What we can learn from other cultures!!

Before I start writing the clog, let me clear out that I do not intend the blog to be controversial.  I love my country I am proud of its varied heritage but an incident made me pen down my thoughts.

The other day I was invited to a Halloween party and I declined to go. My kids were also invited to two Halloween parties successively in one week. I didn’t send them as well. I respect all religions but I simply do not like the idea of being in a scary headgear and makeup. But my denial was not well received. I was perceived as a regressive human being with closed views on religion.

I personally believe that we must imbibe as much as we can from all cultures across the world. But let’s not get carried away and criticize someone who doesn’t participate in something someone doesn’t believe in. People wish to be more ‘American’ in every way – Celebrating Halloween , making kids sleep in a different room since they are tiny tots , graduation ceremonies organized in International schools for lower grades as well and many other events taken place every day. All this is wonderful but if we have to imbibe the best from America then here’s a laundry list of what we need to do:

1.     Take pride and dignity in doing some housework and cooking, especially the men who no matter how educated they are somewhere believe that it’s a woman’s job, even if she is professional like them

2.     Cleaning your dog’s poop from the road which is left there to rot even in the walking tracks of even the elitist societies.

3.     Teaching your children to get involved in doing household activities since their childhood and not depend on maids to do that for them.

4.     No double parking anywhere!

5.     To broaden your views and not base perceptions on what people wear or the status of their relationships

6.     To be more friendly with our neighbours but not inquisitive or nosy

7.     To not litter or pee on the roads

8.     To not argue with the traffic policemen and intimidate them showing money and power.

Let’s start following these rules as well as much as we follow and celebrate Halloween!!

I think I am “darn right” !!