Tumblr's next book club

With Dracula Daily on the horizon again, I've been pondering what other out-of-copyright novels we might like to consider reading very slowly. Here are my ideas! And if any of them already exist, lmk.

North and South

Author: Elizabeth Gaskell Year of publication: 1854-55 Length: 185,000 words, 52 chapters. So we could have a chapter weekly for a full year. Summary: Margaret Hale is forced to leave the rural south of England and settle in the rough, industrial north. There she clashes with mill-owner John Thornton over his treatment of his workers... Why Tumblr would like it: Enemies to Lovers! Class struggle! Fascinating historical context! Honestly, it's a great read.

Evelina

Author: Fanny Burney Year of publication: 1778 Length: 157,000 words in 84 letters. That's right, it's epistolary, and the letters are almost all sent March to October of the same year, so we could read this one in true Dracula Daily fashion. Summary: Evelina is the sheltered daughter of an aristocrat trying to make her way in the world of late 18th-century society. Why Tumblr would like it: Evelina is a likeable, relatable character. I think it'd be fun to get emails from her.

The Well of Loneliness

Author: Radclyffe Hall Year of publication: 1928 Length: 158,000 words in 56 chapters. Summary: The story of Stephen Gordon, a girl who realises at an early age that she's a lesbian, and her attempts to find love in the early 20th century. Why Tumblr would like it: It's one of the most iconic lesbian novels of the 20th century!

The War of the Worlds

Author: HG Wells Year of publication: 1897 Length: 63,000 words in 27 chapters. Summary: Alien invaders land from Mars and fuck up the south of England. Why Tumblr would like it: Alien invaders land from Mars and fuck up the south of England, come on, what's not to like?

The Moonstone

Author: Wilkie Collins Year of publication: 1868 Length: 200,000 words (so a bit of a marathon) in 51 chapters. Summary: A young English woman inherits a large Indian diamond of dubious provenance on her 18th birthday. Then it gets stolen! Why Tumblr would like it: One of the first detective novels, and supposed to be one of the best, it's a page turner with lots of suspense, twists and cliffhanger endings.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

Author: Agatha Christie Year of publication: 1920 Length: 60,000 words in 13 chapters. Summary: The first murder mystery starring Hercule Poirot. Why Tumblr would like it: Look, you liked Glass Onion, right? And if you like this, Agatha Christie's novels are emerging from copyright at the rate of about two per year.

Les Misérables

Author: Victor Hugo Year of publication: 1862 Length: 570,000 words in the English translation (ouch) in 365 chapters. Summary: A vast, sweeping story of poverty, justice and revolution in early 19th century France. Why Tumblr would like it: Well, if you thought Moby Dick didn't have enough digressions...

The Canterbury Tales

Author: Geoffrey Chaucer Year of publication: 1387-1400 Length: 24 stories averaging 700 lines each. Summary: Some pilgrims are heading to Canterbury. They tell one another stories to pass the time. These are their stories. Why Tumblr would like it: I mean, there's a reason we still read these 600 years later. They're a fascinating insight into medieval life, but they're also - for the most part - just good fun.

If you love any of these suggestions and would really like to see it take off, reblog to help make it happen.

[nnobodoodles]

Just posting some fancy 1920s characters I made to mess around with ☕✨

(aka things that happen when I read Wodehouse, Lackadaisy and binge Downton Abbey)

From left to right: Priya, Freddie, Matthew, Arthur & Marion

1928

Lord Dalham's son has succumbed to illness and the next heir to his title, his nephew Frederick Barlow, a solicitor, is to return to England after spending the last two years in India.

"Freddie", isn't quite the reserved, serious man that everyone remembered upon return; because they are in fact, Frederick's unruly twin that was travelling by his side to be engaged to an English officer.

After their brother's unexpected death, Freddie assumed his identity, recruiting the help of Frederick's former valet, one Matthew Halkett.

Through gentlemen's clubs, fancy country houses, speakeasies and gambling pits, dog shows and county fairs, Freddie discovers alarming and conflicting information regarding their twin, as well as people who seem to have curious ties to him.

Freddie Barlow (28)

Despite being born in the upper classes and having the privileges that come with this, Freddie never quite found their calling in life, nor were they considered a particularly graceful aristocrat; not being the one for sports like tennis, or the arts, desperately failing at music and painting.

They would have liked to pursue acting, but that option was of course, off the table. They were supposed to be a socialite like their mother, and their acting skills were required to put on a mask and pull on strings. That seemed to keep everyone pleased until in an effort to protect their best friend from a predatory suitor, Freddie allowed scandal to soil their name and was sent to India to get married, accompanied by their twin, Frederick.

After Frederick's death in a railroad "accident", Freddie discovers a plot against their family, and assumes his identity upon arriving in England, after a 2-year absence. Their alter ego is assumed to still be in India and married to an English officer.

Freddie is constantly discovering alarming and conflicting information regarding their twin and bears guilt, doubt, and identity issues over their actions.

(Freddie is afab & non-binary/genderfluid by today's standards, all pronouns apply but in the context of the story, Freddie leans towards masculine terms)

Matthew Halkett (30)

Matthew Halkett was Frederick's former valet, who was let go before the twins' trip to India.

Halkett grew up into poverty and was a thief and an underground boxer as a youth, before turning his life around in his teens. He dedicated his life to service, when his uncle, butler at Lord Dalham's big estate, helped him get into service as a footman. He soon found he has a particularly keen eye for detail, and a strong work ethic that made him shine amongst staff. He also served in the Great War before his employment at the Barlow household.

Upon receiving news of his potential title as heir to his uncle, Frederick required a valet, and when the two met at Lord Dalham's estate the offer was made.

As Frederick's valet Halkett knew most of the secrets of the household, including Freddie's. Due to an unjustly blamed incident of theft, Frederick fired him with no reference which left him in a rather unsatisfactory position, under the employment of an old bubbling arrogant Colonel.

His previous position also makes him a target of Frederick's enemies after his death. He is the first ally Freddie seeks out upon returning to England, and is offered, once again, the position of the valet on their side instead.

Priya Curtis (21)

The youngest daughter of middle class merchants, Priya Curtis is an sweet and elegant young lady of British-Indian heritage who seems to have followed Freddie all the way on his trip back to England. Or more like, she seems to think she's following Frederick.

The reason? Why, revenge, of course.

If they get past that misunderstanding, Priya and Freddie might discover they are connected by something of a familial nature.

Arthur Pennington (28)

Arthur Pennington is the son of an English earl & an American heiress, and Frederick's friend from their university days in Oxford. Despite his wealth, he also studied law but remains rather unworldly and naive due to a rather sheltered lifestyle. He makes up with his infectious energy, friendliness, and unending loyalty, and he's eager to recount old stories to Freddie, initially not realizing he's not talking to their twin.

Marion Ellis (36)

A Renaissance lady; writer, poet, and predominantly a journalist, she spent many good years in Paris and Montmartre, where her fiancé, John, awaits her return. An extremely romantic soul with a love for the arts and a social butterfly, Marion is well aware of the ins and outs of high society and has written under a nickname for ladies' magazines. She is an acquaintance of Freddie's lord-uncle, and apparently, had some mysterious ties to Frederick.

[justforbooks]

Lynne Reid Banks, who has died aged 94, hit a jackpot with her first book, The L-Shaped Room (1960), the story of an unmarried middle-class girl, Jane Graham, who takes a dingy room in London to hide her unwanted pregnancy. The novel was a cracking read that caught the cusp of a momentous change in social attitudes. Its profile rose even higher when it became a film in 1962, with Leslie Caron playing its heroine. It sold in its millions and never went out of print.

This success was both a blessing and curse for Reid Banks. In the decades that followed, she published nine further novels (two of them sequels to The L-Shaped Room), two award-winning volumes of biographical fiction on the lives of the Brontës, two books about Israel and numerous books for younger readers. But nothing she wrote ever matched the acclaim for The L-Shaped Room.

Reid Banks was a dramatic and dynamic woman who lived her life with gusto. If the slights of the literary world sometimes hurt her, they never quenched the energy and passion she brought to her work. Stories flowed effortlessly from her pen, characterised by lively dialogue, well-crafted plots and compulsive readability.

The Indian in the Cupboard (1980), a children’s book she wrote for and dedicated to her youngest son, Omri, came closest to her first success, in sales, translation into 20 languages and transformation into a Hollywood film in 1995. That pleased her. But in the same year, she expressed outrage that her longstanding publishers had turned down her latest adult novel. She nevertheless found another publisher and received considerable praise for Fair Exchange (1998), a book she dedicated to her friend Norma Kitson, whose remarkable struggle against apartheid in South Africa infuses its story.

Lynne was born in Barnes, London, the only child of a Scottish doctor, James Reid Banks, and an Irish actor, Muriel (nee Marsh, who went by the stage name Muriel Alexander), and began her education at a Catholic boarding school. At the start of the second world war, aged 10, she travelled with her mother and a cousin to Canada, which she thoroughly enjoyed. On her return to London, she went to Rada, and thence began acting in provincial rep, like the heroine of The L-Shaped Room.

It was during this period that she met and enraged the young John Osborne, whose first wife, the actor Pamela Lane, was her close friend. Osborne’s letters revealed not only his dislike of her, but the probability that she inspired one of the main characters in his own first success, Look Back in Anger.

A combative streak in Reid Banks got her into spats all her life. But she was no less forthright in her judgments of herself than of others. She did not hesitate to call herself a failed actress, failed playwright (of several plays) and failed television reporter, before her true career took off.

In the doldrums, she began writing freelance journalism, and when she went to interview the head of the embryonic ITN for the Radio Times, she also talked him into employing her. She thereby became one of the first two female reporters on television in 1955. This did not satisfy her for long, however, as (she claimed) they only gave her “the rubbish” to do. When she complained, they put her into a cubbyhole and set her to work writing scripts.

Bored stiff, she began using ITN’s stationery supplies and time to start work on her first novel. She later recalled how the newsreader Reginald Bosanquet would read a page off her typewriter in mocking amusement. But the laugh was on Reggie when the Evening Standard later ran the headline: “ITN girl sells film script for £25,000.” The real sum for The L-Shaped Room was £20,000, but that was still princely in those days.

She was not happy with the film, which changed the book’s story. It was a hit, but it took her 30 years to forgive the director, Bryan Forbes. It also infuriated her that people assumed she had written of single motherhood from personal experience, rather than imagination. Although on the crest of a wave of fame, money and success, Reid Banks left the country and did not return for a decade.

She had met the man whom in 1965 she was to marry, the Israeli sculptor Chaim Stephenson, while he was visiting Britain. She was not Jewish, but she went out to Israel and loved it, becoming an Israeli citizen. The couple lived on a kibbutz near the Sea of Galilee, and their three sons were born there.

It surprised but delighted her, soon after her arrival in Israel, to be asked to leave her hot, tiring work in the vineyards to teach English to a class of children. She threw herself into this new occupation with zeal, relishing the chance to use her acting skills, and achieved outstanding results.

But as the years went by, she missed Britain, and in the early 1970s she came back, the family settling uncomfortably at first in the London suburbs, but later living happily in a farmhouse in Beaminster, Dorset, and later still settling in Shepperton in Surrey. Her output of books for children continued (she produced many sequels and series), and she travelled, gardened and wrote for newspapers.

Chaim died in 2016. Reid Banks is survived by her sons, Adiel, Gillon and Omri, and her grandchildren, Daniel, David and Paloma.

🔔 Lynne Reid Banks, writer, born 31 July 1929; died 4 April 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[naartjie-hijabi]

As an Indian from Durban I *totally* get you with that anon ask, and ugh, I’m sorry that you’re getting that sort of thing even online. Like… sure, whilst BEE and such aren’t perfect (most black people in our country still live in the country, people on top profit), they’re not white discrimination. I went to private school and I can tell anon that while on paper things like BEE seem like they’re ’against whites’ or smth, white people here in general still have an INSANE amount of money, connections, and assets from the Apartheid era, often built on the human rights abuses of that time, and most don’t care about helping disadvantaged people in the country now. My parents saved for decades for our house, which is fairly large and built on part of the LAWN of our neighbour’s house (a several story house owned by an older white guy). His kid went to my private school, and so I found out that this wasn’t even the only house he owned. My family only paid off our house last year, since my dad had to drop out of uni as he couldn’t afford it and opted to get a job to support his family instead. He broke his leg at that job and it still hurts him because he couldn’t afford time off to get it fixed. All that inequality from Aparthied, a lot of it and a lot of its echoes are still here. To say that it’s not is… you know?

honestly, I'm just hoping that the previous anon was asking out of good faith and nothing more.

BEE and BBEEE in practice aren't great but these systems that were implemented to ensure that POC have an equal footing with white people are being abused by white people. My dad worked in a company where he was the ONLY person of colour in a management position and getting paid a basic salary whereas his white colleagues got paid more for the same job or even less but he was there for "points" - not that he was unqualified but he wasn't being treated equally.

One of my friends is white and while she is by no means rich, she's fairly middle class altho in SA that's barely anything, but she's slightly more well-off than I am. Even still, her skin colour grants her privilege in walking in places where I as a coloured person would feel so uncomfortable. In 2024, people still stare when your skin colour is different and it's so disgustingly backwards.

But I totally understand how you feel anon. my dad couldn't finish uni cause he dropped out to fight against Apartheid, my mom was friends with Ashley Kriel, a coloured freedom fighter who was killed by the Apartheid regime, my uncle and aunt had to flee the country, meanwhile my aunt back home played white because she has pale skin and my dad who's incredibly dark for a coloured man was called derogatory names growing up because of his skin colour.

I'm also so incredibly sorry for your dad and pray that things will only get better for you and your family and you're totally right, denying the realities of Apartheid and the consequences thereof is a slap in the face to everyone who suffered. The people who complain are the people who benefitted and are more worried about losing what they gained through others' losses than helping or caring about anyone that's not part of their community.

The denial of white privilege and the idea that white people are being discriminated against is ludicrous. I live in CAPE TOWN, opposite every affluent white neighborhood is informal settlements. Hell, the neighborhood I currently live in is a white area and people own FERRARIS whereas my family's car breaks down every 5 minutes.

But anyways, I truly do believe that South Africa will gey better. I love this country wholeheartedly and I just want everyone to experience the same level of privilege and have access to all that is needed to succeed in life.

[greensagephase]

Hi!!!

Well, I only have a few ideas about Miguel and Pavitr, but the thought of the two of them just makes me giggle. Here are some of my ideas:

1- If Pav had been the first one to join the Spider-Society, I could totally see him asking if he will ever grow fangs HAHAHAHA. The look on Miguel would be priceless. I can picture him like "Hey... so... do you know if I will ever get fangs? Because I have a date in two weeks and..."

2- They would have a competition over who can tolerate spice the most. Miguel would lose, and he would never be over it, but he just can't compete with Pavitr in this. To make matters worse, Pavitr would have been against the competition at first, but oh well, Miguel insisted for some reason (probably Lyla teased him), and Pav got competitive in the middle of it

3- Pav would call Miguel "Señor Miguel" without apparent reason. He just... started calling him that one day, and it stuck. Miguel likes it, but Jess teases him about so he pretends he doesn't

4- Pav would learn whatever Spanish he can from Miguel, even copying his accent. His pronunciation is surprisingly good as well. Miguel thought he was mocking him at first, but later found out Pav was just trying to impress his girlfriend by speaking Spanish

5- I think Pav would admire Miguel's intelligence. He just loves how organized and strategic Miguel and wishes he could be more like that. Miguel, on the other hand, feels at ease with how transparent Pav is, but he has conflictive emotions about his spontaneity. He likes it, but sometimes Pav can be reckless, and it gets on his nerves (in a good way, he is just worried about him) Miguel also learns to recognize when Pav is about to improvise in a fight and every time he does Miguel prays that it's a good idea and nothing too bad happens. He also admires how Pav can get along with basically anyone, but he won't tell him that obviously

6- Miguel once was about to make a joke about tea, but Lyla stopped him before he could say anything.

And that's basically it haha. I've been learning to draw Miguel so I can bring these to life, but that will have to wait a bit more. At least I already learned how to draw Miguel's face, so that's something

Anyway, I love your stories so much! And I'm sorry I something feels odd in my writing. English isn't my first language, and it's been a while since I've been in a class. All my knowledge of the English language comes from the internet now, haha

Omg, the fangs headcannon had me audibly giggling at 7am this morning when I read over this before I had to head out!!! The fangs 🤣 No, because I can imagine the way this would go. I can see Miguel, after explaining some things to Pav, asking, "Do you have any questions?" And Pav nodding (he's been thinking about it the entire time), but wondering if it would be rude to ask, but eventually he really wants to know, so he asks the question!! Can you imagine Lyla DYING of laughter? Miguel just stares at Pav, processing the question. Out of everything he said, Miguel thought Pav would be asking things about the multiverse, but no. "Ayy, mijo, no, you're not getting fangs." Miguel holds back from pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration (not at Pav but just like, he didn't think this would be a question for some reason). "This seems to be something only I have. At least from what I've seen." Pav proceeds to look relieved 🤣 and Miguel decides not to let him see the talons for a few days until there's more members so Pav won't be worried about them!!

Haha, the spice competition!! I've never had the opportunity to try Indian food (I really want to but I live in a somewhat remote and small area so I don't have any Indian food restaurants nearby), but I've read that Indian food is on another level of spiciness!! Miguel not getting over it, omg, imagine the grumpy face he must have had (after he recovered) and Pav feeling a little bad about it. Also, Lyla definitely teased Miguel into it. Can you imagine her teasing him about it every now and then? 🤣

Señor Miguel omg - wait, I can see Pav doing this out of politeness!! Because you know, you're supposed to show respect to the elders, so he decides to do it in Spanish. Ok, I love this one so much for some reason!! (We really need this duo - SONY, I BEG YOU!!!)

Pav learning Spanish from Miguel (I definitely think his pronunciation would be amazing!!!) To impress Gayatri 🥺 Do you think Miguel would find it endearing when he realizes? But also, can you imagine Pav learning so much that they begin to have a lot of conversations in Spanish?

Omg, the one with them admiring each other!! I love this one SO MUCH!! Miguel growing worried about Pav every time he decides to be spontaneous, omg 🥺 I wholeheartedly believe Miguel is like this with all the young members, but he doesn't show it these days because of everything that happened

The last headcannon, haha!! I can see this happening with the Miguel from before the events of Gabriella - when Miguel was witty (like in the ITSV credit scene), but Lyla definitely stopped him. She'd probably be like, "Miguel, don't. Just trust me on this one."

I LOVED all these headcannons!!! Thank you so much for sharing them with me!!! 🥹As to bringing them to life - I can't wait to see them!!!! I hope you're drawing is going well!! And I'm so happy that you've learned to draw Miguel's face!! I've also started to draw (because of Miguel), so I understand it's a learning process and wish you the best of luck!! As to your English, don't worry my friend!! Your English is fantastic!!!❤️ And thank you for the support on my writing, it truly means so much to me!! I hope you're doing well, and that you have a lovely day/night!!!

[blackautmedia]

I put together some resources including videos, news articles, and books. These are not strictly confined to Arab/SWANA/Muslim studies but several of the issues discussed still directly affect these communities. Hoping that the below resources will prove valuable to others.

Arabs and Muslims in the Media: Race and Representation after 9/11

Arabs and Muslims in the Media after 9/11: Representational Strategies for a “Postrace” Era

Broken: The Failed Promise of Muslim Inclusion - By Evelyn Aulsultany

Orientalism - Edward Said

Terrorist Assemblages - Homonationalism in Queer Times - Jasbir K. Puar

A people's History of the United States

Arab Women Writers - an Anthology of Short Stories

Arab Women's lives retold - Exploring Identity through writing

Covering Islam - Edward Said

Culture and Imperialism - Edward Said

Asian American Feminisms and Women of Color Politics

I, Rigoberta Menchú An Indian Woman in Guatemala

The Wretched of the Earth - Frantz Fanon

Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo powers our lives - Siddharth Kara

Dancing in the Glory of Monsters - The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa

A history of Disability - Henri-Jacques Stiker

Black Disability Politics - Sami Schalk

Black on Both Sides - A racial History of Trans Identity - Riley Snorton

Black Trans Feminism - Marquis Bey

Black Women in White - Racial Conflict and Cooperation in the Nursing Profession

Crip Theory - Cultural Signs of Queerness and Disability

Deaf in Japan - Signing and the politics of Identity - Karen Nakamura

Fearing the Black Body - The Racial Origins of Fatphobia - Sabrina Strings

The Female Malady: Women, Madness, and English Culture - https://archive.org/details/femalemalady00elai

It was Vulgar and It was Beautiful - How AIDS Activists used Art to Fight a Pandemic

Killing the Black Body - Race, Reproduction and the Meaning of Liberty - Dorothy Roberts

Mad in America - Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the mentally ill

Madness and Civilization - A history of Insanity in the Age of Reason

Maladies of Empire - How Colonialism, Slavery and War Transformed Medicine

Medical Apartheid - The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans

The Delectable Negro - Vincent Woodard

The Protest Psychosis - How Schizophrenia became a Black Disease

There's Something in the Water - Environmental Racism in Indigenous Black communities

Violence Against Black Bodies - an Intersectional analysis of how Black lives continue to matter

Violence against queer People - Race, class, gender and the persistance of Anti-LGBT discrimination

The Right to Maim - Debility, Capacity, Disability Jasbir Puar

Palestine Speaks: Narratives of Life Under Occupation

Palestine - A socialist Introduction

Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire

Born Palestinian, Born Black - the Gaza Suite

BDS Boycott - Divestment, Sanctions, and the Global Struggle for Palestinian Rights

[lmtyl]

a story about teenage boys and hot peppers

I got reminded of something that happened waaaay back in 9th grade, so here's the story.

Had a classmate whose family was from India and Singapore (this is relevant), but he'd spent almost all his life in the US. We weren't friends per se, but we were both in the fairly small robotics class which tended to bring out the Mad Scientist tendencies in students (myself included), so I'd say I knew him a little better than most of our classmates.

Anyway, dude shows up to normal class with a plastic bag full of little peppers in a variety of bright colors. He sees me looking and offers one, which I firmly decline; I'm a wuss when it comes to spicy food and I can feel the mischeif vibes. He grins because he knows that I know what's up and that I won't stop him.

These peppers are all about the size of cherries, albeit more conical, and are bright red and purple and orange. He starts exaggeratedly munching on them in the middle of class.

The teacher, as predicted, assumes it's candy and calls him out, asking if he brought enough to share.

"Sure," he smirks and holds open the bag. All the girls in class know better than to accept food from teenage boys in general, but a lot of the guys in class jump at the chance for free candy. They all grab and eat a pepper in quick succession, pause for dramatic effect, and then they're all making a run for the classroom door and shoving each other frantically.

Our teacher is, understandibly, upset.

"What have you got there?" she asks, two minutes later than she should've.

"Just some peppers my mom grew."

"And how spicy are they?" this white woman asks.

"Hardly spicy at all," the Indian guy replies.

If I remember right, that was when the vice principal marched the dozen or so boys back into the classroom, faces red and shirts wet from trying to all drink from a few sinks and water fountains at the same time, demanding to know what was going on.

Indian guy waves and offers him a pepper. VP instantly clocks the situation and sighs.

[ramayantika]

Desi Middle Class ✨Aesthetic✨

Kiraya ka ghar, chai ki tapri, buying new clothes twice or at max thrice a year during festive occasions, steel ka dabba, bigger uniform size to make sure you keep fitting into it for at least two years, feeling proud to own a Trimax pen, dada dadi or nana nani's tel malish, visiting temple towns for vacations, train journeys with lots of chips packed to munch on and mummy ke parathe or puri bhaji, having to wait patiently for your turn to use the bathroom unless and until you have two bathrooms and both of them are equally functional, never been on a flight or have been only once by luck, noticing that your dad rarely buys new shirts for himself, lingering looks on that beautiful but expensive dress, your mother touches that one lovely saree for the last time and you promise to yourself that when you start earning, you will gift her every saree she will land her gaze upon, covering rough notebooks with newspapers, start studying maths for the new school year during summer vacation, sharing a room and sometimes the same study table with your siblings, beaming at your bade bhaiya or didi when they show you how to make a paper boat/paper airplane, you are growing up and for the first time you see your older sibling break down in their room all by themselves and realization dawns that even they need a comforting hug, Tu kab badi huyi?, Wanting to gift a good car to your father with your own salary, the entire family dreams to own their own house someday, the first time you realize what a middle class family really is, fights and quarrels that always end with silent apologies over the dining table, beta doctor ya engineer? Kya matlab arts lena hai? Humare family se just pass hone vale bhi science liye? You wipe your own tears and strengthen your resolve to fight for your own dreams, parents are proud that you proved them wrong with your career and subject choice, sadly dropping out of dance, music, arts and sports classes as soon as you begin 10th grade -- lucky ones still continue them, watching Indian tv serials with mummy during afternoons after coming back from school, thoda toh pocket money badha do?? Storing money everywhere in the house, counting coins as a child and thinking yourself to be very rich, chota ghar magar sapne bade yeh hai middle class parivar ki kahani

I was watching Wagle ki duniya and later mummy and I were talking about our lifestyle after which she played a Sudha Murthy video where she was talking about the middle class lifestyle, and then I made this post by reflecting on some of my own experiences. I know that the above post doesn't still complete the middle class life there are so many things remaining but I tried my best to summarise from my own observation and experiences.

I have lived a small part of my life with the more economically advantaged groups too (samridhi just say rich) and I am seeing and have also seen the other side too that isn't as gleaming as I used to think but nevertheless it's colourful, so I wanted to write something on it as a lesson I learnt in these 3 years and for the lesson which will live with me for my future endeavours. Probably this post will also be a sahara sort of thing when I again spiral down some crying lane over my exams.

I have so many stories from my 11th 12th and drop year timeline that I will soon share because as I always believe in the end being good no matter what, be it whatever college I get in or whatever I do, this experience taught me things that no school classroom could do. I may sound like a dadi now but yes maybe in the upcoming time if some of you younger lot do stumble on this in times that seem dark and full of certainty, I hope those stories will bring hope in your hearts

Bas bhai yeh dadimaa kirdar ab kuch samay paschat

[darlingtontoday]

✨New✨ Arhi FF: Iss Darr Ko Kya Naam Doon

Summary:

Khushi is an internet famous 27 year old fashion designer from Lucknow. She has a chirpy and childish demeanor yet could not be more mature, brave and compassionate. She is the apple of her father's eye, loves Salman ji, cricket, keeping track of star signs and making jalebis is toh her therapy! She is desperate to expand her business outside the social media and start her own label in fashion. Willing to work hard, armed with her ever sharp wit and an optimistic twinkle in her eye, she is on a serious look out for a big-break opportunity to establish herself in the tough world of fashion business. And this could not happen in the most bizarre manner as she literally falls into it. Who knew ending up at the wrong place, at the wrong time would IN FACT turn out to be the opposite - right place, right time and right....person?

The fashion industry however is dominated by the King of Indian Fashion: Arnav Singh Raizada, popularly known for his bridal and ethnic wear. All of the who's and who of the fashion world in India looks up to the Raizada for its exquisite traditional indian wear. Everyone wants a "Raizada" wedding lehenga for their wedding or anything with the "Raizada" label on it. And now, as the brand gears up to expand globally, Arnav Singh Raizada aka ASR is now on a spree for assembling a team to get this transition right and is looking for someone that would make this re-positioning as a global venture a resounding success. But "life" does not stop happening because you have an obviously important international expansion to make, does it? 

On his trip for a pivotal fashion show (among other things) to Lucknow, a woman practically hijacks his runway and unironically stumbles right into his arms! The design she is wearing comes to be the most celebrated look of the show. It is not a Raizada design but no one has figured it out. This irks him to no end for reasons he isn't able fully understand even though the event is a huge success. Arnav has a legacy of being the best in his business. And being the control freak that he his, he has to ensure that this Lucknowi designer does not get snatched up by his competitors who are always clawing at his throat to get ahead of him. He is known as the King of Indian Fashion for a reason after all!

Read on to find out what happens when Arnav drags Khushi to Delhi to work for him and these two crazies struggle to overcome some critical personal and creative differences while working together. Will this choice be the worst decision of their lives? Will it be the beginning of their doom or the start of something new?

Author’s Note:

Iss Darr Ko Kya Naam Doon is a combination of "fix-it" and "canon-based" fanfiction of an Indian TV show from 2011 called Iss Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon which is about lead protagonists Khushi played by Sanaya Irani and Arnav played by Barun Sobti.

It is an old-fashioned romance style in a progressive setting. The story takes place in 2023 of Lucknow and Delhi. The language used here is a mixture of English and Roman English. The essence of all the charachters remains same except for a few changes made to make them more progressive and relatable. Khushi and Payal are educated and modern individuals who were brought up in a traditional middle-class environment. Nani belongs to an old Rajasthani royalty that no longer exists and Arnav has immediate paternal roots in an old Nawaabi family from Lucknow. Arnav and Khushi's encounters will be less toxic and more filled with fun near hostilic yet healthy romantic tension as compared to the show and Shyam's charachter will not be a villian. Basically my vision is to retain all the essential canon events from the show and adding more compelling and favourable twists & turns to the story. Sort of like a remake but make it way less toxic, way more wholesome, way more sexy/romantic, more progressive and a more nuanced charachter growth. Bit of a 2.0 version of the original show, in some ways.

Anyone who hasn't watched the show won't have any problem following the plot/significance of the canon events and will be bound to fall in love with the crazy enemies to lovers chemistry that us fans of the show know and LOVE about Arnav and Khushi's romance. Hope yall have as good a time reading it as I know I will have writing it. Enjoy:)

Genre:

Drama | Romance | Comedy | Wholesome | Family Drama | Friendship | Social Issues

Tropes:

Enemies to lovers | Slow burn | Canon-based | He falls first | Office romance | Forced proximity | Grumpy MMC and sunshine FMC | Meaningful romantic encounters |  Fix-it canon events | Fake Marriage/Marriage of Convenience (TBD)

Trigger Warning: (Light-Medium Level)

Childhood Trauma | Suicide | Depression

The Vibe is:

Immersive | Dramatic | Wholesome | Romantic Tension | Office Drama/Romance

Disclaimer: This is a fan fiction, meaning that all events and occurrences in this book are all fictional and all are part of my imagination. Any resemblance to actual life events and people, living or dead, are all purely coincidence.

I do not own the charachters Khushi Kumari Gupta, Arnav Singh Raizada or any of the related characters. The Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon series was produced by Gul Khan and is owned by 4 Lions Production. This fanfiction is intended for entertainment only. I am not making any profit from this story. All rights of the original story belongs to 4 Lions.

The story however is mine. All Rights Reserved. Please do not steal my work or copy it. If you use any of my content for your own work, please credit me. I did not work hard on coming up with a storyline and taking my time to write my thoughts out in order for someone else to take credit for it. Please be respectful of me and my work. Thank you very much.

Follow on Instagram for Chapter Upload Updates:

@issdarrkokyanaamdoon

[abookisafriend]

the interpreter of maladies, by jhumpa lahiri: three and three-quarters maladies

lahiri is an excellent author with smooth prose, characters who are rich and believable, and a clear vision of what she wants to communicate. her fiction (in this book, short stories) focuses on the experience of indian and u.s.-immigrant-indian characters during the latter half of the 20th century, including during the wars between India and Pakistan following partition. the reason for her low rating is that she has the banal disease of the majority of contemporary "literary fiction": the genre's authors are obsessed with stories of middle-class couples with marital struggles and in/fidelity, and they seem almost incapable of writing anything else! i am taking a potshot at writers like sue miller, a NYT bestseller and (like lahiri!) winner of a guggenheim fellowship; i tried reading one of her books and found it so typical as to become banal. lahiri has the excuse of writing a little earlier -- perhaps this norm wasn't gelled yet then -- but her work only really stands out because she adds the variables of immigration and indian heritage to the work.

i am not saying that her work is bad. i enjoyed reading the book and found its insights on life valuable. i just have to complain about my personal pet peeve that "literary fiction" is elevated above "genre fiction" when "literary" authors appear to have exactly one subject they write about.

[rockislandadultreads]

National Reading Group Month: Book Club Picks

Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

The Vance family story begins hopefully in postwar America. J. D.’s grandparents were “dirt poor and in love,” and moved north from Kentucky’s Appalachia region to Ohio in the hopes of escaping the dreadful poverty around them. They raised a middle-class family, and eventually one of their grandchildren would graduate from Yale Law School. But as this family saga plays out, we see J.D.'s family struggle profoundly with the demands of their new middle-class life, never fully escaping the legacy of abuse, alcoholism, poverty, and trauma so characteristic of their part of America. With piercing honesty, Vance shows how he carries the demons of his family's history.

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe. Then, one by one, they began to be killed off under mysterious circumstances. As the death toll surpassed more than twenty-four Osage, the newly created F.B.I. took up the case, in what became one of the organization’s first major homicide investigations. 

Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

Monday Charles is missing, and only Claudia seems to notice. Claudia and Monday have always been inseparable - more sisters than friends. So when Monday doesn’t turn up for the first day of school, Claudia’s worried. When she doesn’t show for the second day, or second week, Claudia knows something is wrong. As she digs deeper into her friend’s disappearance, Claudia discovers that no one seems to remember the last time they saw Monday. How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing?

The Baker's Secret by Stephen P. Kiernan

On June 5, 1944, in a small town on the Normandy coast of France, Emmanuelle is making the bread that has sustained her fellow villagers since the Germans invaded her country. Only twenty-two, she learned to bake at the side of the village baker, Ezra Kuchen, before he was forced to wear the six-pointed yellow star on his clothing and pulled from his shop at gunpoint. In the years that followed, Emma stealthily fought back by baking contraband bread for her village.