Social ostracism – Woe or weapon? Part II.

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Part I discussed the horror of social outcasts. Click here for Part I.

Given the deep psychological  and physical impact of social ostracism, can it be used as a weapon?

Think of criminals who wiggle out of Law’s grasp – slimy politicians, rich businessmen’s spoilt kids, sleazy Godmen and murderous filmstars. law

For them ‘Absence of evidence is Evidence of absence.’ And we all know where, how, when evidence evaporates, don’t we?

They smugly taunt us from their ivory towers, assured of their uninterrupted  social invitations, guaranteed that wife/parents/followers/fans will ‘stand by them through thick and thin’.

I wonder how many producers would ‘Stand by them’ if the on-trial filmstar was a flop actor unable to rake in the moolah? Too obviously, the ‘support’ stems from the mind-boggling ‘crores’ of financial benefits – rather than moral reasons.

The martyred wife ‘stands by her victimized husband’, even if every evidence screams his crime, even when she is fully convinced of his ugly side. Reason?– family, children, social status, financial dependence.

The Party supports its ‘candidate’, even if his crime tally mounds up. Needless to say, the support exists only till both sides ‘need each other’.

Aam-Janta, the Common Man as judge.

So why don’t we use this very deadly ‘social ostracism’ weapon against the above? Hit them where it hurts! Continue reading

Book Review. A Purveyor of Odd Things

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‘It is a daunting task to take a three dimensional world, cram it onto a two dimensional surface, and reverse it in the hope that someone will see the message: see oneself as others do.’ – Author, Ernesto San Giacomo

19 pages. Chills, thrills, alter egoes and mirrors that reflect inwards as much as outward.

ernesto

Branson, the skeptical cop is sent on a mysterious ‘dual identity’ case. In the process, he transforms into and discovers Renner – in more ways than one.

As all good short stories, this too ends on a tantalizing edge laced with questions.

That ‘Aha!’ moment when Renner addresses Timmerman as Timmy – it almost hoodwinks the reader. The very next ‘mirror’ scene turns the whole story on its head.

Did they or didn’t they? Who spirited into whom? Who lies beneath the freshly dug graves? When lovely Hannah took time to ‘change’ before getting into Branson’s car – what exactly did she convey?

I wish Renner’s mirror reflection spelled out the color of his eyes – was it dull brown or shark black? The answer would have eased me plenty.

There are plenty of subtle hints – the kind that make you flip back and re-read the story and re-think the obvious.

This short story is part of ‘Ragged Souls’ collection: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J6NGWVS and Goodreads

Genre: Horror/ Supernatural/ Thriller

Edition: Kindle version

Ernesto can be also found on his personal blog: http://ernsangia.wordpre

Draupadi: an inspiration for Chanakya?

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The exotic and fiery Empress of Indraprastha. {5000 B.C.E}

The homely and cool headed diplomat cum Kingmaker. {370 B.C.E}

What possible thread could bind them?

Draupadi as portrayed by Rupa Ganguly  chanakya

I] The loosened HAIR, the oath for REVENGE:

Chanakya was insulted in full court by King Dhanananda. Stung at this barb, Chanakya unfurled his shikha (knotted braid) and swore not to tie it until Dhanananda’s evil rule was demolished.

Sounds FAMILIAR?

Draupadi, heinously insulted in Hastinapur’s court. Verbally, physically and psychologically – swore not to braid her hair until her sinners, the Kauravas were avenged in battle.

In both cases, their righteous rage led to a ‘Constructive Destruction’, Continue reading

Social ostracism – Woe or weapon?

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Q. 1] Are you member of any group?

Q. 2] Do you practice groupism? 

How many of you nodded for 1 and negated for 2?

Group and Groupism

‘Group’ carries positive vibes.

A slice of humanity held together by free will and voluntary minds. A hobby, a favorite filmstar, a sport, a belief, a profession can unite us.

It is a survival tactic. We are social animals. We love to cluster, co-operate and collaborate in herds aka groups.

‘Groupism’ , on the other hand, carries negative connotations. It is a method to isolate and alienate.   Social ostracism

Us vs Them.

What happens when we are kicked out? Snubbed? Ostracized by society?

Rahul Yelange & wife Poornima.

Climbed Mount Everest in year 2012. Ostracized in year 2015.

Pride of Raigad in 2012. Outcast by Raigad in 2015.

Rahul Yelange Rahul Yelange with wife Poornima

Their sins? – Being educated and educating the youth. Continue reading

Book review. Lemon Girl by Jyoti Arora

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Stars and reviewers: The only reason I took away one star is because 5 star reviews are viewed with suspicion.

Vested interests / Fellow author/ Free reviewer copy/ Friend disguised as reviewer?

I confess to ALL of the above. However, my admiration is genuine.

When I find protagonists I root for, begin to feel concerned for, when they pull me into their world, when they transcend from mere alphabets into characters and when they linger in mind long after the last page ends – I declare it an author’s success.

Premise: A carefree girl’s journey from a horrendous experience to self loathing to self realization and liberty.  Lemon Girl: Digital Ebook

Nirvi – joyous, fresh and citrusy as her namesake – transforms by a numbing personal tragedy. Her quest for ‘acceptance’ Continue reading