The Namesake
Saw the movie "The Namesake" this past week, and although probably not the feeling that Mira Nair intended the movie left my wife and I a little sad.
For those who haven't seen it, the story is about the generational issues of the Indian community in the US. The Ganguli family in the movie is Bengali, but the story could easily apply to Malayalee or any other Indian background. Definitely worth seeing ... if for nothing else, to support your Indian directors!
I was not a fan of the earlier Mira Nair films, but this one was well done with good acting by Kal Penn, Tabu and Irfan Khan. Kal Penn in particular acted great, and sad to think that he might be destined only to act in this kind of film or as the comedic Indian sidekick, as mainstream Hollywood doesn't quite seem ready for a desi lead actor.
Back to point, through the entire film there clearly is communication breakdown between parent and children - something all too common in many households. But, this is more than just language, as the reality was that individuals had different perspectives, dreams and desires based on their personal experiences. Even if people spoke the same language, unless they understand what the other person is going through it's hard to connect.
But, despite this sobering truth, the realization is the Indian heritage and family bonds at the end is the common denominator. In the movie, it took the death of the Ashoke (the dad) to begin this revelation to everyone in the family.
Having grown up both in India and America, for me I could understand the emotions of Ashoke (dad), Gogul (2nd-generation son) and Ashima (mom) ... but, for those who never studied or lived in India I wonder if Ashoke and Ashima seemed 'stupid' or 'old'.
There are some of the 2nd-generation kids here that believe in 50 years there will be no Indian community ... that we will all get assimilated without an identity or culture. It is hard to argue this point when looking at the various Malayalee "cultural" functions in the US such as FOKANA, or make conclusions on the culture from what is seen at Church on Sundays.
Not sure if the mentality will change when they have children of their own, but right now the over-riding thought of some appears to be why fight the Borg ... but, this logic makes no sense. Other immigrant communities have been integrated well into the American fabric without loss of identity.
The culture that we discovered and love is one where people do sincerely care about each other regardless of position or title, where one can call upon another Malayalee regardless of time of day for help. When a tragedy in the family occurs, people do come forward selflessly to help.
As illustration, last month we went to a party at a colleague's house, and not only where we the only ones who came with children but for the most part spent the evening were huddled in the corner of the house with most people at the party just ignoring us ... something that would never happen at our home or those of my other friends. This is not really an exclusive "Indian" thing, but is one thing that defines the culture we should not easily give up.
For those who haven't seen it, the story is about the generational issues of the Indian community in the US. The Ganguli family in the movie is Bengali, but the story could easily apply to Malayalee or any other Indian background. Definitely worth seeing ... if for nothing else, to support your Indian directors!
I was not a fan of the earlier Mira Nair films, but this one was well done with good acting by Kal Penn, Tabu and Irfan Khan. Kal Penn in particular acted great, and sad to think that he might be destined only to act in this kind of film or as the comedic Indian sidekick, as mainstream Hollywood doesn't quite seem ready for a desi lead actor.
Back to point, through the entire film there clearly is communication breakdown between parent and children - something all too common in many households. But, this is more than just language, as the reality was that individuals had different perspectives, dreams and desires based on their personal experiences. Even if people spoke the same language, unless they understand what the other person is going through it's hard to connect.
But, despite this sobering truth, the realization is the Indian heritage and family bonds at the end is the common denominator. In the movie, it took the death of the Ashoke (the dad) to begin this revelation to everyone in the family.
Having grown up both in India and America, for me I could understand the emotions of Ashoke (dad), Gogul (2nd-generation son) and Ashima (mom) ... but, for those who never studied or lived in India I wonder if Ashoke and Ashima seemed 'stupid' or 'old'.
There are some of the 2nd-generation kids here that believe in 50 years there will be no Indian community ... that we will all get assimilated without an identity or culture. It is hard to argue this point when looking at the various Malayalee "cultural" functions in the US such as FOKANA, or make conclusions on the culture from what is seen at Church on Sundays.
Not sure if the mentality will change when they have children of their own, but right now the over-riding thought of some appears to be why fight the Borg ... but, this logic makes no sense. Other immigrant communities have been integrated well into the American fabric without loss of identity.
The culture that we discovered and love is one where people do sincerely care about each other regardless of position or title, where one can call upon another Malayalee regardless of time of day for help. When a tragedy in the family occurs, people do come forward selflessly to help.
As illustration, last month we went to a party at a colleague's house, and not only where we the only ones who came with children but for the most part spent the evening were huddled in the corner of the house with most people at the party just ignoring us ... something that would never happen at our home or those of my other friends. This is not really an exclusive "Indian" thing, but is one thing that defines the culture we should not easily give up.
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