FAQ re Project
How is outsider interest supposed to help local culture?
“Outside interest”, we remember from Japan, saved ancient Kyoto from WWII bombing and feudal arts like Kabuki from postwar banishment.
But generally, when word gets around that admired folks are admiring something, it tends to get another look. Think of the boost British rock gave American blues or what empathic Hollywood films have done for embattled Native American cultures.
Some positive impact would be felt in the Bhils’ surrounding towns and cities, where urban ignorance of Gavari is still rampant. But the most important effect will be on Bhil youth who are constantly bullied in government schools for their infra caste status and “primitive ways”. Seeing their most iconic cultural practice attract world attention could ease a profound internal shift from shamed embarrassment to assertive deserved pride.
Yes, it’s pretty sad that “outside support” is needed, but when patriarchal creeds and globalized consumer culture obsess local consciousness, affirmative international attention to ancient local arts and wisdom seems to help an awful lot.
“Outside interest”, we remember from Japan, saved ancient Kyoto from WWII bombing and feudal arts like Kabuki from postwar banishment.
But generally, when word gets around that admired folks are admiring something, it tends to get another look. Think of the boost British rock gave American blues or what empathic Hollywood films have done for embattled Native American cultures.
Some positive impact would be felt in the Bhils’ surrounding towns and cities, where urban ignorance of Gavari is still rampant. But the most important effect will be on Bhil youth who are constantly bullied in government schools for their infra caste status and “primitive ways”. Seeing their most iconic cultural practice attract world attention could ease a profound internal shift from shamed embarrassment to assertive deserved pride.
Yes, it’s pretty sad that “outside support” is needed, but when patriarchal creeds and globalized consumer culture obsess local consciousness, affirmative international attention to ancient local arts and wisdom seems to help an awful lot.
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