Akram's Razor - Reflections on Islam, Muslims & America

Free back issues of Himal Southasian!

Most of you (even desis) will no doubt have no idea what I'm talking about, but I'm really psyched to have discovered this treasure trove of  two decades of back issues of the unique Kathmandu-based magazine on pan-South Asian politics and culture, Himal Southasian.

Haven't read it in a while, but I used to read it fanatically. Need to resubscribe.

Those of you South Asian expats or 2nd-gen desi-whatevers looking for a stimulating and cutting edge alternative to the MSM on Subcontinental happenings and issues really should consider subscribing.

Unlike many "South Asian" media, it actually tries to give regular and evenhanded coverage to South Asian countries whose names don't start with 'I' and end with 'A'. And unlike the gargantuan and generally numbingly dull India Today, it can be read in a single sitting without inducing a coma. Also, it's a lot more interesting and holistic, in my view, covering everything from art to politics. And always with a welcome (and desperately needed) dollop of tiersmondisme.

More on Hitler's fans in India

An Indian reader posted an intriguing comment on my post about anti-Semitism in contemporary India ("The latest thing in Bombay's nightlife: Nazi dining!"):

I believe that India hosts highest number Hitler admirers in the world. Most Indians are either unaware of the crimes committed during WWII or they conveniently chose to ignore it. Most young students and even radical elder people have a fascination, admiration of Adolf Hitler. I try to find the pattern of certain sentiments (both anti-muslim and anti-reservation) in India at my blog- it is just an attempt:
http://sujaiblog.blogspot.com/2006/09/adolf-hitler-and-indians.html

His post on the topic is thought provoking. 

I was especially intrigued by his comments on the anti-"reservation" backlash among Brahmans, which reminds me of the phenomenon of White resentment against minorities in the US over their supposed "special treatment" under Affirmative Action. 

Judging by the continuing stranglehold by the three elite castes on the upper echelons of Indian society (e.g., the Indian media), these measures have had a marginal effect on Indian society.   Nonetheless, such legitimate measures taken to redress the legacy of institutionalized prejudice (in this case against Dalits and members of other "scheduled" castes)  are resented (and no doubt greatly exaggerated) by those who have the least cause or moral right to complain about the injustices of the system.

The author also discusses increasing prejudice against India's Muslim minority, which as the bizarre alliance of Brahmans and Dalits in the Gujarat pogroms of 2002 shows is not limited to those at the top of the pecking order.