Kazuya Mishima
Regarding the LGBTQ+ debate and the west going ‘too woke’. Abhinandan, I was literally on the same boat as you.
For better understanding, let me use an analogy. Since 9/11, there has been a vilification of Islam in the west, isn’t it? Why? Because we take a spotlight and shine it on the extreme bits of that religion. Imagine how Christianity would be perceived If the extremists of that religion typify what it means?
Every group has an extreme component, that doesn’t mean we call for omission of that group (what is happening in US right now).
Regarding the participation in sports, this clip from Neil DiGrasse Tyson will give you a better perspective
Keeping it short, here’s the basic take that I feel one should have – “Just like anyone else, if as a community they have extreme elements, doesn’t mean they do not have a right to exist, regarding the participation in sports, that is a work in progress.”
Not too radical, eh? :)
Aurisha
Thanks for the insightful discussion on Kunal Kamra. Varun Grover on the panel would’ve been a treat too.
I love everything Kamra does and now also appreciate finally having an alternative to “Thare Rahiyo” in Antakshari – “Thane ki ricksha” is my new Tha song.
Kunal, if you're listening, I’m sick of Mai ni Mai too.
Now, on a serious note – Abhinandan, your opinions often reek of internalised patriarchy. Manisha, the father in Adolescence isn’t just gentle – his temper, among other things, shapes the child’s rage. The show addresses it in many scenes, how men externalise distress through rage whereas women are just supposed to suck it up.
This played out on Hafta too – three women debated Abhinandan on LGBTQ rights in a measured tone, while he was visibly agitated.
And that “kitchen” argument? Not cooking IS a gender privilege – someone still does it for him. Raman was right. Crowdfunding “send Nikku to the kitchen” now!
Anurag
Last week’s letters bashed Abhinandan a lot, even though I agree with some of them about how he does act like an uncle at times. However, the energy that he brings to the podcast is much needed considering how others are just sitting and waiting for their turn to talk. No offence to anyone but some of the podcasters look very disinterested, not going to take any names. Please keep Abhinandan as the host and we'll keep reminding him of his uncle behaviour whenever necessary.
Oreen
In the interest of time, keeping it short for you. This is related to the letters sent to Hafta. I would recommend you read out all the news as in but release it separately under the Hafta podcast with the same Hafta episode number. I like listening to the views sent by the subscribers. In fact, listening to the regular subscriber mails makes me feel like I have grown to know them a little now...like a pen pal in modern times. Keep up the good work.
We have a new Sena project that tracks police excesses and impunity across eight states. Click here to contribute.
Newslaundry is a reader-supported, ad-free, independent news outlet based out of New Delhi. Support their journalism, here.
