Quick viewing(Text Mode)

Small Errors | Big Impact Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Mission

Small Errors | Big Impact Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Mission

Small Errors | Big Impact Correcting Media Portrayals of mission. The Foundation’s work About HAF encompasses a range of issues, The Hindu American Foundation from the portrayal of Hinduism in (HAF) is an advocacy organization for K-12 textbooks to civil and human the Hindu American community. Its rights to addressing contemporary mission is to promote dignity, mutual problems, such as environmental respect, and pluralism in order to protection and inter-religious conflict ensure the wellbeing of and applying . for all people and the planet to thrive. The Hindu American Foundation HAF focuses on the areas of is not affiliated with any , policy, and community or political organizations or to improve the understanding of entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Hinduism, advocate on issues Americans across all impacting Hindus, and build bridges (Hindu religious traditions) regardless The popularity of in the with institutions and individuals of race, color, national origin, West has skyrocketed in the whose work aligns with HAF’s citizenship, , gender, sexual Misrepresentation: orientation, age, and/or disability. Avoiding the Term past two decades, today forming a $16-billion industry, with 36 ‘Hindu’ million participants in the United `` “There are examples of this States alone. But as yoga has become mainstream in American in all devotional traditions— culture, all too often, its Hindu mystical Christianity, Judaism roots have been ignored or by the dichotomy between Hindu and Sufism, and especially in Frequent delinked. From yoga magazines understandings of their traditions the tradition of …” Errors in Media and how they are described in to articles on yoga in mainstream mainstream media. Too often `` “…classic yogic texts such as media, avoiding or eliminating Coverage of media coverage of Hinduism relies ’s Yoga and the the term ‘Hindu’, even when Hinduism on stereotypical fallacies and the …” referring to definitively Hindu analyses of non-Hindu “experts,” beliefs, practices, and scripture, Hindu Americans comprise one of who sometimes are not committed `` “Many people name , is common practice. the fastest growing populations to understanding the tradition as the yogic precept of non- Replacing ‘Hindu’ or ‘Hinduism’ in the United States. The Hindu it is lived and understood by its harming as an influence on are terms such as Eastern, ancient American population currently adherents. their dietary choice.” Indian, Indic, yogic, or Vedic. numbers around 2.5 million. This While not entirely inaccurate, does not include the estimated The following examples are just `` “Contemporary yogic and articles in these same media 32 million people who derive a small sample of the common Buddhist teachers offer a outlets frequently refer to or inspiration from Hindu omissions, oversights, and errors quiverful of strategies for attribute directly other beliefs, and engage in Hindu practices in media coverage and public interrupting the tendency practices, and sacred texts to the such as yoga and meditation. discussions of Hinduism. Each to identity with thoughts appropriate, major world religion, typical error, derived from actual and emotions.” With growing numbers comes an references in print and broadcast including , Christianity increased need for understanding media, is followed by broader Excerpts from three different and Judaism. For example, a of Hindus and their traditions. But context and detailed explanation articles Yoga Journal, June 2008 specific style of meditation may this need has heretofore been left in a collaborative effort to correct be referred to as ‘Buddhist,’ but unmet or, worse yet, undermined these inaccuracies. b | Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism | 1 decidedly Hindu scripture, such as the monotheistic religion he The , Hinduism’s seminal associated with one of the four the or the Bhagavad founded was more democratic scripture, make reference to based on the societal function Gita, or Hindu practices such as than Hinduism, rejecting caste different classes of people or their particular occupation fulfilled. bhakti (the path of loving devotion and embracing worshipers of varnas. In subsequent In ancient times, entire jāti were of God) and (singing of both genders and all races.” varna are described as a way of also known to shift between varna. devotional poems), are not understanding the diversity of Many studies have detailed this attributed to Hinduism. Taking On Rules to Ease ’ classes and human temperaments historic fluidity of caste boundaries. Path to the Army, New York Times, Hindu teachings and traditions found in any society, and how Over time, however, jāti-varna July 8, 2013 continue to be widely misunderstood each should contribute to the associations became rigidified. because of inaccurate or greater good. An individual’s varna Caste discrimination, even if stereotyped, caricatured “caste, Both caste-based discrimination is determined not by heredity, but carried out under the false color of cows, and ” portrayals. and gender inequity are social through their aptitude and actions. religious sanction, is against Hindu realities throughout South Asia and Misunderstanding often leads to The four varna are: teachings of respect for everyone, bias, bullying, and discrimination. across communities of all religious regardless of caste, gender, or backgrounds. The story’s implication ❂❂ (priests and teachers): Yoga as well as other Hindu spiritual Those who seek knowledge other material identities. practices, that benefit people of all that the Hindu religion is uniquely backgrounds, should be attributed and intrinsically discriminatory is ❂❂ (kings and warriors): as Hindu in the interest of accuracy, misplaced and erroneous. Those who seek power dispelling stereotypes, and improving The word ‘caste’ is derived from ❂❂ (merchants and Misrepresentation: religious literacy. the Portuguese casta, for lineage, landowners): Those who seek to Portraying Debates breed, or race. There is no exact own land or engage in commerce equivalent term for ‘caste’ in Indian About Diets as Unique ❂❂ (artisans and laborers): languages or society, but what Those who serve or grow to Hinduism Misrepresentation: does exist is the dual concept of `` “Gandhi famously denied varna and jāti. The term ‘caste,’ Jāti refers to the occupation-based, Conflating Caste- himself food. And by starving in modern India, is primarily endogamous social units with himself to protest British Based Discrimination understood to mean jāti rather than which people actually identified, With Hindu Teachings varna, and is a feature across all and would be comparable to rule, he ultimately made religious communities. There are medieval European trade guilds. India stronger. But India’s `` “The first Sikh was born a four varna and thousands of jāti. Those who worked different leaders today are using food Hindu in the 15th century, but occupations became their as a weapon, and they are own communities. Over time, sacrificing not themselves, thousands of jāti formed in India, but others. Their decisions each with their own religious threaten to make India’s and social practices, including children — already among the numerous conventions governing most undernourished in the their interactions and perceived world — weaker still. hierarchies. The rules within each jāti were not tied to scriptures, In India you are what you as they were by passed down eat, and devotion to strict traditions and norms, and slowly vegetarianism is a trait became associated with birthright. common to many upper-caste Different Jāti became loosely

2 | Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism | 3 Hindus. Some wield their diet the desires of strict vegetarians that they eat. Parents everywhere, like a badge of their status. as something unique to India and regardless of religion, naturally Misrepresentation: Others demand that people to Hindus, as well as something place such dietary restrictions on Hindus are Polytheistic around them — like children uniquely associated with caste. their own children without comment. `` “Hindus, for example, generally and household staff members In fact, the distribution of As for strict vegetarian Hindus reject the idea of a vindictive — eat as they do to maintain vegetarians in India cannot strictly refusing to eat in restaurants that god bringing destruction to the the purity of their kitchens. be discussed in terms of caste. also serve non-vegetarian food, world, said Ariel Glucklich, an They will not visit restaurants Regional and generational aspects similar self-imposed restrictions associate professor of theology that also serve nonvegetarian play at least as much of a factor in can be found amongst adherents at Georgetown University and a food for fear of being polluted.” determining whether any individual of other faiths, such as Muslims and Jews who only eat at Halal or specialist in Hinduism. Hindu is vegetarian as does their jāti New York Times, June 28, 2015 and other major gods who (occupation-based, endogamous Kosher establishments, or even strict vegetarians or vegans around participate in human history are In this article the author discusses community) and concerns about the world, regardless of their faith “always unfailingly on the side of a number of hot-button diet and animal welfare, environmental tradition or none. good,” he said.” animal welfare issues in India: considerations, and personal health. proposed bans on beef (initiated Also, wearing one’s “diet like a Healthy debate about the merits of Washington Post, January 8, 2005) by both Jains and Hindus) and badge of…status” is not exclusive forcing dietary choices on different concerns over serving eggs in to Hindu vegetarians. Non- communities, or on the wisdom There are three common errors in this report. First, the implication of schools (which to Indian vegetarians, vegetarians can often be observed of banning certain foods, is one a community of many equal “major regardless of religion, are not boasting about not being able to thing, but portraying this debate as gods” is inaccurate because it considered ‘vegetarian’). “live without a good steak,” or fitness something unique to Hindu society and caste is lazy journalism, as leaves readers with the common Though the author raises important experts swearing by a particular well as ignorant of the growing misunderstanding of the Hindu points about malnutrition and freely diet like Low Carb High Fat, High vegetarian and vegan movement tradition being polytheistic. The making dietary choices, as well Protein, or Raw Food Diet. The around the globe. fact is that the Hindu understanding as the merits of outright bans on same can be said about parents of God cannot be pigeon-holed certain foods, she mischaracterizes giving their children the same food Finally, if one looks to other into the Western binary of societies or subsections of “monotheistic” and “polytheistic.” societies, non-vegetarian dietary It is simultaneously neither and choices and traditions are just both. Hindu teachings describe one as hotly debated and loaded Supreme Divinity or Absolute that is with emotion. Every culture and the formless underlying reality, which religious tradition engages in this can manifest and be worshiped sort of discussion in one form or through infinite forms. This concept another. Singling out recent events is best described as monism. The in India for scrutiny is unfair. The many traditions, lore, regional beliefs, issue is about forcing dietary and languages have contributed to choices on others, regardless of an unprecedented variety of forms the communities involved. of the Absolute that are worshiped as manifestations or God(s). Second, editors should ensure that capitalization is consistent across

4 | Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism | 5 religious traditions, so that if a “penis-shaped lump of ice,” is Veda (6.28.1, 6) recorded, “The “God” is capitalized in the context penis-shaped lump of ice at sensationalist, disrespectful, and cows have come and have brought of Judeo-Christian stories, it Amarnath, a cave temple.” highly offensive; and instead of us good fortune. In our stalls, should also be for those covering educating readers on the sacred contented may they stay! May they Kashmir’s future: Fleeting Chance, Hinduism. Lastly, the Gods are symbol’s religious significance, the bring forth calves for us, many- The Economist, July 21, 2011 rarely referred to by their first reporter grossly misrepresents it by colored, giving for each names; Hindus would preface resorting to a puerile sexual reference. day. You make, O cows, the thin The naturally forming Amarnath “Krishna” with the word, “Lord” or man sleek; to the unlovely you bring is a sacred shrine “God” purely out of respect. beauty. Rejoice our homestead with worshiped by millions of Hindus pleasant lowing. In our assemblies around the globe. Lord Shiva is Misconception: we laud your vigor.” the creative energy sustaining the Hindus Cows Misconception: universe. The Lingam—a vertical The cow thus represents Hindu rounded column, represents the `` “Some trace cow worship values of selfless service, strength, The Shiva Lingam is an dignity, and ahimsa (non-harming). infinite, indescribable nature of God. back to Lord Krishna, who is Though not all Hindus are vegetarian, Erotic Symbol It is the simplest and most ancient said to have first appeared as for this reason many traditionally symbol of Lord Shiva and is said to a cowherd and protector of `` “These are unexpectedly abstain from eating beef. happy days in conflict-torn represent God beyond all forms and . Several other gods also Kashmir. Tourists flock from qualities. According to Hindu seers, lived for a time as cows, and India’s sweaty plains to gasp the Lingam is a visible symbol of the the animals remain a powerful the mountain air. Srinagar’s Ultimate Reality which is present in symbol of the religion.” Misconception: all objects of creation. It is believed hotels, houseboats and cafés by many that at the end of the The Associated Press, May 14, 2005 Hinduism’s Scriptures are crammed. Jet skis roar various aspects of creation, all of over the once-tranquil Dal Promote Violence the different aspects of the Divine Although Hindus respect and honor lake. Hordes of Hindu pilgrims `` “The Bhagavad Gita is not find a resting place in the Lingam. the cow, they do not worship the trek, unmolested, to a sacred cow in the same sense in which as nice a book as some The reporter’s description of the they worship the Divine. Hindus Americans think. Throughout naturally forming ice stalagmite as considers all living things to be the … Krishna sacred, an attitude reflected in goads human beings into all reverence for the cow. sorts of murderous and self- In Hinduism, the cow is seen as a destructive behaviors such as generous, ever-giving source, which war…The Gita is a dishonest takes nothing but that which is book; it justifies war.” necessary for its own sustenance. Professor Wendy Doniger, quoted Hindus treat the cow with the same in The Philadelphia Inquirer, respect accorded to the mother, November 19, 2000 as the cow is a vital sustainer of life, providing milk and a means of While battle is discussed in the plowing the earth to grow crops. Bhagavad Gita, it is not the primary The cow received such status as a message of the text nor is that a result of the historical need of early main point that the overwhelming agrarian Hindu civilization. The Rig

6 | Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism | 7 majority of Hindus derive from people across time. The fact is, equivalent to the English word responsible for, and in control of, it. The Bhagavad Gita relays that however, that in several millennia of ‘idol,’ as that word is usually used their own thoughts and actions. upholding , or one’s duty, recorded history, it has never been as a false god or graven image in Karma is the universal principle can be challenging, especially in interpreted literally by Hindu rulers an Abrahamic context. of action and reaction on physical, situations where there is not a clear as justification to attack a land in the Rather than worshiping a mental, and spiritual levels. The right or wrong. In modern times, name of religion or with the goal of as God, Hindus use these divine fruits of our thoughts and actions, many people, including non-Hindus, conversion. images as focal points designed to good or bad, will return to us have read the Gita and drawn be aids in and meditation. either in this life or in a future life. inspiration and guidance from it. Hindus do not consider God to Since each action has a reaction, the cycle of karma is endless. To The Bhagavad Gita captures a Misconception: be limited to the murti, rather it conversation between Lord Krishna, is a sacred symbol that offers avoid being trapped in this cycle, believed to be an (incarnation) Hindus Worship Idols a medium for worship. Indeed, Hindu scripture advises one to act selflessly, uphold dharma, and of God, and the warrior prince, Arjuna, `` “A houses idols Hindus perceive the Divine as in the middle of a battlefield. Arjuna being infinite and with the ability be of service to society, while of goddesses and gods, which is despondent as he faces the fact of being worshiped in infinite ways. remaining affectionately detached are typically carved in stone or that in order for him to uphold justice, The multiple Gods and Goddesses from the fruits of their actions. marble from India.” he must wage war against his family are seen as a manifestations of When a person can act without thought of reward, they are freed members, friends, and teachers. Lord Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, that infinite Divine. from the cycle of karma. Krishna relays to the prince why he September 5, 2000 must pick up arms in this situation, and fight against injustice. The use of the word ‘idol’ to refer Misconception: The Bhagavad Gita is a primary to the representations Hindus use Misconception: in worshiping God is inaccurate. Karma Means Fate, scripture for Hindus. Although it is Treatment of Women technically classified as a text, The correct term in is Luck, or Destiny it is traditionally accorded the rank of murti and refers to a powerful in Hinduism is an Upanishad, which are understood visual tool for contemplating `` “At Mr. K’s Party Shoppe in Uniquely Bad to be realized (shruti) texts of eternal the nature of God. In English, Utica, producer of one of the truths. The teachings of the Gita the closest word would be winning tickets, many of the `` “There is a total and complete have been interpreted differently ‘embodiment’ or ‘deity.’ In fact, unlucky were back at the disrespect for women in by various lineages, thinkers, and there is no Sanskrit word exactly counter today, hoping to ride Indian religious scriptures. The good karma to victory in next Mahabharata, Book 13 Section week’s drawing. ‘I guess they 40 (13.40), states, “There is think we’re the good luck store,’ no creature more sinful, than said Melvin Kassab, son of the woman. She is poison, she is convenience store’s owner” snake.” Other texts say that “Women are living lies” Washington Post, May 11, 2000 The Daily Beast, March 24, 2016 Karma is frequently misinterpreted to mean luck, fate, or destiny— It is true that one may find something over which one has passages that portray women no control. However, the Vedas negatively in Hindu texts, just as explain that every person is in the scripture of every other

8 | Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism | 9 religious tradition. However, features many women who are Dowry is the practice of payment marrying or remaining a widow. insinuating that the denigration deeply revered. Savitri and Amba, to the bridegroom’s family by The historical record shows it being of women is a focus of Hindu for example, are featured in the the bride’s family along with the practiced by Hindus, and later by teachings and that select passages epic performing rituals while giving away of the bride during Sikhs as well. There is also evidence are part of the tradition’s key reciting from the Vedas -- an the ceremony. The that it was practiced by people teachings is egregiously blindered activity that is both respectable practice originated as a means of living on the Central Asian steppe, in regards to the central, deeper and respected because of the helping with marriage expenses in southeastern Europe, in Tonga, message of Hindu thought — that level of knowledge and austerities and became a form of insurance Fiji, Indonesia, and elsewhere. all of existence is Divine regardless it requires. Then there are stories against mistreatment by a bride’s Throughout human history, in of its outer characteristics. It also about female characters such as in-laws. Dowry was outlawed in cultures on every continent, it is ignores entirely the reality that Sulabha, a woman ascetic, who 1961, but remains a social evil that possible to find examples of family Hindu women are respected as has a robust philosophical debate is practiced across several religious members, of retainers and slaves, pillars of religious life, as well as the with a male king, or Chitraangada, traditions throughout South Asia. of aristocracy or warriors being fact that Hinduism has always had the wife of one of the protagonist, Dowry is not a part of Hindu ritually killed as part of funerary a profound tradition of worshipping who is a woman warrior. . rites. By contemporary concepts of the Divine in feminine form and That there has been and remains human rights such practices are today is the single example among a disconnect between teachings `` “There is a complex history categorically abhorrent. But by the world’s largest traditions where of equality and respect for women of fire and women in India. In historical norms the practice of the Divine Feminine is revered. and Goddess worship, and , the goddess is clearly not unique. Moreover, selective lifting of examples of patriarchal treatment Sati set herself alight in a Sati was outlawed in British India passages shortchanges the average of women in Hindu society is family dispute centering on in 1861 and in Nepal in 1920. reader of the necessary context indeed unfortunate. However, to preserving her husband’s Further laws criminalizing the that the full storyline and countless claim that the norms of Hindu honor. That story is tied to practice were passed in India in subplots of the Mahabharata, a text society are any more patriarchal a centuries-old historical 1988, following a highly-publicized of nearly 100,000 verses, provides. or oppressive in its treatment of practice, also known as sati, in incident the previous year. From Bhishma, the character to whom women as a whole than those of which widows would immolate Indian independence in 1947 to the quote is attributed, is a celibate any other culture, in comparable themselves—or be forcefully that point there were some 30 as a result of a vow he had to historical time periods, or today, immolated—on their husbands’ cases of sati in the entire nation, in take when his father made certain simply isn’t true. funeral pyres.” a nation of hundreds of millions of promises in order to marry the people. In the past three decades, woman he had fallen in love with. `` “Pooja’s case was the latest The Wall Street Journal, July 22, 2015 while occasional incidents of sati And according to some tellings, in a series of well-publicized or attempted sati have occurred, Bhishma also had a boon in which incidents in which brides have Sati (sometimes spelled Suttee the total number can be counted he was blessed to essentially be balked at dowry demands, in historical documents) was an on one’s fingers — and this, again, invincible, but would die at the uncommon practice in the Indian in a nation of more than one hands of a woman. These are only suggesting that some young women are losing patience with subcontinent dating back to ancient billion people. Such incidents are two episodes that could provide India. The practice, which had no the age-old Hindu tradition” unquestionably horrendous, but to the reader broader insight as to the basis in the Vedas or Upanishads, present them as something condoned possible intent of the character as The Washington Post, was voluntary self-immolation by contemporary Hindu society, well as historical context. March 27, 2005 by widows, primarily among or occurring with any significant More importantly, the Mahabharata aristocracy, who wished to follow frequency, is entirely erroneous. their dead husbands instead of re-

10 | Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism | 11 Available Reference and Educational Materials Annual In additional to what has been noted in this booklet, HAF has developed a Human Rights comprehensive list of resources for education and reference purposes. Our goal is to provide a base level knowledge of Hinduism, answer common Report question that may come up, highlight the injustices against Hindus around HAF’s annual human rights reports the world, and cement the role women play in Hinduism. covers conditions in nations and regions across the world in where Hindus form a significant minority population. The report provides an More Short overview of legal and institutional discrimination, attacks on places Answers to Real of worship, and religious freedom Questions About violations in these places. https://www.HAFsite.org/ Hinduism resources/human-rights-report

more short answers to The Hindu American population numbers roughly 3 million and Real Questions is growing quickly. With growing ABOUT HINDUISM numbers comes the need for the Initiative accurate portrayal of its beliefs and The Shakti Initiative showcases practices. In this booklet HAF gives Hindu teachings about and by short answers to common questions women, the contributions of Hindu about Hinduism. women throughout history, and the HINDU AMERICAN FOUNDATIONHAF https://www.HAFsite.org/ PROMOTING HUMAN DIGNITY, MUTUAL RESPECT, AND PLURALISM role both women and men play in hinduism-essentials/qa-booklet bringing to fruition solutions that are grounded in Hindu teachings to address critical contemporary issues. https://ShaktiInitiative.com Hinduism 101 Hinduism 101 is an interactive resource for learning about Hinduism at your own pace. We’ve partnered with educators, educational Additional Information organizations, and academics to create HAF remains available to actively assist in obtaining information pertaining these educational modules so that to Hinduism, offering Hindu perspectives on contemporary issues and everyone can learn about Hinduism in providing access to a vast network of well-respected Hindu spiritual leaders an accurate and engaging way. and academics. https://www.HAFsite.org/ For more information, please visit our website at www.HAFsite.org. resources/hinduism101

12 | Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism Small Errors/Big Impact: Correcting Media Portrayals of Hinduism | 13 Hindu American Foundation 910 17th St NW, Suite 316A Washington DC 20006

(202) 223 8222 [email protected] Social Media: @HinduAmerican

www.HAFsite.org

Top View