DOCSLIB.ORG

Policyseries

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Policyseries POLICY SERIES FCPP POLICY SERIES NO. 121 • DECEMBER 2011 P OLICYS ERIES FRONTIER CENTRE FOR PUBLIC POLICY • POLICY SERIES NO. 121 • DECEMBER 2011 Suicide Among Young Women of South Asian Origin By Aruna Papp 1 © 2011 SUICIDE AMONG YOUNG WOMEN OF SOUTH ASIAN ORIGIN FRONTIERFOR CENTRE PUBLIC POLICY SUICIDE AMONG YOUNG WOMEN OF SOUTH ASIAN ORIGIN POLICY SERIES About the author Aruna Papp Aruna is a survivor of Honour Based Violence and forced marriage. She arrived in Canada with a grade three education and lived in an abusive marriage for 18 years. For the past 30 years she was worked as a Counsellor/Therapist and at present she is with Family Services of York Region, Ontario. As a consultant she conducts workshops on cultural competency for Police Officers and frontline practitioners in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Aruna has founded three agencies that assist families dealing with domestic violence. She has written extensively on issues facing new immigrants and is a columnist for two magazines, The Newcomer and Desi. Aruna has volunteered on numerous boards and committees including the Board of Governors of Centennial College and Centenary Hospital. Her forthcoming book Unworthy Creature: A Daughter’s Memoir of Honour, Shame, and Love is being published by McClelland & Stewart (Spring 2012). Aruna is the recipient of eleven prestigious awards including the “Women of Distinction Award,” “The Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada,” and “Life Time Achievement Award” from the South Asian Community. Aruna Papp is author of Culturally-Driven Violence Against Women, published by the Frontier Centre. FRONTIER CENTRE www.fcpp.org FOR PUBLIC POLICY Email: [email protected] MB: 203-2727 Portage Avenue, SK: 2353 McIntyre Street, AB: Ste. 1280–300, 5th Avenue SW Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3J 0R2 Regina, Saskatchewan Canada S4P 2S3 Calgary, Alberta Canada T2P 3C4 Tel: 204-957-1567 Tel: 306-352-2915 Tel: 403-995-9916 The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent, non-profit organization that undertakes research and education in support of economic growth and social outcomes that will enhance the quality of life in our communities. Through a variety of publications and public forums, the Centre explores policy innovations required to make the prairies region a winner in the open economy. It also provides new insights into solving important issues facing our cities, towns and provinces. These include improving the performance of public expenditures in important areas like local government, education, health and social policy. The author of this study has worked independently and the opinions expressed are therefore their own, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the board of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. Copyright © MMXI by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. Date of First Issue: December 2011. Reproduced here with permission of the author. Any errors or omissions and the accuracy and completeness of this paper remain the responsibility of the author. ISSN 1491-78 2 © 2011 FCPP POLICY SERIES NO. 121 • DECEMBER 2011 FRONTIERFOR CENTRE PUBLIC POLICY POLICY SERIES FCPP POLICYI deasSERIES for NO. a 121better • DECEMBER tomorrow 2011 FCPP Policy Series No. 121 • December 2011 Suicide Among Young Women of South Asian Origin By Aruna Papp Table of Contents Title Page Introduction 4 Who are South Asians? 6 Suicide among South Asian females 7 The social implications 9 Shame and stigma 12 Strategies for change 13 Policy recommendations 14 Conclusion 15 Note to reader: Some words in this document may appear in blue and are underlined. Clicking on these words will direct the reader to relevant sites or documents using your associated web-browser. 3 © 2011 SUICIDE AMONG YOUNG WOMEN OF SOUTH ASIAN ORIGIN FRONTIERFOR CENTRE PUBLIC POLICY SUICIDE AMONG YOUNG WOMEN OF SOUTH ASIAN ORIGIN POLICY SERIES Introduction Suicide rates in Canada are In Canada, suicide is the second-highest cause of death for youth aged 10 to 24. higher than are those in the In a survey of 15,000 Grades 7 to 12 students in British Columbia: United States, Australia, the 34 per cent knew of someone who had United Kingdom... attempted suicide or died by suicide; 16 per cent had seriously considered “Recently, I attended a memorial service for suicide; a 21-year-old South Asian woman who had 14 per cent had made a suicide plan; committed suicide. A note addressed to her parents said, “I am unable to please you and 7 per cent had made an attempt; and, be the kind of daughter you want me to be.” 2 per cent had required medical 3 I left the memorial service” determined to attention due to an attempt. examine the hopelessness that drove this These B.C. figures are not in isolation. young person to kill herself. Since then, Of 82 countries reporting suicide statistics, I have discovered that young South Asian Canada ranks number 26, placing it in the women living in Western countries have the top third of countries with the highest highest rate of suicides, attempted suicides, suicide rate for all age groups.4 Suicide and other acts of self-harm compared with rates in Canada are higher than are South Asian men and white women.1 those in the United States, Australia, the Adolescence is a time of dramatic change. United Kingdom and many other Western 5 The journey from child to adult can be countries. Ontario Public Health report, complex and challenging. Young people often November 2009, stated that the economic feel tremendous pressure to succeed at cost to Ontario related to suicide and self school, at home and in the society of their harm was $842-million associated with 6 peers. Young South Asian immigrant 1,021 deaths and 7,052 hospitalizations. women growing up in Canada face unique In Ontario, the Coalition for Children and problems of social and educational adjust- Youth Mental Health (CCYMH), a network ment because of their immersion in cultural of 26 province-wide groups, was recently paradigms that differ—and often conflict created. Its goal is to bring a sense of with—the social values and individual urgency and action to the “sleeping giant” rights-based ideals that dominate Canada’s of mental health issues among the province’s educational and cultural landscape. children and youth. The coalition invited International expert on the impact of each of the political parties to create a plan culture on mental health, Dr. Kwame and to mount strategies to cope with the McKenzie stated that “women from the problems as they are credibly identified 7 South Asian’s diaspora are at high risk and quantified. of suicide—but are less likely to have the common warning signs—and so suicide prevention is more difficult.”2 4 © 2011 FCPP POLICY SERIES NO. 121 • DECEMBER 2011 FRONTIERFOR CENTRE PUBLIC POLICY POLICY SERIES FCPP POLICY SERIES NO. 121 • DECEMBER 2011 The CCYMH uncovered some troubling The purpose of figures for the status of the mental health of Ontario children. Ten per cent of Ontario this paper youth have admitted to having tried to kill themselves, and one in five children suffers The objective of this paper is threefold: from mental illness. However, 80 per cent illuminate the strong correlation between of those afflicted do not receive treatment. cultural imperatives and elevated suicide Another troubling fact arises from a study statistics among young South Asian women conducted by the Ontario school boards in Canada; shed light on persisting practices in 2009. “[Ninety-six] per cent of [mental within South Asian culture that are quite health professionals] reported that they retrograde and even barbaric in nature; were ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ concerned about and establish a benchmark for direction mental health issues, especially anxiety, to further research, program, and policy mood problems, low self-esteem and development that will fully enfranchise thoughts of suicide.”8 young South Asian women as Canadians. While a large number of those who attempt suicide do have mental illness, mental illness alone does not cause suicide. Other factors contribute to suicide: substance abuse, biological and neurobiological factors, socio-economic status and life events. Family background, environmental and cultural influences also have an impact on an individual’s decision to end his or her life. Young South Asian women living in Canada have been identified as a demographic group marked by increased conflict with their parents due to cultural disagreements.9 Although increased conflict during adoles- cence is a relevant concern across Canada, issues affecting young South Asian women in particular need to be explored, as there is limited research regarding problems among them.10 Girls in this demographic group face many more difficulties in their adaptation process than do boys because of the patriarchal nature of South Asian families. They often experience the full pressure in the conflict of values between home and school in the domain of personal autonomy, relationships with boys and the pursuit of their vocational aspirations. Some girls cannot cope with the psychological tension and have suffered from psychosomatic illnesses such as bulimia and anorexia, and they have attempted suicide.11 5 © 2011 SUICIDE AMONG YOUNG WOMEN OF SOUTH ASIAN ORIGIN FRONTIERFOR CENTRE PUBLIC POLICY SUICIDE AMONG YOUNG WOMEN OF SOUTH ASIAN ORIGIN POLICY SERIES Who are South Asians? Individuals of South Asian origin make up However, despite variation in geographic the second-largest non-European ethnic origins, religion and languages, South group in Canada. Thus, what plagues the Asians share values and attitudes toward South Asian community has significance for family, community and social networks. the larger Canadian population. In 2001, Among all of them, great emphasis is over one million people of South Asian placed on the preservation of ethnic origin lived in Canada, representing about customs, traditions and heritage language.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Dreaming of Diasporas: Urban Developments and Transnational Identities in Contemporary Kolkata
    TOPIA 17 |111 Pablo S. Bose Dreaming of Diasporas: Urban Developments and Transnational Identities in Contemporary Kolkata ABSTRACT This paper examines the contested nature of diasporas and their complex involvement in dynamics of international development by focusing on the recent construction of luxury condominiums on the fringes of the Indian metropolis of Kolkata. These new housing projects are built and marketed with a self-consciously global aesthetic in mind and are actively promoted to both overseas Indian communities and local elites as spaces in which one can take up an explicitly “international” identity. This paper argues that these discourses and developments regarding life-space and lifestyle are part of a broader project intended to help Kolkata regain its past glory as a “world city.” Furthermore, it is suggested that the deployment of the heavily mythologized figure of the global Indian is a crucial element for mobilizing key actors and constituting material transformations in the postcolonial city. RÉSUMÉ Ce texte examine la nature contestée des diasporas et leur implication complexe dans les dynamiques de développement international en se concentrant sur les récentes constructions de condominiums luxueux en bordure de la métropole indienne de Kolkata. Ces constructions nouvelles sont bâties et mises sur le marché en valorisant un esthétisme consciemment global. Elles sont activement promues, à la fois aux communautés Indiennes outre-mer et aux élites locales, comme étant des espaces dans lesquels un individu peut acquérir une identité « internationale » explicite. Ce texte argumente que ces discours et ces développements au sujet de l’espace de vie, et de style de vie, font partie d’un projet plus large visant à soutenir Kolkata pour regagner sa gloire passée comme « ville du monde » .
    [Show full text]
  • Fostering Healthy Sight in Canada: Focus on Culturally Diverse Groups
    Fostering Healthy Sight in Canada: Focus on Culturally Diverse Groups CONSENSUS FROM ROUNDTABLE CONTRIBUTORS Vi Tu Banh, O.D. Trevor Ludski, B.A., M.Ed. Uxbridge, ON Markham, ON Michael Kaplan, O.D. Richard Winn, Optician Toronto, ON Yellowknife, NT Upen Kawale, O.D. Wael Yassein, Optician Toronto, ON Oshawa, ON OVERVIEW UNderStaNDING DIverSE Ethnic minorities in Canada are quickly becoming the During discussion, participants identified several PopulatIONS IN CANada The majority of South Asians live in Ontario or British majority. In fact, by the year 2031, visible minorities strategies for overcoming challenges, including treating This section overviews the content presented during 1 Columbia, specifically the Toronto and Vancouver areas. alone will make up 32 percent of all Canadians. As the each patient as a person rather than as a minority; individual presentations. face of the nation continues to change, more eyecare showing respect for individual cultures; increasing From 2001 to 2031, the South Asian population in Toronto is expected to climb from 11 to 24 percent. professionals are experiencing a culturally diverse patient cultural sensitivity through staff training; and creating FOCUS ON ASIAN CANADIANS: base with unique vision care and communication needs. a welcoming environment by hiring a multilingual Spotlight on Chinese and South Asian Populations staff or by making available multilingual or Chinese Canadians1 Chinese Canadians are a close second to the South Seeking to provide insights for eyecare professionals in-language materials. A GrowING DemoGrapHIC Asian population in terms of current numbers – but not and to help guide its multicultural efforts in Canada, Asian Canadians make up the largest demographic in growth.
    [Show full text]
  • Early South Asian Immigration to Canada: the Story of the Sikhs
    1 EARLY SOUTH ASIAN IMMIGRATION TO CANADA: THE STORY OF THE SIKHS The first South Asians to arrive in Canada were Indian men of the Sikh faith. From their earliest visit in 1897 until Canada’s racially-based immigration policies were relaxed in 1951, most of Canada’s South Asian immigrants were Sikhs from the Punjab region of India. Their story is essential to understanding the history of South Asian Canadians. 1897-1904: In 1897, India was part of the British dominion, and Sikhs in particular were well known for their service as soldiers for the empire. The very first Indians to visit Canada were part of a Sikh military contingent traveling through British Columbia on the way to Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations that year in London. A second group of Sikh soldiers visited in 1902 on the way to Edward VII’s coronation. They made an appearance before a crowd in Vancouver, prompting wild applause. The enthusiastic reception was documented with a headline in Vancouver’s Daily Province which read, “Turbaned Men Excite Interest: Awe-inspiring men from India held the crowds”. Sikhs were esteemed for their military service, and Canadians were impressed by their stately and exotic appearance. The group passed through Montreal before sailing to London, and when they returned to India, they brought tales of Canada back with them. 1904 – 1913 ANTI-ASIAN SENTIMENT In 1904, 45 men from India immigrated to Canada. Indian immigrants were few and far between until 1906 and 1907 when a brief surge brought 4700-5000 of them to the country, most settling in B.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Guilt, Shame and Model Minorities: How South Asian Youth in Toronto Navigate the Canadian Educational System
    GUILT, SHAME AND MODEL MINORITIES: HOW SOUTH ASIAN YOUTH IN TORONTO NAVIGATE THE CANADIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM by Sangeetha Navaratnam A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts Sociology and Equity Studies in Education Ontario Institute for Studies in Education © Copyright by Sangeetha Navaratnam 2011 GUILT, SHAME AND MODEL MINORITIES: HOW SOUTH ASIAN YOUTH IN TORONTO NAVIGATE THE CANADIAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM Masters of Arts 2011 Sangeetha Navaratnam Sociology and Equity Studies in Education University of Toronto Abstract The present study examines issues that South Asian youth face as members of a model minority group. Using 14 semi-structured interviews, South Asian youth (aged 18-26) discussed issues they encountered as they navigated educational institutions in Canada. The study found that participants were not aware of the term model minority. Furthermore, participants received input, either directly or indirectly, from family and community members regarding their career choices. Lastly, participants experienced guilt and shame during decision-making processes, but ultimately chose their own path with [eventual] acceptance from parents. Results indicate that schools in the GTA are not attuned to the needs of South Asian students which often left students at a disadvantage when making future career and educational choices. There is a need for educators, administrators, and policymakers to develop more specialized programs toward helping South Asian youth navigate the Canadian educational institutions. ii Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank all of the South Asian youth who agreed to participant in this study. I would like to express my appreciation for your willingness to share your stories with me.
    [Show full text]
  • The 5Th Annual Desi Comedy Fest Lisa Geduldig, Publicist
    The 5th Annual Desi Comedy Fest Lisa Geduldig, Publicist Cell: (415) 205-6515 • [email protected] • www.desicomedyfest.com For Immediate Release Contact: Lisa Geduldig – [email protected] June 8, 2018 (415) 205-6515 - Please don’t publish The Times of India Group Presents… The 5th Annual Desi Comedy Fest The biggest South Asian Comedy Festival in the US 11 days: August 9-19, 2018 9 Northern California cities: San Francisco, Berkeley, Mill Valley, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Milpitas, Dublin, and Mountain View Info/Tickets: www.desicomedyfest.com Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/desicomedyfest • Twitter: @desicomedyfest Press page: www.desicomedyfest.com/press Festival trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Ew6b-1aBc San Francisco, CA… Bay Area-based Indian-born comedians, Samson Koletkar and Abhay Nadkarni, and The Times of India Group Present The 5th Annual Desi Comedy Fest, an 11- day South Asian stand up comedy extravaganza touring comedy clubs and theaters in 9 Northern California cities: San Francisco, Berkeley, Mill Valley, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Milpitas, Dublin, and Mountain View. The festival, the largest of its kind in the US, runs August 9-19 this year and features over 30 South Asian comedians from all over the US, with diverse ethnic (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Iranian, Syrian-Mexican, Libyan, Japanese, and Filipino) and religious backgrounds (Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, and Catholic). Last year’s festival boasted an attendance of 2700: up from 700 in 2014, the first year of the festival. 4000 attendees are expected this year. What’s new this year? This year, Koletkar and Nadkarni are partnering with The Times of India Group, India's largest media conglomerate, that just completed The Gaana Music Festival, the largest ever Indian music festival in America.
    [Show full text]
  • Colour Coded Health Care the Impact of Race and Racism on Canadians’ Health
    Colour Coded Health Care The Impact of Race and Racism on Canadians’ Health Sheryl Nestel PhD January, 2012 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sheryl Nestel received her PhD from the Department of Sociology and Equity Studies of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto where she taught between 2000-2011. She is the author of numerous journal articles on race and the health pro- fessions as well as of Obstructed Labour: Race and Gender in the Re-emergence of Midwif- ery (UBC Press, 2007) which was recognized as the book of the year for 2007 by the Canadian Women’s Studies Association. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to the reviewers for their thoughtful comments on the paper. The views, analysis and interpretation of this review remain those of the author. Copies of this report can be downloaded from www.wellesleyinstitute.com. © 2012 Wellesley Institute Wellesley Institute 10 Alcorn Ave, Suite 300, Toronto, ON m4y 1s2 tel 416-972-1010 fax 416-921-7228 www.wellesleyinstitute.com The Wellesley Institute engages in research, policy and community mobilization to advance population health. wellesley institute 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Scope and Purpose of the Review ............................................................................................ 4 Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 4 The Concept of Race and Its Relationship to Health Outcomes ........................................ 5 Terminology: “Race,” “Ethnicity,” and “Race/Ethnicity”
    [Show full text]
  • Producers, Sellers, and Drinkers Studies of Noncommercial Alcohol in Nine Countries © International Center for Alcohol Policies, 2012
    MONOGRAPH Producers, sellers, and drinkers Studies of noncommercial alcohol in nine countries © International Center for Alcohol Policies, 2012 The International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP; www.icap.org) is a not-for-profit organization supported by major international producers of beverage alcohol. Established in 1995, ICAP’s mission is to promote understanding of the role of alcohol in society and to help reduce harmful drinking worldwide. ICAP’s efforts to foster dialogue and partnerships in the alcohol policy field are shaped by its commitment to pragmatic and feasible solutions to reducing harm that can be tailored to local and cultural considerations and needs. ICAP has been recognized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) as a non-governmental organization in Special Consultative Status. International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP) 1519 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 USA Phone: +1.202.986.1159 Fax: +1.202.986.2080 www.icap.org Global Actions on Harmful Drinking is a consortium of initiatives dedicated to helping reduce the harmful use of alcohol. This work is the result of a collective commitment made by the chief executives of major international beverage alcohol producers to make a signifi- cant effort to address harmful drinking through a combination of global and local actions, with an emphasis on low- and middle-income countries. The Global Actions on Harmful Drinking initiatives are being coordinated by ICAP. For more information about Global Actions on Harmful Drinking, please visit www.global-actions.org or e-mail [email protected] Suggested citation for this publication is as follows: International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP) (Ed.).
    [Show full text]
  • South Asian Canadian Experiences of Depression
    SOUTH ASIAN CANADIAN EXPERIENCES OF DEPRESSION by Amarjit Grewal B.A. Psychology, SFU, 2006 THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS CONSELLING PSYCHOLOGY In the Faculty of Education © Amarjit Grewal 2010 SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY Summer 2010 All rights reserved. However, in accordance with the Copyright Act of Canada, this work may be reproduced, without authorization, under the conditions for Fair Dealing. Therefore, limited reproduction of this work for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, review, and news reporting is likely to be in accordance with the law, particularly if cited appropriately. APPROVAL Name: Amarjit Grewal Degree: Master of Arts Title of Thesis: South Asian Canadian Experiences of Depression Examining Committee: Chair: David Paterson Associate Dean, Faculty of Education Natalee Popadiuk Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education Senior Supervisor Roger Frie Associate Professor, Faculty of Education Committee Member Richard Young Professor, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education USC External Examiner Date Defended/Approved: •• II Declaration of Partial Copyright Licence The author, whose copyright is declared on the title page of this work, has granted to Simon Fraser University the right to lend this thesis, project or extended essay to users of the Simon Fraser University Library, and to make partial or single copies only for such users or in response to a request from the library of any other university, or other
    [Show full text]
  • When Might the Two Cultural Worlds of Second Generation Biculturals Collide?
    WHEN MIGHT THE TWO CULTURAL WORLDS OF SECOND GENERATION BICULTURALS COLLIDE? ABSTRACT Second generation youth often identify with two cultures (heritage and Canadian). Although these biculturals usually negotiate their lives between two cultural worlds with ease, there are situations where conflicts may arise because of an incompatibility between the norms associated with each culture. Our research has identified some key points where bicultural conflicts can occur for second generation Canadians. econd generation youth in Canada are the children of parents who immigrated to Canada from another country. Although there is a tremendous amount of diversity among individuals Swithin this second generation, they often share the feature of being bicultural. Culture can be defined by the norms and standards of a group that will delineate the appropriateness of behaviour. Bicultural individuals, therefore, have psychological access to two sets of cultural norms that may be tied to geography, ethnicity and/or religion. In the case of second generation Canadians, our research culture, social identity and intergroup relations. that pertain to multicultural societies, namely, His University. at research York focuses on issues Richard N. Lalonde is a professor of Psychology RICHARD N. LALONDE focuses on their heritage culture and their Canadian culture. Heritage norms are typically acquired from parents, extended family and the ethnic community to which parents belong. The basis of “Canadian” norms is much broader because they are acquired through the infrastructure of Canadian society (e.g., schools, media, social services), the neighbourhoods in which they live and from many of their peers. Moreover, Canadian norms are acquired through either a majority English-language or a majority French-language context, while heritage norms may be acquired through a completely different language.
    [Show full text]
  • Re-Ethnicization of Second Generation Non-Muslim Asian Indians in the U.S." (2017)
    University of South Florida Scholar Commons Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 3-21-2017 Re-ethnicization of Second Generation Non- Muslim Asian Indians in the U.S. Radha Moorthy University of South Florida, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd Part of the Ethnic Studies Commons, South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies Commons, and the United States History Commons Scholar Commons Citation Moorthy, Radha, "Re-ethnicization of Second Generation Non-Muslim Asian Indians in the U.S." (2017). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/6731 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at Scholar Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Scholar Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Re-ethnicization of Second-Generation Non-Muslim Asian Indians in the U.S. by Radha Moorthy A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of Government and International Affairs College of Arts and Sciences University of South Florida Major Professor: Bernd Reiter, Ph.D. Ella Schmidt, Ph.D. Nicolas Thompson, Ph.D. Date of Approval: March 10, 2017 Keywords: Re-ethnicization, Perceived Discrimination, Second-Generation Asian Indian Copyright © 2017, Radha Moorthy Table of Contents Abstract .........................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Entire Issue 1
    Bollyville, U.S.A: The Commodification of the Other and MTV’s Construction of the “Ideal Type” Desi Murali Balaji When the Music Television Network launched MTV Desi in 2005, it promised to bridge the divide between South Asian Americans and their counterparts in the Indian subcontinent.1 This study looks at how MTV Desi tried to create an “ideal type” South Asian American through its programming, presenting an image of South Asian Americans as loving “Bhangra but also Shakira… MTV but also Bollywood.” The author seeks to articulate the political economy of identity by describing MTV’s attempts to define and commodify “Desi-ness.” The author also attempts to explain why MTV Desi ultimately failed and how marginalized audiences can resist commodification by rejecting corporate- defined identity. n its 25-plus years of existence, the Music Television Network has been one of the primary forces in shaping global youth culture and cultivating youth identity.2 The Viacom-owned network’s influence has been so expansive that MTV programs are now a staple of youth consumption in every corner of the Iworld. 3 MTV, in many ways, is popular culture, indulging its viewers with the lav- ishness of consumerism and breeding a loyal following among an age group that varies from impressionable pre-teens to middle-age voyeurs. MTV in the United States has traditionally targeted white, suburban teenagers, and as its content para- digm has shifted away from music videos and into new “reality”-based program- ming, the network has expanded its reach into movies and even books. In many ways, the network has evolved into an “all-encompassing ‘lifestyle’ channel for its young targeted audience.”4 MTV’s success in shaping culture has been so prevalent that the network itself is synonymous with cool.
    [Show full text]
  • The Inequality Virus Bringing Together a World Torn Apart by Coronavirus Through a Fair, Just and Sustainable Economy
    Adam Dicko is a Malian activist, fighting for social justice in the times of COVID-19 © Xavier Thera/Oxfam The Inequality Virus Bringing together a world torn apart by coronavirus through a fair, just and sustainable economy www.oxfam.org OXFAM BRIEFING PAPER – JANUARY 2021 The coronavirus pandemic has the potential to lead to an increase in inequality in almost every country at once, the first time this has happened since records began. The virus has exposed, fed off and increased existing inequalities of wealth, gender and race. Over two million people have died, and hundreds of millions of people are being forced into poverty while many of the richest – individuals and corporations – are thriving. Billionaire fortunes returned to their pre-pandemic highs in just nine months, while recovery for the world’s poorest people could take over a decade. The crisis has exposed our collective frailty and the inability of our deeply unequal economy to work for all. Yet it has also shown us the vital importance of government action to protect our health and livelihoods. Transformative policies that seemed unthinkable before the crisis have suddenly been shown to be possible. There can be no return to where we were before. Instead, citizens and governments must act on the urgency to create a more equal and sustainable world. 2 © Oxfam International January 2021 This paper was written by Esmé Berkhout, Nick Galasso, Max Lawson, Pablo Andrés Rivero Morales, Anjela Taneja, and Diego Alejo Vázquez Pimentel. Oxfam acknowledges the assistance of Jaime
    [Show full text]