Mili Doshi

yeah no

[❤️ @umairh]

Very very few societies, almost none, handle this moment well. The first step is to grasp just what’s on the cards. The horrors of authoritarianism and fascism are ultra real, which is what makes them difficult to face, which is why societies go numb in these crucial moments

[Vir Das @thevirdas]

The least privileged people that politicians evoke in their speeches are the ones they underestimate, neglect, divide and suppress the most. They underestimate their long term memory, insult their intelligence with their rhetoric, and disregard their morality. They try and manipulate their hunger instead of appealing to their substantial
Intelligence, and their instinct for rejecting arrogance.
And while the privileged cowardly strategise where their bread is buttered, and switch ideologies based on profitable gusts of wind….the very people that you assume are uneducated and weak, will show you a mirror, timeless humanity, and save a democracy.

[রাজ শেখর @DiscourseDancer]

Looking around my social timelines, this realization sets in of how heavy this psychological weight was on all of us and for the last 24 hours has been a rare moment of unbridled joy in a decade.

[sugarplum @proseluvr]

forgive me karl marx for I have bought

[trash jones @jzux]

when i ask “how are you” that’s actually shorthand for “how are you still waking up every day and going about your daily life when it feels like society is disintegrating like a nature valley bar”

[☔ @Whotfismick]

my brain at 3am:

[Jenni @hashjenni]

Me coming home after being friendly and social all day:

[Darab Farooqui @darab_farooqui]

Extremely long post. But read it to understand what 'Muslim Areas' Mean: (This would help you answer the malicious Sanghi Propaganda)

In considering the existence of "Muslim neighborhoods" in India, it's crucial to approach with empathy and grasp the intricate layers contributing to their formation. These areas, often labeled as "Muslim Areas," function as euphemisms for what can be described as “Muslim ghettos”. Defined as quarters of cities where minority groups reside due to social, legal, or economic pressures, these areas encapsulate the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Let's delve into the origins and complexities that have led to the emergence of these neighborhoods.

1. Through Extreme Violence: The scars of communal violence, manifested in pogroms and other communal violence, have left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian cities. Take, for instance, the large Muslim suburb of 'Mumbra,' a poignant reminder of the forced evacuation of Muslims from affluent neighborhoods during the 1992 Mumbai riots. It's crucial to acknowledge that such displacements are not exclusive to Muslims; Sikhs, during the 1984 pogrom, sought refuge in Sikh-dominated parts of Delhi. The Sachar Report underscores a harsh reality – Muslim ghettoization is exacerbated in communally charged areas. Thus, communal violence becomes a primary driver of the spatial segregation witnessed in the cities of India.

2. Through Legislation: Legal measures, aimed at regulating societal dynamics, sometimes result in unintended consequences. Juhapura, a Muslim ghetto in west Ahmedabad, stands as a stark example segregated under the Disturbed Areas Act of 1991. A physical barrier, a 20-foot high wall with fencing, separates the Hindu settlement from the Muslim slums. The irony of establishing peace through discrimination is evident. Purchasing land outside designated Muslim ghettos often triggers sensationalized narratives like "Land Jihad," perpetuated by Sanghi media outlets.

3. Through Social Ostracization: The fabric of society is woven with the threads of inclusion and exclusion. A closer look at registered societies in Delhi reveals a concerning trend – a substantial majority lacks Muslim representation. 68% of registers 2000 housing societies in Delhi have zero Muslim member. So ask yourself where does the 12% of Muslim population live?

Social ostracization, illustrated by the historical labels like "Pakistan" or "Chhota Pakistan," coined by the majority since the 1950s, amplifies the challenges faced by Muslim communities. Purchasing property in India's affluent demographic becomes a near-impossible task for Muslims, with property agents often revealing the stark truth.

4. Easier for Communal Administration to Manage: The post-independence era has seen a shared approach from political entities like Congress and BJP towards communal administration. Distrust towards Muslims has, unfortunately, been a recurring theme since 1947. Concentrating communities in specific areas simplifies governance, reminiscent of tactics employed by Israel or the Nazis in Jewish ghettos. A police-state style administration, maintaining a monopoly of violence, ensures control over these concentrated pockets.

Moreover, neglecting these regions allows the allocation of civic funds to areas favored by the majority, perpetuating socio-economic disparities.

5. Ghettoization promotes control over communication and thought: Have you ever pondered why Muslim communities, despite facing challenges in education, employment, and living conditions, don't find these as significant election issues? The knee-jerk assumption might be that Muslims prioritize Islam over civic needs. However, the truth is far more nuanced.

Muslims, much like everyone else, value medical care, education, and jobs. Yet, the dynamics change when communities are deliberately confined. Imagine if Muslims were dispersed, engaging with diverse perspectives. However, concentration in specific areas provides a unique form of control over their conversations, communication channels, and even thoughts.

Contrary to fostering open-mindedness, this clustering often results in a controlled environment. As a testament to this, Muslim free thinkers, whom I've encountered over the years, emerged from varied backgrounds, exposed to diverse ideas. However, when confined, religious leaders become influential in shaping community narratives.

Over four decades, I've witnessed a recurring pattern of talking points in Muslim communities across India. The lack of widespread sociopolitical movements among Muslims isn't due to a lack of aspirations but is rather a consequence of controlled narratives. Even events like the CAA/NRC protests, while significant, are often perceived as self-preservation rather than broader social consciousness.

A profound question arises – who shapes the leadership narrative for Indian Muslims? The influence of the Savarna media becomes evident, determining figures like Owaisi, Ajmal, (I have nothing against both of them) or the familiar "Maulanas" as representatives of all Indian Muslims.

This selective representation not only reinforces majority prejudices but also limits the portrayal of the vast diversity of viewpoints within the Muslim community. The stereotype works both ways, deepening existing biases while constructing a distorted hero narrative with Muslims.

In essence, controlling thoughts and ideas within defined geographical units becomes a mechanism for managing narratives. Recognizing this complexity is crucial for fostering empathy and understanding when discussing the challenges faced by Muslim communities in India.

6. For Electoral Gerrymandering: The political dimension adds another layer to the spatial organization of communities. Concentrating Muslim votes in specific areas facilitates electoral gerrymandering, dividing and manipulating representation. This strategic division is observable in political maps, especially in regions with a substantial Muslim population. Dividing these areas into multiple constituencies raises concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of democratic processes.

For those yearning for a riveting deep dive, an entire library of books eagerly awaits to enlighten you. d

Don't have the time? The Sachar Committee's recommendations offer a thrilling rollercoaster of insights. So, the next time someone casually brings up the topic of Muslim areas/neighborhoods/ghettos, realize you know nothing. Ignorance, of course, is a forgivable sin, but don’t be an apathetic fool.

[ely kreimendahl @ElyKreimendahl]

sorry we’re not doing “apolitical” anymore. Just say you’re a horrible person and go

[Scroll.in @scroll_in]

#RamTemple | Ayodhya dispute was not just about a plot of land – it was about how we imagine India

https://t.co/eUEFSxwTFd

Writes @harsh_mander

#RamTempleConsecration

[Fatima Khan @khanthefatima]

From a graveyard in Bihar to a mosque in Telangana, India saw multiple attacks and violent incidents on 22 January— the day of the Ram Temple consecration. At least 6 states witnessed such violence, details here-
https://t.co/P9DIvH4p3J

[clare @sadderlizards]

nope sorry can’t hang out. i’ll be getting real comfy around that time

[ovary ✨ @ovaryactorr]

It’s our time

[Anam Zakaria @AnamZakaria1]

When I studied genocide in context of the 1971 War, I wanted to know how the state produced narratives that enabled genocidal violence with such impunity while creating a culture of silencing that remains difficult to penetrate 50 years on. Many of those techniques at play now:

[The Onion @TheOnion]

What To Know About What’s Happening In Israel And Gaza https://t.co/CS4LSnPnou

[Mili Doshi @mili_doshi]

must i google everything?

[Emily Fox Kaplan @emilyfoxkaplan]

This essay is by far the most personal piece I have ever written, and publishing it feels like the scariest—and most important—thing I have ever done.

It is about the hell that was my childhood, and how systems of power and abuse are created—and upheld.

https://t.co/tSxhM6YKt0

[Mili Doshi @mili_doshi]

how do i tell myself that binge-watching hannah gadsby in bed is not the solution to my personal crises

[Tanisha @sharkhootery]

Grief and CPTSD are devious, and you do not get to pick the parts of you that they build a home in. All you can do is notice how they shift from one body part to another, and gently urge it to come out and play. Let those shoulders stretch sometimes, let that jaw unclench.

[The Caravan @thecaravanindia]

On Ambedkar Jayanti, read a selection of 15 longform essays and reports from The Caravan’s archives that dissect the perversions of caste in India.

🧵Our latest #CaravanCollection with insightful writings on #caste.

https://t.co/nY4Qh1iRQk