Hindus attack Cinema

IVAN · Jun 16th, 2004, 15:10

So, what is the traditional/common view on Hijras?

AvidTrekker · Jun 16th, 2004, 15:27

There is one Hijra named Shikhandee in the Mahaabhaarata. He was born a woman who later became a man (due to a curse, i think) He was used as a shield to kill the mighty warrior Bheeshma. Bheeshma would not raise weapon against a woman, as was the prevalent honour in those days. Shikhandee had now become a warrior. But Bheeshma still considered him as a woman cuz he was born so. He put his weapon down when confronted by Shikhandee. Arjuna killed him from behind Shikhandee, using Shikhandee as a shield.

Contemporary, many Hijras were recruited by the Mughal kings cuz they wanted reliable guards for their harem. Some were natural, some were castrated forcibly, some were self castrations for the permanent job. (working for the emperor was a big thing!! )

Today, sadly these are reduced to begging. A cult has arisen over the years with their associated myths. People are still afraid of the Hijra-curse (a story probly created by the harem-guard hijras to guard more efficiently... but i dont really know) In cities like mumbai, normal males parade as hijras, mainly for the begging income & the prostitution income.

Today its just about money, honey!! (whether male honey or female honey !!)

Samsara · Jun 16th, 2004, 16:45

Quote:

Originally posted by IVAN
So, what is the traditional/common view on Hijras?

Hijras form their own "caste" and people have to pay them money if they turn up at weddings or births, that sort of thing. I was reading a book about hijras in a princely state and some were favourite courtesans of some of the princes.

People don't bother them and also they will cause a nuisance if you don't give them the right money for the births/weddings.

IVAN · Jun 16th, 2004, 18:16

Ok, but are they intimately despised by most people? And what about those who use their services (other than the turn up at weddings stuff

)

What I'm trying to understand is not so much how people act (don't bother them) but the general feeling towards them.

For example, in the Judeo Christian cultural environment, the feeling would be traditionally negative for such and similar categories of people.

AvidTrekker · Jun 16th, 2004, 19:00

Generally they are an "acceptable" part of India, cuz they were present thousands of yrs ago. Then the Mughal kings made them official and in large numbers. One Hijra stood for elections to the (Parliament ?) in MP.

They are not despised, except when they touch you for begging (a well known irritant to whites and browns alike! from all beggars, hijra or non!) In fact, more often than not they are feared cuz they supposedly have the power to curse you. My college classmate once hit an Hijra on his face and broke his teeth. i have not seen him suffer from any curse.

The answer in general is, yes, they are an acceptable part of society. They are never seen as homo-sexuals.... rather as male prostitutes. In fact, many truck drivers prefer males to females... God knows for what reasons.

There is no scriptural bar that i have come across.

SHIMLA · Jun 16th, 2004, 19:10

Quote:

Originally posted by AvidTrekker
There is one Hijra named Shikhandee in the Mahaabhaarata. He was born a woman who later became a man (due to a curse, i think)

Shikhandee was not a hijra. He was very much a man, who, in his previous life, was a woman named Amba. When Bheeshma refused to marry Amba, she committed suicide, but not before cursing Bheeshma that in her rebirth she would be the cause of his death. She was reborn as Shikhandee and Shikhandee did indeed become the cause of Bheeshma's death.

SHIMLA · Jun 16th, 2004, 20:01

Quote:

Originally posted by mala

It's funny how its always Hindus that are throwing rocks at cinema halls. This either points to poor journalism or one group of activists (shiv-sena?).

We are in danger of once again treading into the area of religion/politics. Better avoid!

hash666 · Jun 16th, 2004, 20:51

its just politicians misguiding a bunch of idiots into mindless acts of violence...

jay_m_222 · Jun 16th, 2004, 21:40

Religious extremists like this are a very idiotic, dangerous and destructive force in every country! They are a pitiful bunch. I feel bad for kids that are raised into these groups.

Haven't they seen the actresses in this movie!!

beach · Jun 16th, 2004, 21:48

Yes I would felt more offended by the false promise (of juicy scenes) by the movie advertisement than all these cultural controversies and all. Because I’ll lose my money than culture by seeing such movies.

What do these people say about the nonsenses pushed into TV channels?
Imagine the embracement when a full screen bikini back appears on the TV when folks at homes are having a tea and watching TV.

Hay, I’m not a hypocrite…I’m as dirty (if that is the right word to describe a male) as any other chaps of my age and enjoy all these. But not when my sister and mom also watching. I’m embarrassed and angry. There is no check on this.
This I feel hurt me much more than some odd lesbian movie shown at some B class move theater and call it a bold artistic expression. Buls**t. It’s all the hollow ambition of people to get noticed (both the attackers and the attacked). People like fools gatecrash into these theaters and pay.

After all these shouting for value systems and all also a big business. Who will go after all these if there is no money (or such benefits) to be made? People are ‘cultured’ and no one guardians are required to protect it.

manojb · Jun 16th, 2004, 21:54

Quote:

Originally posted by beach

What do these people say about the nonsenses pushed into TV channels?
Imagine the embracement when a full screen bikini back appears on the TV when folks at homes are having a tea and watching TV.

It is cable, isn't it? You always have the option of not subscribing or not watching it. That goes for movies too. If you don't like it, don't watch it. Don't throw stones.

beach · Jun 16th, 2004, 22:21

Yes it is cable channel.

No. Not much of choice in selections. We love to watch songs. First comes Dola Re Dola, then comes the indipop claiming as some original Caribbean beach music. My remote controller is overheated

There is no problem with the movies in the theater. People go or don't for movies knowing well what it is.

Jun 16th, 2004, 15:10	#16
IVAN Left this for-um Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Unspecified Posts: 822	So, what is the traditional/common view on Hijras? __________________ Humor is Freedom Ivan's Links -> http://www14.brinkster.com/jnana/links.htm

Jun 16th, 2004, 15:27	#17
AvidTrekker Veda Chanting & Mantra Yoga teacher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: body in Mumbai, head in Himalaya Posts: 2,819	There is one Hijra named Shikhandee in the Mahaabhaarata. He was born a woman who later became a man (due to a curse, i think) He was used as a shield to kill the mighty warrior Bheeshma. Bheeshma would not raise weapon against a woman, as was the prevalent honour in those days. Shikhandee had now become a warrior. But Bheeshma still considered him as a woman cuz he was born so. He put his weapon down when confronted by Shikhandee. Arjuna killed him from behind Shikhandee, using Shikhandee as a shield. Contemporary, many Hijras were recruited by the Mughal kings cuz they wanted reliable guards for their harem. Some were natural, some were castrated forcibly, some were self castrations for the permanent job. (working for the emperor was a big thing!! ) Today, sadly these are reduced to begging. A cult has arisen over the years with their associated myths. People are still afraid of the Hijra-curse (a story probly created by the harem-guard hijras to guard more efficiently... but i dont really know) In cities like mumbai, normal males parade as hijras, mainly for the begging income & the prostitution income. Today its just about money, honey!! (whether male honey or female honey !!) __________________ The Universe is an ellipsoid?... or a Spheroid?? If the sphere smiles... it becomes an ellipse. This IS Creation.

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Jun 16th, 2004, 18:16	#19
IVAN Left this for-um Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Unspecified Posts: 822	Ok, but are they intimately despised by most people? And what about those who use their services (other than the turn up at weddings stuff ) What I'm trying to understand is not so much how people act (don't bother them) but the general feeling towards them. For example, in the Judeo Christian cultural environment, the feeling would be traditionally negative for such and similar categories of people.

Jun 16th, 2004, 19:00	#20
AvidTrekker Veda Chanting & Mantra Yoga teacher Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: body in Mumbai, head in Himalaya Posts: 2,819	Generally they are an "acceptable" part of India, cuz they were present thousands of yrs ago. Then the Mughal kings made them official and in large numbers. One Hijra stood for elections to the (Parliament ?) in MP. They are not despised, except when they touch you for begging (a well known irritant to whites and browns alike! from all beggars, hijra or non!) In fact, more often than not they are feared cuz they supposedly have the power to curse you. My college classmate once hit an Hijra on his face and broke his teeth. i have not seen him suffer from any curse. The answer in general is, yes, they are an acceptable part of society. They are never seen as homo-sexuals.... rather as male prostitutes. In fact, many truck drivers prefer males to females... God knows for what reasons. There is no scriptural bar that i have come across.

Jun 16th, 2004, 20:51	#23
hash666 Lord of the Flames Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Land of the Free Posts: 370	its just politicians misguiding a bunch of idiots into mindless acts of violence...

Jun 16th, 2004, 21:40	#24
jay_m_222 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Reading, Ma Posts: 117	Religious extremists like this are a very idiotic, dangerous and destructive force in every country! They are a pitiful bunch. I feel bad for kids that are raised into these groups. Haven't they seen the actresses in this movie!!

Jun 16th, 2004, 21:48	#25
beach Lost in translation Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: India ! Posts: 2,233	Yes I would felt more offended by the false promise (of juicy scenes) by the movie advertisement than all these cultural controversies and all. Because I’ll lose my money than culture by seeing such movies. What do these people say about the nonsenses pushed into TV channels? Imagine the embracement when a full screen bikini back appears on the TV when folks at homes are having a tea and watching TV. Hay, I’m not a hypocrite…I’m as dirty (if that is the right word to describe a male) as any other chaps of my age and enjoy all these. But not when my sister and mom also watching. I’m embarrassed and angry. There is no check on this. This I feel hurt me much more than some odd lesbian movie shown at some B class move theater and call it a bold artistic expression. Buls**t. It’s all the hollow ambition of people to get noticed (both the attackers and the attacked). People like fools gatecrash into these theaters and pay. After all these shouting for value systems and all also a big business. Who will go after all these if there is no money (or such benefits) to be made? People are ‘cultured’ and no one guardians are required to protect it.

Jun 16th, 2004, 22:21	#27
beach Lost in translation Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: India ! Posts: 2,233	Yes it is cable channel. No. Not much of choice in selections. We love to watch songs. First comes Dola Re Dola, then comes the indipop claiming as some original Caribbean beach music. My remote controller is overheated There is no problem with the movies in the theater. People go or don't for movies knowing well what it is.