I sat In the darkness my flowing gown enshrouding me a fine sheath of apprehensive armour....
I wasn't just disgusted but burning inside with indignant outrage.
What right do they have to comment upon my dress?
Some of my holier than thou neighbors steeped in stagnant tradition?
Ok I realize that you find me odd because I dont indulge in weird ethnic fusion. I do not drape a punjabi style veil or dupatta over a western night gown and step out for some sunshine and fresh air.
I really do prefer a dressing gown or house coat and it looks crisp and smart and efficient. ..
My maid sdked me not to go and chat them up so trustingly.
Because it seems that behind my back they were saying I wear just about anything and come outside...
I guessed it was my knee length baggy shorts they took umbrage to. Plus the oldest softest tee shirt I could find !
Grrr..I am angry! Now look you ethnic traditional beauties! And beasts too!
There's a whole lot of oddness going on in your dress department too, causing serious concern visually, but, - I turn a blind eye!
Even when mine eyes get dazzled by canary yellow and parrot green teamed together. Or hot pink and caustic green!
Its bright colorful and invariably like all traditional attire, complimented as indigenous...it comes with the terrain so to speak and has prior sanction.
It is also safe and convenient.
But honestly sometimes I need sunglasses to ward off all the brilliance. Under the hot Indian sun.
And my old tee is faded but does not cause occular damage like umpteen beads and sequins and geomatric patterns and what not, on cannily strategic locations of certain attire does.
I like being Indian. I love wearing our colorful clothes.I feel proud of our exquisite patterns and designs.
But pride isn't exclusive and just like you borrow a dupatta or veil and drape it over your nightdress
I borrow comfort and utility from the attire of other lands and cultures.
Lets be proud instead of extending our boundaries, testing our limits, standing on the luminous limenal threshold of every barrier, and not just dress...
That's just salad dressing. ..and no I am not about to invoke laughter by saying we are the dish. ;)
But we can pick and choose our own menu surely...if you have the right to go a la carte with a veil and a night apparel I reserve my rights to hubby's old tee shirt and shorts. ..
Now that my temper has been dissipated in writing, o.k. you guys- go ahead and have a good laugh! It's on me !
All rights reserved
(c) Amrita Valan 2014
No comments:
Post a Comment