The truth is out there - Part IV

Has the X-files series ever been popular in India? I have never been a fan myself but it taught me that “the truth is out there”. There is a slight problem tough: the truth is different, depending on where you are. The philosophers have found a nice name (a –ism name, the worst) for that nebulous concept: they call it relativism. My nomadic existence exposed me to its consequences: an incredibly large array of emotions, from embarrassment to disbelief, from amusement to irritation. Let me tell you my journey.

From Hong Kong to China – Age 23

China is where relativism puts on a mischievous avatar. In the middle kingdom indeed, “yes” has several meanings: it can mean “yes”, but it can also mean “no” or even “I don’t know”. Funny, isn’t it?

We had so much fun during our trip to Mainland China, my girlfriend and I. Ahah! What a laugh really! Remember, when I asked whether we were on the right path to the river in Yangshuo? The nice woman replied with a wide toothless smile and vigorously shook her head up and down: yes, girls! The river was actually in the opposite direction and we missed our boat-ride: ahah, hysterical! And that time when we almost missed our mid-term exams because that friendly fellow at the information counter confirmed that the bus back to Hong Kong was also running the following day! Ahah, that was too much! These dear Chinese people really are hilarious jokers, aren’t they? I am still rolling on the floor laughing!

…Or not.

Not at all, in fact.

Dear Chinese friends, you may have inhibitions in confessing your ignorance. You may prefer the safety of an utter lie over the humiliation of losing face by saying no. Fear thou not; for I am with thee! And I have good news! I have discovered a superb concept: it is called relativism! Relativism is going to get you free, people: free from the stress of losing face!

You still don’t get it? Alright, let me give you an example. In France, there was this über smart guy named Blaise Pascal. He was a mathematician (yes, it is the same Pascal as in “Pascal’s theorem”), a physician and a philosopher. And he wrote some very profound stuff, like “Truth on this side of the Pyrenees, error on the other side”. He wrote “Pyrenees”, but he could very well have written “Himalaya”. I am sure you feel better already: in the western world, you won’t be judged if you admit you don’t know the way to the post office, you won’t feel ridiculous if you confess that your restaurant is closed on Sunday. Isn’t it great? Isn’t it superb? No, don’t thank me, really…

...to be continued ....

The truth is out there - Part III

Has the X-files series ever been popular in India? I have never been a fan myself but it taught me that “the truth is out there”. There is a slight problem tough: the truth is different, depending on where you are. The philosophers have found a nice name (a –ism name, the worst) for that nebulous concept: they call it relativism. My nomadic existence exposed me to its consequences: an incredibly large array of emotions, from embarrassment to disbelief, from amusement to irritation. Let me tell you my journey.

 

From Paris to Hong Kong – Age 23

Let me tell you that one with the help of a quiz:

Q1: Botanically speaking, a tomato is a:

a)      Fruit

b)      Vegetable

c)       I don’t know

Q2: Botanically speaking, a zucchini is a:

a)      Fruit

b)      Vegetable

c)       I don’t know

Q3: Botanically speaking, a red bean is a:

a)      Fruit

b)      Legume

c)       I don’t know

Q4: Red bean is the perfect ingredient for ice creams:

a)      Yuck!

b)      Yum! Yum!

c)       I don’t like ice creams

You are correct if you have answered a) to Q1 and Q2. You are also correct if you have answered b) to Q3. If you have answered c) to Q1, 2 and 3, I believe you are a lost case.

Let us now look at the unexpected Q4: I would answer a. If you have answered c, you are missing one of the greatest culinary inventions! But if you have answered b, you are probably from Hong Kong.

Lavender and basil ice-creams are one thing. But seriously guys, red bean?????

... to be continued ...

The truth is out there - Part II

Has the X-files series ever been popular in India? I have never been a fan myself but it taught me that “the truth is out there”. There is a slight problem tough: the truth is different, depending on where you are. The philosophers have found a nice name (a –ism name, the worst) for that nebulous concept: they call it relativism. My nomadic existence exposed me to its consequences: an incredibly large array of emotions, from embarrassment to disbelief, from amusement to irritation. Let me tell you my journey.
 

From Paris to Madurai in India – Age 19

First steps in India, let’s land smoothly (we have ample time to get back into the swing of things later). When meeting somebody for the first time, basic questions are exchanged. They serve several purposes: be polite and show interest in one’s interlocutor but also pigeonhole the latter. Once aware of the answers, people automatically adjust their behavior. They abandon their initial reserve to become friendly, obnoxious or deferential. The type of questions asked reveals the fundamental values of a society.

In France, more than the questions asked, it is the unspoken or inappropriate questions that say it all. People refrain from asking questions about religion, marital status or political views, which are considered private. Money is also taboo: from one’s salary to the amount of the rent or the price of this cute little dress that fits you perfectly, darling. French people can have a 3 hour long conversation with their neighbor in a train and not ask for his name, which is not considered rude.

In India however, I experienced less restraint from people and I was asked n number of questions, each more personal and intrusive than the next from my French standards. The main concern of people was to discover whether I was married. Scroll up a little. Yes, you read well: I was 19 at that time and I believe I also looked 19 (unaesthetic pimples, rolls of fat: the works)! Who is married at 19 nowadays? 

I initially used to laugh when I was asked this question. I later understood that it is very unusual in India to let a girl travel to a land far far away if she is not chaperoned by her legal guardian: her father or her husband. I forgave my interlocutors for their genuine curiosity and obliged. But I got tired of my relativist attitude and grew intolerant with this intrusion into my personal space. I regained my French identity by ignoring the question, which somehow titillated my feminist side.

... to be continued...

The truth is out there - Part I

Has the X-files series ever been popular in India? I have never been a fan myself but it taught me that “the truth is out there”. There is a slight problem tough: the truth is different, depending on where you are. The philosophers have found a nice name (a –ism name, the worst) for that nebulous concept: they call it relativism. My nomadic existence exposed me to its consequences: an incredibly large array of emotions, from embarrassment to disbelief, from amusement to irritation. Let me tell you my journey.

 

From Arras (North of France) to Pompadour (South West of France) – Age 7

 

Food is the landmark of regional identity as well as familial traditions. In the north of France, French fries (and its famous “baraques a frites”, which could be translated by chippies or French fry van) are an example of the rich heritage that “Ch’tis” (people living in the north of France) cherish with great pride. My family is no exception to the rule: we eat French fries every Saturday for lunch. It is a mandatory culinary rendezvous of the taste buds, a celebrated calorific orgy and a weekly tribute to the god Potato.  

 

Saturday is also a great day for pupils as schools’ bells ring at 12 pm (instead of 4:30pm the rest of the week). The teachers also long for that half-day, including Madame Raynaud, my new teacher from my school in the south of France. One Saturday, she asked the entire class: “And today is the day when...?” She could hardly hide her exalted excitement, expectantly looking at us with thrilled eyes. I raised my hand as the good student I have always been and convinced that my answer will unite us in the formidable communion between two people who understand each other. “Saturday is THE day of French fries, Madame!” Her shoulders dropped, completely winded. My first encounter with relativism was painfully humiliating.

...to be continued...