I belong to a diaspora. My family connects to a South Asian heritage. I was born and grew up in East London suburbs. My parents (more specifically, my mum) connected to India. More precisely, they connected to the India they left, and they remained connected to that India. My sense is that diaspora populations (especially …
Author Archives: muser
Some thoughts on a man
Last week I was lucky enough to see more closely the charitable work of a man I had met a handful of times. A man I admired from a distance. What did I take from the experience? Natural charisma. Everyone he met seemed to consider him a close, personal friend. A genuine love for people’s …
Managed twitter accounts
What’s the point? If you have something to say, say it with your own voice, unvarnished. Don’t make a waste of space corporate style account that is run by some Social Media Manager to send sweet messages to your fans. It’s pointless, inauthentic and patronising.
Authenticity and cultural appropriation
I went to a decidedly “inauthentic” French cafe in Mumbai. A high end English style tea house (with accompanying pretentious crockery) serving nachos and pizza and a quinoa based salad. All served with chilli flakes and oregano on the side. Why did I feel the whole experience to be a bit Disneyland? Is it because …
On being out of shape
Much of my self-worth is tied to my body image. I move slowly, much more slowly than I used to. My body aches, my back feels like it cannot support itself. My unwelcome belly hangs over my belt. The mirror reflects back to me a version of my body that I don’t recognise. Dead after …
Yoga pants bubble
I live in a yoga pants bubble. If you are reading this, probably you are too. Yoga pants, turmeric lattes, a cleaner, Psycle, organic food, eco tourism, cycling, art classes, ethical bags. And private school, violin lessons and experiential days out for our kids. The new spending habits of the aspirational class. A new inconspicuous …
Some ways in which life is like being a chess pawn
Your moves are severely limited by the system you are born into. You can only do so much. You don’t win, the king does. You can’t win, the king can. Sometimes you can become powerful, but it takes a lot of work and is frankly out of your control. You have a role, and you …
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Football
I’ve never understood why football means so much to me. Playing, yes, makes sense. It’s fun and keeps you fit. Watching and supporting twenty-two grown men kick a ball around? There is art, some beauty, lots of unpleasantness. There are stories, lots of stories. There is emotion. Yes, there is also community, a common currency …
Government vs the people
Did we ever decide that the government should be a separate entity from the people? Did we ever decide that the government should be anything other than a tool to represent our voice and be the source of collective action to solve our biggest problems? Why are we in a position where so many view …
Martin Niemöller: “First They Came For The Socialists…”
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a …
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musings of an untrained mind 