Pointing out structural issues in Nepal, to Khas-aryas, is…”pointing fingers”

Post published:July 9, 2020
Post category:Social Justice
Reading time:11 mins read

When pointing out systemic and structural issues in Nepal, the structurally privileged, the hill so called high caste Hindus either go on the defensive or offensive. One of the offensive tactics they use is to accuse the person of "pointing fingers" at them! I have had that. What would have been welcome, among other things, is them listening to our analysis and evaluations and working with us to establish a more just and equitable society.

Hall of Shame V

Post published:June 24, 2020
Post category:Social Justice
Reading time:4 mins read

The fifth one in the series about Nepal needing a revolution…a revolution of the mind.
Here’s more of one of many MANY reasons why.

If protests against Dassain hurt your sentiments…

Post published:June 19, 2020
Post category:Kathmandu, Mustang & Nepal
Reading time:7 mins read

While, for the hill so-called high caste Hindus, Dassain is the biggest religious festival, for many others, it--along with a lot of the other things--is a symbol of suppression and oppression their ancestors suffered from. So, if, as a high caste, your sentiments are hurt by protests against it, I invite you to reflect and imagine how much and how long the sentiments of others and their ancestors must have been hurt by the suppression of, for example, their festivals.

Hall of Shame IV

Post published:January 27, 2019
Post category:Social Justice
Reading time:6 mins read

The fourth one in the series about Nepal needing a revolution…a revolution of the mind.
Here’s more of one of many MANY reasons why.

#LifeEh: Coming Full Circle

Post published:December 27, 2018
Post category:My Personal Stories
Reading time:3 mins read

Another #LifeEh observation. This one about how I did everything I could to leave behind, "escape" from, and rise above the yoke of the Bhote label...only to return to Nepal as a middle-aged man after spending pretty much all my adult life abroad studying, working, and traveling just to discover I have come full circle!

Pro-life Christians Undermine Law of The Country

Post published:November 10, 2018
Post category:Social Justice
Reading time:6 mins read

Before abortion was legalized in Nepal in 2002, "up to one-fifth of incarcerated women were convicted of abortion-related crimes" and "more than half of maternal deaths during the one-year study period [was attributed] to abortion-related complications."

Now we have a pro-life Christian organization with 32K strong volunteers, and hospitals run by a Christian organization most likely staffed by also conservative pro-life Christian doctors who follow their religion's narrow dictates when it comes to abortion.

My Facebook Posts According to a Friend: “Criticism of Nepal and Nepalis” And “Often” “Highlight the Privileged”

Post published:October 14, 2018
Post category:My Personal Stories
Reading time:11 mins read

Last January I decided to drastically cut down on my social media activism in Nepal. Additionally, I also decided to cull my Facebook friend list and make my Facebook posts viewable only by friends. Four months later, I came across yet another reason to do that.

USA: A Rigged System For The Benefit of The Rich?

Post published:July 12, 2018
Post category:Social Justice
Reading time:14 mins read

November 8, 2012: it had just been two days since the re-election of President Obama in the US. That day, I shared, on Facebook, how who is in the White House doesn't make a real difference to the US and the world. I argued that regardless of who is in that House in Washington DC, because the systems in place are completely rigged and those who control, run, and enforce them are corrupt, a significant percentage of the American and world population will continue to suffer.

Here's a reproduction of that Facebook post and the interesting discussion I had underneath it with friends, interesting especially now since the election of Trump to the same office!

“We Cannot use Western paradigms and values to judge Nepali customs and mores.”

Post published:July 7, 2018
Post category:Social Justice
Reading time:8 mins read

Something I have been curious to learn more about for a while: Why are Nepalis so defensive when it comes to comments about, or criticisms of, their beliefs or cultural practices? And why is one of the objections always, "You can't view it through Western lenses"? Here's an example of one such instance which got me scratching my head...again.

“Believing is Seeing!”

Post published:April 7, 2018
Post category:General
Reading time:4 mins read

A twitter user sees in charts showing the breakdown of beauty pageant contestants, winners and judges, what he believes about the kind of person I am.