SONGSOPTOK: We would like to start this interview with your opinion
on the theme of our current issue. Do you think that cultural heritage has a
role to play in modern society? Why?
RIMI PATI: Some people may think cultural
heritage is archaic and has a limited role in modern society. However, I
feel exploring my heritage gives me an automatic sense of identity and
belonging to a group. Without this sense of identity, it is easy to feel lost
in the melting pot of today’s world.
SONGSOPTOK: How would you
define cultural heritage? In your opinion, is it something tangible or
intangible? Or is it a combination of both? If so, in what way?
RIMI PATI: Cultural heritage has both
tangible and intangible qualities. The sense of belonging is intangible while
the benefits are tangible. We feel more inclined to help when a member of our own
community is faced with hardship. Our
distinctive love of specific types of arts and crafts, drama and cinema are examples of cultural heritage we can see,
touch, or consume.
SONGSOPTOK: In the country
and the society you live in, do you think culture and cultural heritage are
important? In what way?
RIMI PATI: Culture and cultural heritage is important in
every society but more so in a heterogeneous society I live in. Preservation
of cultural heritage is firmly rooted in the national
consciousness of United States. Even
minor artifacts of historical importance are
preserved and restored with great care. I have attempted to emulate this by preserving
personal cultural artifacts I consider important for the next generation.
Silver ware, brass pots, hand stitched items, art work are examples of
artifacts I try to preserve and attach special value.
SONGSOPTOK: What, if any,
are the outward manifestations of this heritage in the day to day life of the
society you live in?
RIMI PATI: Culture consists of patterns of learned
behavior, skills, attitudes, motives and values. In my daily life in United States, I marvel
at the outward manifestation of this heritage in the form of their collective
behavior. These manifestations may take the form of, love or adherence to
particular symbols or signs. They may be negative or positive. For example, the
Confederate flag is deeply abhorrent to everyone else but held in high esteem
as a symbol of Southern cultural heritage.
SONGSOPTOK: Is culture, in
its different components, taught or learnt? Should it, for example, be taught
to children? Or is there a different way of transmission of cultural values to
future generations?
RIMI PATI: Culture cannot be acquired in a vacuum so it
is definitely learned. Children acquire
culture by observation or immersion. The essential core of our traditional
culture, attached values, should be transmitted to the next generation by a
manner that is acceptable to both parties.
I think our actions and how we conduct ourselves in our daily life
speaks to the next generation much more than any formal teaching via books or
digital media. However, insisting on
“our way” is best avoided when trying to impart culture based knowledge.
SONGSOPTOK: In your opinion,
can culture be equated to tradition? Or do you believe culture is actually a
living thing that tends to evolve over time?
RIMI PATI: Arranged marriages, conservative attitude
towards women, and deeply rooted family values are considered to be the
tradition of people originating from the Indian subcontinent. However, culture is a living thing that is
never stagnant. It is healthy for traditions to evolve with time so future
generations will not be alienated.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think
that the increasing importance of technology and mechanization of modern
society play a significant role as far as cultural heritage is concerned? Does
the word ‘heritage’ have any relevance to the society you live in? Can you
please give us some examples to illustrate your answer?
RIMI PATI: Technology and mechanization can hinder or
accelerate cultural heritage. The demands of the individual become increasingly
important and eventually replace the family or community. A proud display of local heritage is often
observed in the society I live in. For example, Southerners celebrate their
heritage by playing country music, drinking sweet tea, and dancing the Shag.
SONGSOPTOK: What, if any,
are the impacts of your own cultural heritage in your very personal sphere? If
you live in a multicultural society, how would you analyze the interaction
between different cultures?
RIMI PATI: My
cultural heritage does have considerable impact on my personal life and how I
choose to conduct my interpersonal relationships. Even after quarter of a century of living in
a Western culture, I am not comfortable when hugged or kissed by men or women
with whom I have minimal acquaintance. I prefer to verbalize my greetings,
smile and make eye contact. However,
there is no way I could make my preferences clear without offending members of
the majority culture. It is a strange
paradox that Western societies value interpersonal space more than Asian or
Latin Americans. What is considered polite also differs from culture to
culture. Asians often invite others for
elaborate home cooked meals. Such activities are not a part of American
culture. Yet Americans are very hospitable and accepting of other races and
cultures. They choose to interact in other social spheres such as organized
games, international festivals or cultural programs.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you believe
that you have to stop being traditional – that is, give up some of your beliefs
and practices in order to be ‘modern’? Or do you think that there is no
incompatibility between the two? What is your personal experience?
RIMI PATI: I live in a modern, multicultural society. It
is not mandatory to give up my traditional garb or religious practices. I have
made some compromises regarding my beliefs and practices. For example, a beef
meat ball lovingly served by a local Christmas party host will be discarded
discreetly because forcibly covering my plate would embarrass and bewilder the
host. The red sindoor in my hair parting (mark of a Hindu married woman) has
mostly been relegated to an annual occasion to avoid unwanted and misguided
concern from local folks unaware of this custom. There is a degree of incompatibility
between my beliefs of food preparation, religious observation, modesty and the
dominant culture in USA. Striking the
right balance and accepting these differences is the key to success and
happiness if your own culture is markedly different from the dominant culture.
SONGSOPTOK:
Do you believe in ‘cultural imperialism’? What is your personal
experience? In this context, do you believe that the world is increasingly
becoming mono cultural based on the principles of the modern society?
RIMI PATI: I believe some degree of Cultural imperialism
still has a stronghold in the
subconscious mind of minority cultures.
The western idea of beauty is a prime example. Naturally full bodied, curvy Hispanics and
African Americans feel compelled to live up to impossible super slim willowy
body types. When asked to choose between dolls representing different races,
African American and Asian children expressed a preference for white, blond
haired dolls. I believe these preferences will persist for many years.
The world is becoming more mono
cultural due to increased travel opportunities, television and access to
digital technology. Today, a teenager engrossed in his or her iPhone is a
common sight from Berlin to Mumbai to Beijing. Across the world, more and more
people are expressing their preference for American fast food, coffee and clothing.
We may dislike the progression towards a single culture but it is inevitable.
People everywhere have much in common when the exterior layers are peeled off.
We sincerely thank you for your time and hope we shall have your
continued support.
Aparajita Sen
(Editor: Songsoptok)
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