*This post is response to Asuph’s thoughts. Will end here (only for now though) since I have a plane to catch in next 3 hours).

Genetic argument: a two edged sword. Or, just because it’s so, therefore natural, is it good enough to be normative? (The second line’s not your quote). Well, science has, through the years, been used to do just the opposite: rally all arguments of being natural to create the normative. Take for instance, arguments to establish white supremacy over black people (physiognamy and head shape was actually rallied to underline black inferiority!!). Which is why I said, science and medicine are ideological blindspots, precisely because they masquerade as natural and therefore seem unquestionable.

Further, I agree homosexuality is not just genetic. There are a whole host of environmental and cognitive reasons scientists are exploring to understand not just homosexuality, but sexual orientations in general.

It’s a very valid point nonetheless that you have risen, about genetics being a two-edged sword. But I’ll assume that paedophilia; adultery and violence are genetic phenomena and not socio-cultural ones, when the scientists start saying so (and even then, I’d crinkle my nose and look extremely suspicious).

Click here to continue reading ‘Homosexuality : Ab Normal? (Part 2)’

After 15 months of entrapment, finally I will be stepping out of this country and that too with the blessings from the mighty Hitler(s) of my life.

And so starting tomorrow evening, I am officially on my three weeks Asian Summer Break – departing from one hot city arriving at another and moving along.

Intended destinations:

Hong Kong

China – Shenzhen & Macau

Thailand – Bangkok & Phuket

Click here to continue reading ‘Summer Break’

(My contribution towards Blogathon India 2008. To know more, head here.)

What are the challenges that society faces in accepting the concept of alternate sexuality? How can we address them?

First off, it’s the homosexual who’s facing the real challenge.

Society lays down norms and expects the community to follow them. The term norm-al is thus a heavily loaded one.

Heterosexuality isn’t normal, it’s normative. Homosexuality isn’t abnormal, it’s a challenge to the normative.

Second, the term alternate presumes:

a) an existent (more valid) way of being

b) the presence of choice

And frankly, I am not comfortable with either of the two.

Click here to continue reading ‘Homosexuality : Ab Normal?’

First it was this and then it was the 2^nd match between Kolkotta Knight Riders vs. (what’s that) Hyderabad team, where Bollywood’s so called Badshah was seen pimping for his (feed an entire African nation worth) team. And joining him in this charade, who’s who of the Hindi Film Industry were also seen shaking a leg.

By the way - what’s with the Gandhi Son-in-law aka. Mr. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra? The pace at which he was hopping, I am guessing an item number in SRK’s next home production is definitely on the cards.

Even though I think of Shah Rukh as nothing more than an average actor turned premium marketing whore – I do agree, the man is gifted with Midas’s touch. Kolkotta Knight Riders have won two matches in a row.

However looking at SRK’s history of buying film awards, I wouldn’t be surprised if dal mein kuch kala was here too.

Anyhoo, the man continues to produce crap and we, the desi junta, keep lapping it up.

Without beating about the bush, I shall state the agenda of this post right at the very start. Are you comfortable being friends with an *Ex?

(*Ex refers to someone you had been in a relationship with for a considerable length of time; intimacy being the prime ingredient.)

We all know, “there are always two sides of a coin”, obviously here too we have two sets of beliefs:

a) Yes, we should be friends. How can you not?

and

b) No, we cannot be friends. How can you?

Click here to continue reading ‘The ‘Ex’ Factor’

Here is a list of pointers jotted down by yours truly to help you understand the workings of political nautanki, such as rallies, morchas, ceremonies, processions, etc etc, especially when they end up right outside your doorstep.

1. It’s your previous life’s good karma that a well-established national party, given a vast list of choices, picked your ghar ka (ya office ka) lane for their deed.

2. It’s an act of social service when you are forced requested to partly finance their deed. No, I don’t say so but our area’s well-respected and connected gunda thinks so.

3. Gone are the days of desh bhakti-inspired music. Nowadays it’s a tough call between Himesh Reshammiya and Smack That.

Click here to continue reading ‘The Great Indian Laughter Show’