Why calling this "desi ca" misses the point and is often harmful to actual South Asians: A THREAD
Why calling this "desi ca" misses the point and is often harmful to actual South Asians: A THREAD
Why calling this "desi ca" misses the point and is often harmful to actual South Asians: A THREAD
Why calling this "desi ca" misses the point and is often harmful to actual South Asians: A THREAD
- pls rt, especially if you're not desi and haven't researched South Asia before
- read the WHOLE thread before commenting. Racists will be blocked.
- most of my citations come from South India, if you're desi and have other sources, pls drop them below
1) Desi is a catch all term for Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans. This term is generally used in reference to a) stereotypes against us and b) instances of cultural exchange. However, a basic google search will show there is no such thing as a "desi culture"
1) Desi is a catch all term for Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans. This term is generally used in reference to a) stereotypes against us and b) instances of cultural exchange. However, a basic google search will show there is no such thing as a "desi culture"
1) Desi is a catch all term for Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans. This term is generally used in reference to a) stereotypes against us and b) instances of cultural exchange. However, a basic google search will show there is no such thing as a "desi culture"
1) Desi is a catch all term for Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans. This term is generally used in reference to a) stereotypes against us and b) instances of cultural exchange. However, a basic google search will show there is no such thing as a "desi culture"
1) Desi is a catch all term for Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans. This term is generally used in reference to a) stereotypes against us and b) instances of cultural exchange. However, a basic google search will show there is no such thing as a "desi culture"
2) Culture, as understood in South Asia is not just ur heritage or dress, its a catch all for way of life influenced by ethnicity, religion, historical traditions, migration history, POLITICAL HISTORY, caste and can permeate aspects of social life eg: job mobility & marriage
2) Culture, as understood in South Asia is not just ur heritage or dress, its a catch all for way of life influenced by ethnicity, religion, historical traditions, migration history, POLITICAL HISTORY, caste and can permeate aspects of social life eg: job mobility & marriage
2) Culture, as understood in South Asia is not just ur heritage or dress, its a catch all for way of life influenced by ethnicity, religion, historical traditions, migration history, POLITICAL HISTORY, caste and can permeate aspects of social life eg: job mobility & marriage
3) Because of this, culture can be SIGNIFICANT (e.g represents a huge historical heritage, like the preservation of lang, cultural dress) and EXCLUSIONARY (i.e, only for members of that culture to partake in, often for religious reasons)
4) Heres an example of this distinction from my own state

Buying govt approved handicrafts, supporting Keralas heritage: ✅✌❤😊

Participating or disrespecting a religious dance like Kathakali: ❌😖🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️
4) Heres an example of this distinction from my own state Buying govt approved handicrafts, supporting Keralas heritage: Participating or disrespecting a religious dance like Kathakali:
4) Heres an example of this distinction from my own state Buying govt approved handicrafts, supporting Keralas heritage: Participating or disrespecting a religious dance like Kathakali:
4) Heres an example of this distinction from my own state Buying govt approved handicrafts, supporting Keralas heritage: Participating or disrespecting a religious dance like Kathakali:
Jewellry can ABSOLUTELY be exclusionary in desi cultures, meaning that NO ONE but that culture is allowed to wear it. An obvious example is the Sikh Kara bracelet which holds deep significant for Sikh ppl, and is a religious symbol NOT a fashion accessory
Jewellry can ABSOLUTELY be exclusionary in desi cultures, meaning that NO ONE but that culture is allowed to wear it. An obvious example is the Sikh Kara bracelet which holds deep significant for Sikh ppl, and is a religious symbol NOT a fashion accessory
Jewellry can ABSOLUTELY be exclusionary in desi cultures, meaning that NO ONE but that culture is allowed to wear it. An obvious example is the Sikh Kara bracelet which holds deep significant for Sikh ppl, and is a religious symbol NOT a fashion accessory
In regards to styles like this, ppl usually make one of two arguments:
- it IS exclusionary bc ALL desi ppl hold this in special regard and has religious connotations
- i think its being used exploitatively/represents a harmful image of South Asia
In regards to styles like this, ppl usually make one of two arguments: - it IS exclusionary bc ALL desi ppl hold this in special regard and has religious connotations - i think its being used exploitatively/represents a harmful image of South Asia
In regards to styles like this, ppl usually make one of two arguments: - it IS exclusionary bc ALL desi ppl hold this in special regard and has religious connotations - i think its being used exploitatively/represents a harmful image of South Asia
The exclusionary arg doesnt hold up with .5 seconds of research. Not all desi ceremonies involve religious/sacred jewellry (ex below) and if they do ITS SPECIFIC PIECES OF ANCESTRAL AUSPICIOUS JEWELLRY NOT A WISH HEADPIECE. You are implying desi ppl are a monolith which we arent!
The exclusionary arg doesnt hold up with .5 seconds of research. Not all desi ceremonies involve religious/sacred jewellry (ex below) and if they do ITS SPECIFIC PIECES OF ANCESTRAL AUSPICIOUS JEWELLRY NOT A WISH HEADPIECE. You are implying desi ppl are a monolith which we arent!
The exclusionary arg doesnt hold up with .5 seconds of research. Not all desi ceremonies involve religious/sacred jewellry (ex below) and if they do ITS SPECIFIC PIECES OF ANCESTRAL AUSPICIOUS JEWELLRY NOT A WISH HEADPIECE. You are implying desi ppl are a monolith which we arent!
The exclusionary arg doesnt hold up with .5 seconds of research. Not all desi ceremonies involve religious/sacred jewellry (ex below) and if they do ITS SPECIFIC PIECES OF ANCESTRAL AUSPICIOUS JEWELLRY NOT A WISH HEADPIECE. You are implying desi ppl are a monolith which we arent!
This isnt even getting into the fact that these styles are worn all around the world, like Lisa's Thai necklace, and you're disrespecting the work and craftsmenship that goes into traditional jewllery. No culture has a claim on jewellry, no matter what stan twt tells u
This isnt even getting into the fact that these styles are worn all around the world, like Lisa's Thai necklace, and you're disrespecting the work and craftsmenship that goes into traditional jewllery. No culture has a claim on jewellry, no matter what stan twt tells u
This isnt even getting into the fact that these styles are worn all around the world, like Lisa's Thai necklace, and you're disrespecting the work and craftsmenship that goes into traditional jewllery. No culture has a claim on jewellry, no matter what stan twt tells u
This isnt even getting into the fact that these styles are worn all around the world, like Lisa's Thai necklace, and you're disrespecting the work and craftsmenship that goes into traditional jewllery. No culture has a claim on jewellry, no matter what stan twt tells u
(Also, pls stop implying that all the jewellery that comes out of South Asia looks the same, even Indian wedding jewellry is widely different)
(Also, pls stop implying that all the jewellery that comes out of South Asia looks the same, even Indian wedding jewellry is widely different)
(Also, pls stop implying that all the jewellery that comes out of South Asia looks the same, even Indian wedding jewellry is widely different)
NOW ONTO THE ACTUALLY RELEVANT ARGUMENT which is that even if these styles are *technically* okay to wear, idols are still doing it in a harmful/exploitative way. This, i think its the ACTUAL crux of the issue
Since I've already explained how complex and important culture is, it shouldn't come as a surprise that erasure of culture, including state sponsored cultural gen*cide, is an ongoing issue all over South Asia, and is tied to human rights abuses and political disenfranchisement
Since I've already explained how complex and important culture is, it shouldn't come as a surprise that erasure of culture, including state sponsored cultural gen*cide, is an ongoing issue all over South Asia, and is tied to human rights abuses and political disenfranchisement
Since I've already explained how complex and important culture is, it shouldn't come as a surprise that erasure of culture, including state sponsored cultural gen*cide, is an ongoing issue all over South Asia, and is tied to human rights abuses and political disenfranchisement
Since I've already explained how complex and important culture is, it shouldn't come as a surprise that erasure of culture, including state sponsored cultural gen*cide, is an ongoing issue all over South Asia, and is tied to human rights abuses and political disenfranchisement
Since I've already explained how complex and important culture is, it shouldn't come as a surprise that erasure of culture, including state sponsored cultural gen*cide, is an ongoing issue all over South Asia, and is tied to human rights abuses and political disenfranchisement
I want to emphasise this over and over again: our cultures are not simply a cool style or a heritage. To deny people access, misrepresent it, cut us off from cultural resources, etc is to deny people our humanity. People have marched simply to recognise their language
Instead of fixating on jewellery, lets talk about the fact that South Asia is ONLY used an aesthetic for sexualised, aggressive concepts and conflated as a monolith. Lets talk about how South Asians are racialised to be aggressive, primitive and loud
Instead of fixating on jewellery, lets talk about the fact that South Asia is ONLY used an aesthetic for sexualised, aggressive concepts and conflated as a monolith. Lets talk about how South Asians are racialised to be aggressive, primitive and loud
Instead of fixating on jewellery, lets talk about the fact that South Asia is ONLY used an aesthetic for sexualised, aggressive concepts and conflated as a monolith. Lets talk about how South Asians are racialised to be aggressive, primitive and loud
Instead of fixating on jewellery, lets talk about the fact that South Asia is ONLY used an aesthetic for sexualised, aggressive concepts and conflated as a monolith. Lets talk about how South Asians are racialised to be aggressive, primitive and loud
Lets talk about the fact that South Asia has made significant, immense contributions to arts and music, yet the kpop artists wont even mention obvious Bollywood influences in their songs. South Asians are seen as exotic props. Our cultures are never engaged with seriously
Lets talk about the fact that South Asia has made significant, immense contributions to arts and music, yet the kpop artists wont even mention obvious Bollywood influences in their songs. South Asians are seen as exotic props. Our cultures are never engaged with seriously
Lets talk about the fact that South Asia has made significant, immense contributions to arts and music, yet the kpop artists wont even mention obvious Bollywood influences in their songs. South Asians are seen as exotic props. Our cultures are never engaged with seriously
Lets talk about the fact that South Asia has made significant, immense contributions to arts and music, yet the kpop artists wont even mention obvious Bollywood influences in their songs. South Asians are seen as exotic props. Our cultures are never engaged with seriously
This "South Asians are wacky and exotic and all the same" stereotype didnt come from nowhere btw. Colonialist came up with it to justify exploitation Heres an article on how the first photographs of Indians were used for this purpose
https://people.smu.edu/knw2399/2015/04/30/the-justification-of-a-nation/
This "South Asians are wacky and exotic and all the same" stereotype didnt come from nowhere btw. Colonialist came up with it to justify exploitation Heres an article on how the first photographs of Indians were used for this purpose https://people.smu.edu/knw2399/2015/04/30/the-justification-of-a-nation/
This "South Asians are wacky and exotic and all the same" stereotype didnt come from nowhere btw. Colonialist came up with it to justify exploitation Heres an article on how the first photographs of Indians were used for this purpose https://people.smu.edu/knw2399/2015/04/30/the-justification-of-a-nation/
If youre non desi person, pls take a moment and think of harmful ideas about South Asia. Think about how you might have been encouraged to laugh at a Bollywood meme but know nothing about the livelihoods of actual desi ppl. This is systemic. Bigger than just jewellery
When the BP issue came out, ppl tagged a far right Hindu state sponsored terrorist org as a "joke". This org lynches minorities for marrying Hindus, forcefully converts ppl and attacks religious sites. This is a direct rep of how dangerous it is to even imply desi = all the same
Pls consider taking the time to read this article about them. Its a very good intro into how dangerous this issue is, and an excellent starting point to rethink some stereotypes you have about South Asia https://www.wired.com/story/indias-frightening-descent-social-media-terror/
The Rise of a Hindu Vigilante in the Age of WhatsApp and Modi

India, the world's largest democracy, has also become the world's largest experiment in social-media-fueled terror.

https://www.wired.com/story/indias-frightening-descent-social-media-terror/
Pls consider taking the time to read this article about them. Its a very good intro into how dangerous this issue is, and an excellent starting point to rethink some stereotypes you have about South Asia https://www.wired.com/story/indias-frightening-descent-social-media-terror/
Pls consider taking the time to read this article about them. Its a very good intro into how dangerous this issue is, and an excellent starting point to rethink some stereotypes you have about South Asia https://www.wired.com/story/indias-frightening-descent-social-media-terror/
Resources on jewellery linked down below 👇👇👇
Resources on jewellery linked down below
Resources on jewellery linked down below
(Also also pls stop calling this shit "desi ca" when its just blatant racism and disrespect. This not only minimises the actual harm of these actions, but also shows how little you actually know of the cultures here)
(Also also pls stop calling this shit "desi ca" when its just blatant racism and disrespect. This not only minimises the actual harm of these actions, but also shows how little you actually know of the cultures here)
(Also also pls stop calling this shit "desi ca" when its just blatant racism and disrespect. This not only minimises the actual harm of these actions, but also shows how little you actually know of the cultures here)
Here's an overview of some of the traditional bridal styles in India. Notice the diversity in craftsmenship and how usage differs from ceremony to ceremony
https://www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com/uk/brides-of-india/2019-edition.html
Some explainers on Pakistani weddings + jewellery
https://www.libasejamila.com/pakistani-wedding/
https://medium.com/bridaljewelleryinlahore/traditional-bridal-jewellery-in-pakistan-f36161987f50
Pakistani Wedding Traditions in Detail | Libas e Jamila

A Pakistani wedding consist series of events like Dholki, Mayun, Mehndi, Nikkah, Baraat, Rukhsati and Valima combined together in week-long celebrations.

https://www.libasejamila.com/pakistani-wedding/
Explainers on the significance of Sri Lankan wedding jewellery + various kinds of cultures (also thank you to @renjuniris for point out my prev sc might have confused ppl about the cultures of Sri Lanka, added this resource)
https://srilankatourisminfo.com/sri-lankan-wedding-culture/
http://thebigfatindianwedding.com/2015/the-essential-sri-lankan-wedding-guide-bridal-attire-and-jewelry?amp
Sri Lankan Wedding Culture, Customs & Traditions

When it comes to elaborate weddings celebrated with much pomp, the traditional Sri Lankan wedding culture cannot be given a miss.

https://srilankatourisminfo.com/sri-lankan-wedding-culture/
Explainer on Bangladeshi wedding traditions + examples of traditional jewellery
https://www.thedailystar.net/a-bangladeshi-wedding-journal-49457 https://www.fashionlady.in/khoob-bhaalo-traditional-bengali-jewellery-names/51623
9 Traditional Bengali Jewellery Collection With Names

For all the non-Bengali girls out there, it’s time to know more about the Traditional Bengali jewellery names. Who knows you might end up shopping for this unique and gifted Bengali culture in...

https://www.thedailystar.net/a-bangladeshi-wedding-journal-49457
You can follow @sominbiased.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.

Latest Threads Unrolled:
There are a lot of misconceptions about the Turkish diaspora in Germany. Since i just finished writing an essay about this topic I thought it's time to give other people
Read more
Las mejores calculadoras online en 2020A thread http://totumat.com/2020/11/26/las-mejores-calculadoras-online-en-2020/ Cuando se estudian asignaturas que requieren de cálculos complicados, nada mejor que contar con una buena calculadora.
Read more
Mitigating #ClimateChange is as much about taking up new techs as about leaving others behindMost studies focus on #coal's global downfall but another #energy tech decline is loomingRead my new
Read more