PublishaLetter Blog

Not often, we get many letters, protesting an article published in a moderate, mainstream magazine like the Time. Joel Stein’s article My own private India, proved to be an exception. Klein’s article, bemoaned the changes in his boyhood town, Edison, NJ. The changes, caused mainly  by the influx if Indian immigrants, were not for the better, he asserted in his caustic essay.

Reactions from writers of Indian origin were swift and uniform - Blatantly Racist. Most of them were shocked that the Time will allow such an article to appear in its pages.

Here are some excerpts from the letters:

• I was shocked to read Joel Stein’s commentary on Edison, NJ. and equally shocked that a prestigious magazine like Time would publish such racist and bigoted views. To mock an immigrant community and their religion. This sort of article promotes race baiting !
• Okay, I agree there have been many changes that have taken place in Edison, NJ.  This article, nonetheless is opinion and it has much bias.  Therefore, I simply would like to tell you (Mr. Stein) WHY there are so many Indians in Edison.  It’s a stepping stone just like how NYC was a stepping stone for minorities back in the day, if not still today.  Indians for the most part come to America for better opportunity as most minorities do.  Edison happens to be EASIER for Indians to become Indian-American.  It is EASIER to assimilate there than anywhere else for us.  Think of it like this… China-towns exist in every major city in the US.  The DIFFERENCE is what we become and bring to the table………………..How can you say we don’t assimilate?  30.3% of Latinos in America CAN’T speak English, whereas ~96% of Indians CAN.  Isn’t it clear we damn well assimilate.  Just because we don’t have typical American names, doesn’t mean we one day won’t.  America, as you prove through your article is a melting pot.  We just happen to be the good stuff in it, and maybe that’s why you (Joel Klein) are so bitter.
  
• I consider TIME magazine to be very reputed but I cant believe the carelessness with which you let this editorial run. Joel Stein only comes across as a frustrated racist & has hurt the sentiments of millions of Indians across America. Strong words indeed for Mr. Klein.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Mumbai and Bal Thackeray’s comment about him stirred many people to write letters to the editors about Shiv Sena’s role in Mumbai and to a larger extent Maharashtra. Most were critical of the roles played by the various Sena elements. Some samples.

Old age takes man to hate speech. And that is what one could find with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray - said one letter.

From so many years people have seen Shiv Sena and its Sainiks opposing different political matters in one way only.i.e,they call either for Bandh affecting trade and leading to loss of crores of rupees - said another letter. It continued…They can even stop releasing the movies of some stars who get involved in verbal controversy. But isn’t it amazing that Sena and its Sainiks are not opposing or uttering a word against government that is not taking any action against Kasab responsible for deadly crime in Mumbai.

Another letter said: It has really startled me that the Shiv Sena has claimed violation of their democratic rights when they were not allowed to display the black flags.Have they ever bothered for democratic rights of others when at the behest of muscle power they never even allowed to any citizen to give his views which do not suit their interests.

Coming in partial defense if Shiv Sena, one writer opined:
It is very sad to see that today when we as a nation are dreaming of becoming the number one economy in the world, our politicians are busy playing the dirty game of dividing the citizens of India on the basis of region and language. If Shiv Sena and MNS are culprits of igniting the fire of region based politics in Mumbai, then Congress as a ruling party both in Centre and the state in no less responsible in being a mock spectator of this havoc being created by these parties.

What do you think?