Made In .......

   What happened in Bangladesh this month was a tragic loss of forlorn, hard working and innocent lives.  The inferno at the garment factory in Pakistan and Bangladesh last year, the inhumane working condition in China’s many manufacturing factories or this month’s building collapse at yet again another garment factory forces us, as consumers of these garments, to introspect on the proposition of responsibility and collusion. I have heard many, including myself before I wrote this piece, say that customers such as us should boycott products made in inhumane conditions to demonstrate our jeremiad and compassion.  There are even louder voices amongst us that are castigating not only the national governments and the owners of these factories but also the corporate fashion houses, which are outsourcing production to these low wage economic quagmires. So where does the buck stop? 

   
   Before I wrote this piece I was torn by this very question. Am I, shopping at the Wal-Mart’s, Express’s, GAP’s and Apple’s of the world, equally responsible for what happened 7000 miles away, or should I fashionably point fingers at these very corporate houses that pamper me with grade-A fashion and affordable technology? After some contemplation and rationalization, I hold neither the corporate houses nor people like me responsible for the tragic events that occurred in Bangladesh. I believe the buck stop with the owners of these factories and the national government that houses them. Countries such as China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan etc.. with their myopic vision of economic development compete is a region known for extremely low labor cost that the west views as a pot of gold. This myopic vision not only blurred their vision of economic sustainability but also forced them to ignore the fundamental protagonists of a viable and robust economy – the workers and the consumers. 

   It’s not the lack of labor laws but the lack of enforcement of these laws that drives the workforce of these countries to operate in such inhumane conditions. Both the curbing of union power and at times the union itself has made the situation in these “wanna-be” capitalist countries deteriorate with every passing percentage point GDP increase. Blaming corporate houses from the west is distracting us from focusing on the core issue in these countries and is serving as a perfect alibi for the actual culprits. If these corporate houses owned and managed these factories under their own capacity, then it is justified to blame them for not enforcing their western work ethics on their international subsidiaries. But the situation as seen in Bangladesh does not line up with the aforementioned situations. Such Corporate houses provide employment in developing nations, and demonizing them will just alienate investors and cease employment opportunities in countries such as Bangladesh. Also, such a hostile attitude towards western corporate houses will act as fodder to radical protectionist and to the so called ethical consumer, who prefer locally produced goods over those imported from across the borders.

   We need to stop this misguided witch-hunt on western consumers and corporate houses and focus on the real issue - improvement and enforcement of labor laws, workplace regulations and labor unions. It would be prudent to draw from the western corporate house’s experiences on developing, enforcing and monitoring safety regulations and legislations rather than antagonize them for frivolous anti-reformist and anti-globalization propaganda. National government must zealously pursue a course of action to elevate safety and working standards and vehemently pursue local corporations who blatantly ignore such legislations for personal gains on the backs of pauperized and innocent workers. Only then will developing countries be able to liberate themselves from the delusion of their social achievement and admonishment of other for their self inflicted anguish.   

Trifurcation of Timeline

History and time have been bifurcated for years but that seems to have changed ten years ago and a new timeline was unconsciously accepted by the world. I still distinctly remember the day like many others, when two giant steel birds brought the pride of a nation to the ground- the ground which we now know as ‘Ground Zero’. A lot has changed from that day onward and as I reflect back reminiscing the decade behind us , I question whether what happened happened for a constructive reason or was it a futile exhibition of fanaticism from one side and excessive prudence from the other.

The definition of terrorism was not inked after the September 11^th attacks but it took an indelible form from that day onwards. A society oblivious of the heinous acts of terrors plaguing the world around it was juddered so hard that it still tries to pick it self up from the rubbles. From September 12^th onwards, America and the rest of its cohorts in the western world broke away from their tenet and acknowledged that terrorism in countries like the former Soviet, Africa , South East Asia and the Subcontinent were not just confined within the borders of an exacerbated nation but were intertwined in a complex global society. From that moment onwards the United States took upon itself the responsibility to eradicate the world of religious fundamentalism with a phantasm which was idealists to many and repulsive to the Islamic world. But this phantasm, as prejudiced as it was did have positive ramification around the world. Intelligence sharing, which even after the cold war era was considered a taboo among many countries had become a protocol in the war against terrorism. Societies were clandestinely inundated with advance technologies to detect suspicious activities which have impeded terrorist activities around the world. So, before P911 (time line of post September 11^th) when defending a nation plagued and intimidated by terror was considered ones own obligation, today this obligation is shared by the international community ( even though participation is dictated by self-interest). This is why I question – what happened that day did it happen for a constructive reason?

The decade P911, the world not only changed in a way society jointly viewed terrorism but also itself. Was it all a futile exhibition of fanaticism ? I believe it was. The message which the terrorist stamped on the world was that of a few fundamentalist. They are minions working as mercenaries who carry the agenda of a handful of intelligent, nefarious and obdurate men who manipulate the thinking of vulnerable individuals by haranguing trenchant religion literature. With the assassination of Osama-Bin-Laden and the noose tightening on mother ship ( audaciously borrowing from a Sifi movie as a metaphor for Al-Qaeda), what is left are off-shoots/splinter cells who have demonstrated their atypical attributes but also their lack of sedulousness when it comes to execution. 2011 has been a revolutionary year, in literal terms, with many Arab countries in the middle east and North Africa ousting despots giving way to a democratic and free society. Ironically these are the very fundamentals upon which the free world was formed, which the religious radicalist want to abrogate. Its surprising how things at times come a full circle, the society for whom you think you are fighting for with a imperious tenet eventually repudiate it for what radicals consider  as a prosaic and irreligious tenet.  So, do you think it was a futile exhibition?

And, has the decade P911 been an exhibition of excessive prudence? The past decade has not only strengthened a societies emotional integrity but also diluted its cultural and religious identity. Racial profiling is unconsciously embedded into the minds of the people. The color of your skin, the length of your facial hair and the attire your wear which signified cultural and regional identity has been replaced by radical religious identity. Adding to the already arduous airport security a secondary screening done through racial profiling has left an indelible emotional trauma on a particular sections of the society. Security checkpoints at entertainment centers, museums, monuments, shopping malls etc have impeded the core ideal of our society – Freedom (of movement). Generations oblivious towards such rationale will slowly accept this societal behavior as a norm going ahead, which will shatter the foundation upon which our society prior to P911 was built upon- Freedom, Equality, Tolerance, Justice and Peace. All these precautionary measures, as salubrious as they might be, are in away doing exactly what the fundamental radicalist intended-‘Division of society amongst the line of race, religion and color’. So,  do you think we being too prudent?

(I personally abhor the term Islamic terror since fanaticism is a chimera in every society and religion.I have tried my best to refrain myself from implying any religious propensity)

The World Around Us

The right to Aarakshan

Prakash Jha is a celebrated director in the Indian film industry, who for years has canvassed the realities of social and political issues through his work. His recent project deals with the contentious issue of affirmative actions in educational institutes. As every political and social cinema in India, even Aarakshan was subjected to caste based politicking and censure. After 64 years of independence India still refuses to eradicated itself from the tenets of caste and caste based reservations.  In a global world when the balance of power around the world is changing and every country seeks its rightful position in the world, India amongst the top countries competing for this position is bickering on a system which was installed more than half a century ago. Unfortunately the very people who are trying to drive this country to the top position in the world use the caste strategy to remain in power. My opinion has always been on eradication of caste based affirmative action and replace it with a financial based system so that people who really deserve alleviation and benevolence are not left behind because of their lineage to a so called higher caste. I do not intend to moot the incorporation of caste based affirmation into the early years of post independence Indian society . The system seems to have worked to its potential mothering many underprivileged citizens to economic and social stability. So why does this system still give preference to  the offspring's of those very individuals to attained this stability through the system? Why would you need the same mothering when you do not belong to the same family anymore? Newton once said-“ Every action has an equal and opposite reaction” but the people who now exploit this system fail to see the opposite reaction of this action. Reduction in intakes through merit in educational institutes and public sector industries have reduced, pushing the once privileged society towards an impecunious and distressed  sect. The Ramans, the Aryabhatta’s, the Narayanmurthy’s, the Amathasen’s from the upper sect of the society have been sidelined to groom the  Ramans, the Aryabhatta’s, the Narayanmurthy’s, the Amathasen’s from the underprivileged sections of the society. I do not see the harm of having two of each? If India zeal's to be amongst the best in the world it will soon have to do away with the an affirmative action based on caste and replace it with one based on the economic stability of an individual. Only then will be be able to embraces  the Ramans, … who cannot afford to pay their tuition fees, hence failing to give us another ‘Raman Effect’. 

American Debt debacle

What America and the world saw and experienced over the past few weeks with reference to the rise of the debt limit can be construed as a sneer towards democracy. It is lamentable when a minority of individual representing only 10% of the country can hold the countries economic stability at ransom to fulfill ideological promises.  As the government finally compromised by kicking the can down the road, the Presidents performance can be portrayed on two sides of a coin. The only positive I take from this theater was his ability to compromise and find a level ground when the country is so polarized and partisan. But on the other side of the coin, his lack of assertiveness and command over the situation, especially against the Tea Party has further reduced the shine on his armor.  His compromise on spending cuts and entitlement reforms with no revenue increase has disconcerted not only his base but also many independents. Most economist around the world have theorized the damage spending cuts could induce into the fragile economy in the immediate future. Such a compromise will not only strangle investment into nation building projects on education, infrastructure and technology but also the political and economic influence the country holds in the world. Which in turn will further slow down the economic recovery of the country, which with no doubt will be used as a whipping tool against the President in next years election season. So, today President Obama might have saved the country and the world’s economic system but if he needs to save his job next year he will need to take a decisive stand on how he and only he cogitates and envisages the recovery of Brand USA. 

BLEED BLUE

As much as I am tempted to write about the high octane, enthralling and nerve wrecking India-Pakistan game, I am forced to reserve my excitement for the ultimate challenge. Wednesday’s game attracted  more than a billion people onto their idiot boxes but expect every cricket fanatic from around the seven continents (assuming scientist in Antarctica love cricket) to be cemented to their couch or bar stools surrounded by family and friend (or penguins) on Saturday.  

Source:espancricinfo.com

After nine World Cups, for the first time two Asian countries will face of to be called “Two Time World Champions”.  But this game is just not about winning the match and lifting the 11kg gold and silver trophy. This time there is a sentimental twist to this story- A farewell party for two of the biggest icons of the game. The highest run getter in international cricket -Sachin (God) Tendulkar and the highest wicket taker in international -Muttiah (Spin King) Muralitharan. While Murali has official declared his desire to hang his boots after the World Cup, it is still uncertain if Sachin, at his homeground would bring to an  end an illustrious ODI career. But one thing is for certain that this is will be the last World Cup both these icons will be seen in.

Saturday will be a contest  between India’s phenomenal batting line up versus the balance of a talented Sri Lankan team. Two wicketkeeper-captains Sangakara and Dhoni will be taking the filed to create history which has eluded their team/country for more than a decade. Looking back, both these teams had made it to the finals of the previous two World Cups, with India in 2003 and Sri Lanka in 2007, before being literally trashed by the then mighty Australians. Both have got their opportunity to payback for the humiliating defeat, in this tournament with only India coming on top after defeating Australia during the quarterfinals. (Unfortunately for the Lankan’s the rain Gods played spoil sports)

Both these teams have traced a very different path to come to this stage. Sri Lanka on one hand has had  relatively easy wins, especially in the crucial stages of the tournament against England  (hurts to say this!) and New Zealand.  On the other hand India had to toil through the group stages against teams like England, South Africa and then in the knock out stages against Australia and Pakistan. So in comparison  to the Lankans, the Indians have been tested and they have come out successful. One more important factor to be noted is the home advantage Sri Lanka had enjoyed throughout the tournament. They have played every game at home and will be tested in Indian conditions for the final. India surely has an upper hand playing at home, in Sachin's backyard  and with more than 30000 fanatic Indian supporters from every walks of life-government officials, celebrities and how can I forget… you and me at the stadium.

Tomorrow every India will pray for a repeat of history when  Lord Ram’s army defeated Ravan’s Lankan army to claim back Seeta. Well, to the credit of Sangakara and his men, there is no way  one can be compared to Ravan but heck(!!) who cares as long as India wins. And due to the absence of Seeta lets just associate her beauty and purity to that of the 60cm tall gold and silver trophy. As mythology claims, the fall of Ravan came only after a river of blood, shed by both sides, ran across Lanka. But keeping this battle bloodless, lets just hope to Bleed Blue on what will be the most eventful day of the year for every Indian and Sri Lankan. Now whether it is dark blue or light blue we will get to know very soon!!!

To Each His (own) Cup

 With three days in the countdown, we approach towards the most anticipated sporting event in 2011. World Cup Cricket is back to the sub-continent after 15 years. With 14 countries, 49 games and one and half months of cricket, this time its anyone's cup. After more than a decade of Australian dominance, with three consecutive world cup wins, 2011 is expected to reign in a new champion. Gone are the times when games involving Australia were considered one sided. And gone are the days when every team used to play for second place.  

The departure of greats like Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Mat Hayden, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Andrew Symonds  from the Australian team has created a vacuum in the champion team which is being filled by nascent young blood who still are trying to make a mark and carry forward the Australian legacy forward. Their sole inspiration being their three time world cup champion and two time world cup winning captain Ricky Ponting.  But even he seems vulnerable without the support he enjoyed for the last eleven  years.  After losing both their warm-up games to two competitive teams- India and South Africa, Australia has further illustrated their vulnerability. 

“The chokers” South Africa and “The Unpredictable” India- the two teams which defeated the Australians in the warm up games have been pitted as the front runners to win the cup this year.  Both team ooze experience, talent, and youth which were the attributes associated with the Australians in the last decade. The one attribute, unlike Australia, which is not generally associated with either of these teams is ‘Aggression’. Between the two who ever exhibits that aggression on the field might  stand a good chance of going all the way at the Wankhade stadium.  The closely fought one day series in South Africa between these two teams, which the host country won 3-2, showed the level of competitiveness we can expect by them during the tournament.  The key to South Africa’s success will be their bowling attack with the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, who are  backed by  some aggressive batting by Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers. What they lack is a quality spin bowler who will play a key role in slow and turning tracks of the sub-continent.  

 For India, one name stands above all- Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. The ability to overcome his jinx in ICC tournaments will be the biggest factor. Even after more than 20 years in international cricket, Tendulkar possess the same passion and energy as a 16 year old when he first made his debut. Considering that winning a world cup is the  only achievement which has eluded him, with this being the last attempt, in this illustrious career, we surely hope to see the little master light up the night skies of India with his bat. Apart from Tendulkar, India has an array of talented batsmen like the Sehwags, the Yuvrajs and the Pathans who on a given day can completely change the balance of the game and win it on their own.  A proof being the recent India and New Zealand series where a quick fire century by Yusuf Pathan single handedly won the the game for India. The one concern which India has is, its pace bowling department. An injured Zaheer Khan is the key to India’s success in the initial and death overs. His pace and swing has rattled many opening batsmen  and his reverse swings and yorkers have sealed the fate for many tail end batsmen in recent years. His swift recovery  before the crucial games against South Africa and England hold the key to India’s success and entry into the final four. The one department which the Indians can be rest assured is with spin bowling. The experience of Harbajan Singh backed with the talent of youngsters like Ashwin and Chawala; along with part time support from Pathan and Yuvraj gives India’s charismatic and inspiring captain, (Mr Cool)M.S Dhoni the options he needs to take control of the game.  

This is what the pundits say and I acknowledge that. But one team which I am rooting for and expect a lot from is England. Yes… to the surprise of many I am backing England along with my home team.  After years of searching for the right combination and physically fit players, I believe England today has one of the most talented batch of players. Led by an experienced and attaching batsmen like Andrew Strauss, he has to his disposal players who rally around each other to build innings and partnerships. Their biggest assets being the brand name K.P (Kevin Pietersen) who with his power and aggression can change the shape of a cricket ball without running the yards.  The  top order support of Strauss, Trott and Bell with K.P and Collingwood in the middle order  form a competitive batting  order. In the bowling department, the pace of Tremlett and Anderson couple with the all round ability of Brensan  can fluster and finish the innings of any competitive team in a given day.  Their biggest plus in the bowling department, considering the sub-continental conditions would be Graeme Swann- considered as the best spin bowler in contemporary times.  Their poor performance  down under in ODI’s after winning the Ashes is always in the back of my mind. But considering their previous performance and team composition I would not hesitate to bet my money on them to make the last four. They might not be as strong as India or South Africa but they are no more push overs of the late 90’s and early 2000.

No one in their sane mind would rule out Australia and Sri Lanka from reaching the finish line but there is something in these two teams which says that they will need to play out of their skins to beat the top performers. Unfortunately New Zealand, a team which historically has performed well in ICC tournament , due to their recent performance  in Bangladesh, India and even back home against Pakistan, will face trouble to regain the respect it once had in world cricket.  I would rank Pakistan under the same category due to their  highs and lows (very lows) in recent months, with allegation of spot fixing and  infighting within the team. They no longer possess a leader like Imran Khan or Wasim Akram who can rally the team together in good and bad times, keeping the focus on cricket and winning.  One team which, if any, can spring up an upset is Bangladesh.  And this was made clear in a recent series against New Zealand where they  won the series 7-0 against the likes of Vittori, Styris, Oram, McCullam and Taylor. Speaking as a patriot and a cricket lover, I hope this does not repeat against India and England in the tournament. But with no doubt in my mind, it will be a close fight between Bangladesh and West Indies (2 time champions) for the fourth place in Group-B. 

Considering it would be premature to zero-in on who would stand on the podium in Mumbai on 2^nd April, I can be bold enough to only point out the top four. Call it prediction or wish,  I put my vote for India, South Africa, England and a toss off between Australia and Sri Lanka. For now  lets sit back and enjoy every ball flying over the ropes and every ball hitting the timber!

TAHRIR

It's taken 30 years for people of Egypt to experience and celebrate the true meaning of the word Tahrir (Liberation). After being bound and trapped in a system which projected itself as the wish of the people, Egypt  has ridden high on this wave of liberal revolution which has swept the Arab world at the turn of the new decade.  Friday 11^th February will be marked as a red letter day in not only the Arab but also world history, as the day when Egypt was freed from its shackles. Horreyah! Horreyah !  (Freedom) is what we heard around Egypt, especially Tahrir Square, when Vice President Suleiman announced on national  television the words which the protesters have been waiting to hear for 3 weeks.  A paradigm shift in the order of business has taken  place, where the people have been empowered to oppose the subjective treatment of the state and stand united for their freedom and liberty.

Protests which started on the 25th of January showed the world a side of Egyptians which has always been swept under the carpet by the Mubarak regime. After two weeks of intense protest which had both sides of a coin-nonviolent and violent; superficial reforms by the government and tactics of clinging to power by allowing the situation to fade away with time resulted in the protest almost losing its fizz. But the emotional televised interview of one man – Wael Ghonim, the Goggle executive- after his release from 14 days of captivity by the government  ignited the dwindling spirit of the people driving thousands more into their little Egypt (Tahrir Square) which was the symbolism of their protest and ideals.  After the crushing disappointment  on 10^th February , when (ex)President Mubarak announced his determination to continue as president - the world predicted dark clouds ahead of the peaceful protests. Surprisingly, what we see now are fireworks  in the clear skies over the  pyramids. Visuals such as a women praying on the street with the Egyptian flag as her carpet, the giant Egyptian flag flowing over the head of thousands under the hot sun, human chains protecting the square etc. demonstrated the true nationalistic feeling which was emancipated in this revolution.

What started out in the virtual world through Facebook and Twitter has taken its shape at Liberation Square- ousting one of the most powerful autocrats in the world. As Wael Ghonim said- “I thank Facebook and would like to meet Mark Zukerberg to thank him personally.” Over these 18 days the Egyptians have demonstrated a character analogous to their last ‘Pharaoh’-one of determination and resilience. But as history will write it, the determination and voice of thousands is no match for even a Pharaoh.  

After all the celebration and excitement in the night skies of Egypt, it will wake up tomorrow for a new day. A day with no association to the name “Mubarak”, a day which marks a new era in Egyptian history. But the Egyptians and the their supporters should not ignore the challenges they face ahead. The spirit of unity , freedom and liberation should not fade away with the smoke of the fireworks. Such an abeyance is a battle only half won, exposing the country and its people to another Mubarak. History has never been with the victorious for too long in this region and the fear of recidivism will cause anxiety not only in Egypt but rest of the world. So as we take a turn at this historical corner, one should not be surprised to see a domino effects in the rest of the Arab world; with the only lingering question being- Who is next?

The Social Network

No, this blog is not about 2010s biggest movie or about its prospects at this year’s academy awards. It’s about a tool which has empowered people around the world. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube (If I can categorize it into a social media) have changed the way people communicate, express their opinion and as per the latest trend…. start a new revolution! Mighty autocrats have fallen to their knees, governments have been ousted and the world has been forced to take notice. 

The inception of Facebook was on the premise of networking university students who share their personal bio, pictures, relationship status and college gossips. Now Facebook has more than 600 million active users of all ages- young and old who not only use this media for what it was created for but also for what we see in Tunisia and Egypt. Talking about Twitter, whose inception was to bring the mobile short messaging system onto the web, where multiple people can read(follow) messages and micro blogs posted by users. As per a recent survey- 40% of the messages on Twitter were found to be countless babble, 9% pass-along value and 4% news. But this 9% pass-along value messages have assembled thousands if not millions of angry and frustrated users on the streets of Tunisia and Egypt. 

By now people around the world following the news will be aware of why I have been specifically citing these two counties. In Tunisia, the pictures and videos of the ill treatments inflicted by the police were flashed on these social networking sites. The brutal images of Muhammad ibn Bouazizi self-immolation, an act of protest against the security forces in Tunisia resulted in igniting the suppressed frustration and anger of the people of Tunisia against their government and autocratic leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. This single act of protest spread like a wild fire on social media to gather steam amongst the people resulting in what is now called “The Jasmine Revolution”. Uploaded pictures and videos on Facebook and YouTube brought the ugly truth of the government on every laptop and desktop in every home and office. Tweets from twitter were used to spread messages and organize protests and rallies. In combination with these tools and street protests the people of Tunisia were able to successfully oust their autocratic ruler in January. This was slated as the first successful contemporary revolution in any Arabic nation. 

What the world saw in Tunisia, was expected to spread like a contagious disease in the neighboring Arabic countries. And within weeks another strong republic, Egypt had thousands of people on the streets demanding the resignation of the incumbent president- Hosni Mubarak. There are striking similarities in the process in which these protests were organized- no surprise – Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Apart from galvanizing support for these protests, social networks have been utilized to request medical support to injured protesters, inform family out the country about their well being, release information and news which are restricted by the state run media in the country etc.  With a motive to control the anger and unity which was engulfed the country through these medium, the Egyptian government ordered for the shutdown of the internet. Thus acknowledging the power and influence of these 21^st century accessible and convenient medium. 

These social networking sites have surprisingly had a 66% success rate of driving a revolution to its goal from the decade they came to existence. But one should not forget Iran, where the concept of using social media to protest and galvanize support was first initiated., in spite of its failure. The question remains, are we witnessing an era where there is a shift from violent and bloodshed revolutions to a more quiet, bloodless and a socially networked revolution!!