Social Issues
« Previous EntriesMovie Review: Heaven on Earth
I thought I would write a review for DesiGupShup on a very disturbing, yet reflective movie that was released a few months back. Heaven on Earth is a film by Deepa Mehta and it deals with arranged marriages and the experience of desi immigrants in Canada. Issues of control, gender roles, and violence are also [...]
Poverty & Homelessness in Toronto
When I go to work in downtown Toronto, I often come across homeless people who are sleeping on the street. I wonder about what is happening to our society, indeed what is happening to us, when we can simply walk past a person who has no home and no place to go, without even [...]
The Sexualization of the “Dark Skinned Woman”
Continuing the discussion of the politics of skin colour, I wanted to share with DesiGupShup readers a further analysis of the sexualization of the dark skinned woman. I will be using Bollywood films as an example to illustrate the what I am talking about.
We have established in earlier posts that the white/black dichotomy traces its [...]
Taking kids to desi movies
It seriously astounds me when desi parents take their children to see Bollywood movies that are completely inappropriate for young eyes. If the film is not designated ‘General viewing audience’ or it’s not specifically a children’s movie, then you should not be taking your kids to see it!
Films can have a lot of frightening or [...]
Monster-in-Laws
Here’s that topic that married people love to discuss: Monster-in-laws. Well some of you might be blessed with in-laws that are loving, non-interfering, and positive, but the general desi experience or stereotype is that of in-laws from hell.
The most dreaded relationship is that of saas bahu (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law). It’s one relation that is super [...]
The Media and Crime: Remembering Reena Virk
The media and the decontextualization of crime is a major issue. Why? The media plays a major role in influencing society and reinforcing beliefs - positive or negative.
Sometimes we need to talk about difficult things in order to get to a point where we are able to start asking tough questions. As we start asking [...]
Why do we obsess over fair skin? - Part II
Continuing the discussion on ‘why do we obsess over fair skin,’ I would like to elaborate a bit on our association of certain colours with personality characteristics.
The best example of this is the association created with the colours black and white. We have been conditioned in such a way that there is an automatic, [...]
Why do we obsess over fair skin?
Have you ever wondered why the South Asian culture values white skin colour over dark skin colour? It’s a disturbing element of our culture, in which fair skin is deemed more beautiful than dark skin.
People may argue that this is changing now, and will point to various models and actresses that have succeeded, despite [...]
Shehzad Roy: Qismat Apnay Haat Mein
Shehzad Roy is back with his latest album Qismat Apnay Haat Mein! His song Laga Rahe is creating a rage in Pakistan because of its political message.
Masala! Mehndi! Masti! This Weekend!
For all of you people in Toronto looking for something to do over the weekend, there is a desi venue for you!
Masala! Mehndi! Masti! is back this year, and the event promises to be a colourful and enjoyable South Asian Arts Festival. Entry is FREE, and there are over 80 free events/performances [...]
