28th
Indian Politics
I had a very interesting political discussion today with our director of development who happens to be from India.
I had a copy of today’s WSJ on my desk and I asked him if he followed much of the US political race; he answered not really, and added that it was a little confusing for him.
I answered, don’t worry, it’s confusing for all Americans too…. :)
We always have great discussions that lead to Indian cultures and traditions, which I typically drive towards because I am always trying to understand it more. This one lead right into the political structure that exists there.
If you are from India and happen to be reading this; please take no offense, but please try to understand that as an American it’s just as difficult for me to fully grasp your culture as it is for you to grasp mine.
What I learned today that political leaders are often movie stars! WHAT?
No lie, movie stars often turn into political leaders because they are idolized and thought to be able to make a reality of who or what they portray in movies. Indian movies are always happy/fantasy stuff, never “real” or based on reality (usually sad drama). So there evidently is always this super human fantasy situation that the people of India love and rally behind.
These movie stars have no political backgrounds at all, but because they are able to succeed and lead society in a movie, the people believe that they can do it in reality.
Very odd to me, but a reality. I guess the closest thing that has happened like that is the “Arnold” situation in California.
So here is a very real story of an Indian movie star turned politician that my friend at work showed me today.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/27/stories/2008082757380100.htm
By the way, it took 120 acres to hold all the people for the rally he had.
Impressive!