Charlie Rose - Jhumpa Lahiri

[feuercmi]

Wonderful writing - I read everything she writes - truly amazing, and a wonderful eye into a different culture...

[shilpa82494]

who says beauty and brains can't exist in the same person?

[MrPullipe]

WHATADUMBCUNT

[HistoryLubber]

I loved the Namesake and Unaccustomed Earth. Will crack open Interpreter of Maladies one of these days.

[voneeta1]

Just browsing and came across these comments. I take the view that people, whatever be their origins and family background, are shaped by their environment, the interests they choose to explore, the affinities they develop, and perhaps more importantly their ability to be as objective as possible when faced with novel elements. We can and do "speak with different tongues".

[androc75]

Charlie Rose needs to either reinvent himself or retire. He needs to get friendlier and less creepy.

[DesiDude666]

At least Naipaul is balanced and he justifies his opinions through documented research. Do you have any idea how much travelling Rushdie/Naipaul et al. document for their work?

Am I biased? No. Simple fact is, you either are qualified about it, or that you restrict your comments to your own family - don't pass vague comments that are all-encompassing.

I don't appreciate ignorance. Show me her research, if not shut up already.

[RonAlmeida]

@DesiDude666 Yes these are the contradictions of life 'A rolling stone gathers no moss' and ' A standing pole gains no ground'. Every experience in the end is subjective. Not even truth is universal, it's only a point of view. That is what makes every person unique and not just an 'AMERICLONE'.

[DesiDude666]

@RonAlmeida

I would appreciate your philosophy more if you had made it less subjective and more objective, not for my sake, but for yours. If you're older than me, I really don't want to argue against your proposition, because I don't measure up to your potential experience. However, to suggest that reality is subjective and not singular is being foolish

There is just one Truth, one reality - the wise see it, the foolish close their eyes. Imagining objective existence doesn't change what is.

[oblomov222]

@DesiDude666 The point that I think gets lost in this debate (I agree that human experience is necessarily subjective) is that more objective observations are not the same as omniscience. Just because I think I see what may really be happening doesn't presuppose anything like the idea that I understand it. It seems to me the opposition is kind of artificial. I think the meaning of objectivity can be taken as a view of existence that is less hampered by "hierarchy and domination."

[DesiDude666]

@RonAlmeida

That said, closing your eyes doesn't render what just is not be what it is. It will still be so. Better an 'AMERICLONE' than an advancing ignoramus, in such an advanced stage of life that going back or reconsideration is no longer a viable alternative. Good day.

[thisworkinprogress7]

She truly is one of my favorite writers. Interpreter of Maladies holds a very dear place in my heart.

[ram789011]

The comments here are very interesting. They clearly illustrate exactly why such females win all those prizes - she creates and caters to white man's se_xual fantasies. There really is nothing Indian about this ABCD but she is playing up her ethnicity to ... make money ... just like Indian porn stars in the west. She is her body, and I think she knows it. They all want to do her and thats why her books sell. Indians dont really care about her, which is probably why she married a mexican.

[DesiDude666]

I doubt she is ably exposed to these 'experiences' she purports. Obviously, she needs to really experience rather than purely describe. I think her tone is purely commercial as a writer.

Let's face it, she's married to a Latino... clearly, she isn't in a position to really comment on matters pertaining to general Indian parenthood - her parents and her experiences yes, general Indian parenthood, no.

[LittleBirdArlines]

@DesiDude666 You don't know what writing is, do you?

[DesiDude666]

@LittleBirdArlines

Right, my master's degree was earned without writing a word. The question is do you what you're talking about?

[thisworkinprogress7]

@DesiDude666 How foolish of you to believe that because she is married to a Latino that she is not in a position to comment about Indian Parenthood - how rude! How utterly ridiculous, it's people like you who purport that Indian parenthood is so different from everyone else, and yet their children go through the same *exact* experiences as everyone else, only in silence because of people like you who will tell them it isn't "Indian" to have such experiences. Your mentality is stunted. Grow up!

[DesiDude666]

@thisworkinprogress7

Yes, I don't believe in generalizing an entire race. If you think that is childish, good for you. Not everyone's a fool you know. Lahiri is not a good writer, in fact, she's just a pretender, like yourself, who thinks others don't notice ignorance in mindless rhetoric.

For one who asks others to grow up, I bet you're some emotional bundle of toil who thinks you are in a position to tell others what they ought to be thinking (not just doing). Look at yourself first.

[askaichin]

@DesiDude666 yes only true indians living in villages of bihar can talk about India

[DesiDude666]

@askaichin

Not even them. You are only entitled to opinions only about your parents and family. Lahiri is a loser who runs her little mouth without even without demonstrating any credibility. I don't take ignorance too lightly.

Besides, if she a degree in South Asia studies or something, I'd even re-consider. She's a pretender? Just because she likes fiction doesn't quite do it for me. How good is she on the subject?

So, is her work fiction? If so, my criticism is valid. If not, prove it.

[Youtubist007]

She has amazing intro, outstanding insight into characters and superb prose in the first half of the book but second half is nothing more than a mere description of the scenery, lack of insight and boring verbiage.

[JordanjamesX]

Nobody said Lahiri has to write about black and Latino people that's absurb. Lahiri writes about what she knows South Asian cultures.

Also there are a plethora of black and Latino writers that write about their cultures and they write very well.

[tovishal2001]

She sounds confused. Typical ABCD.

[hot5red]

ABCDs get off on disengaging them from India, yet trying to show they are 'Indians'. And, Indians dont give a rats ass about them as much as they dont give a rats ass about Indians.

Funny how that ABCD bitch from Harvard got fucked for plagiarism --- living the American dream in a cultural class in their schizophrenic minds. Cry me a river!

[1Pantikian]

what do you mean by ABCD writers? also, i think she writes about her culture rather than black and latino cultures because thats what she is inspired by, thats what she knows (just as black and latino writers know their own respective cultures and thus write about them). why are you so pissed, have you ever even read her work? lastly: Who the fuck are you to tell her what to write about?

[hot5red]

First of all, because I disagree with your views does not mean you have to go on your facist rant.

Second, when she or anyone else make their work public it is subject to critique and other viewpoints.

As far as Black and Latino writers, they write about internal struggles to break off the economic and social problems. ABCD writers have an underlying tone of cultural suffocation from their Indian parents. Black and Latino writers are proud and they dont see their culture as a burden.

[1Pantikian]

first of all your ideas aren't logically thought out, they're idiotic. I wasn't going on a facist rant, if you put your ideas (however lacking they are) on the internet you are opening yourself up to criticism, just as Lahiri is. you were saying that an indian writer should write about black or latino culture (which she wouldn't be an authority on because she is indian) rather than what inspires her. you are the facist, trying to tell a writer what to write about. you're also a fucking retard.

[1Pantikian]

and you also never answered my question: have you ever read any of her books? if so, wich ones? And who is the "abcd bitch" from harvard who got busted for plagiarism?

[hot5red]

I am so tired this self-pity BS from ABCD writers. Usually their parents are well off, and the are bitching about how 'unfair' it was that their parent immigrated.

And, in a way they are overtly racist because virtually all their stories are about 'conflicts' with mainstream 'white' culture in the US. May be if she is fair and honest for a second, she should go and explore other cultures - Black, Latino etc. - in the US.

[hot5red]

Harvard ABCD bitch - Kaavya Viswanathan.

Her work - Interpreter of Maladies;

Unaccustomed Earth; recently Hell-heaven

On another note, you need to be politically sensitive about calling people 'retard' - another one of your facist frustration. Second, I never said she OUGHT to write about Black and Latinos. Her agenda is getting off on all the "bad" things Indian parents do to their kids. If she is so much about being trapped in a new country, experience some alternative things.

[hot5red]

Also, all her stories stink of elitism and snobbery. If you dont like my opinion, you dont have to respond. World is full of dumbass blind followers such as yourself.

Also, try to change your hilarious name - Panti-kian WTF is that LMAO

[LittleBirdArlines]

@hot5red We're followers for enjoying a book?

[shashanksane]

Indians can write things which are too complex for you to apprehend!!!

[irritatedindian]

I must have thing for beautiful female writers. I have the biggest crush on Jhumpa and Tina Fey.

[polymath7]

You and me both. To repeat my first comment: My what a beautiful woman.

If I should come into contact with her, I fear I'll be reduced to the basest schemes in an attempt to seduce her -even if it means pushing her husband off of a balcony.

[farfromthesoul]

me too, even though I'm not indian but she's such a good writer and really beautiful.

[enggind]

Great book... very well wrtitten she

's a grt storyteller.. elegantly n poised.. n American stories abt ppl in America but at their core still all Indian..

[Petey123123]

she is a beautiful woman and a good writer a good combonation

[danchicago]

Such an elegant and composed person. A treat to watch, a treat to read. She can do no wrong.

[upadhyn]

WTF is ur problem man..what are u urself doing as an indian than breeding hatred..

[LunaSol29]

I admire her so much. I write as well, and she is one of my main inspirations. We come from similar backgrounds and she captures the cross between American and South Asian cultures so poignantly, as well as being a first generation American.

[Scott89119]

She's lovely. I love her work.

[Mrmoc7]

"When Mr Pirzada Came to Dine"

I've read that one!

[vedaBang]

the comments on youtube make youtube a rubbish bin, why dont Youtube ban commenting

[johndyar]

If a man, hacking away in fury at a block of stone, were to produce a work of art, what is the answer?

[8data]

i love it when i looc at my comments and how insensitive they are

shes a lovely lady, very talented

and shes forlorn but tender

life is uncontrollable

[polymath7]

Dvelope a sense of humor or fuck off; my remark was funny.

[ddtoots]

wow..polymath u r hilarious!

my friedns and i used to do that too-try to use as many "big" words in a sentence as we could. It was fun and hilarious..i enjoy seeing how you try to use them in your comments. I actualy read the lines imagining you saying them in some sort of accent (ok a british one!), and its hilarious! you are very funny!!

[polymath7]

What the Dickens?! I daresay I've never been insulted in all my...

Yes, I often receive comments of this sort from other unlettered bovines who seem to find formal English and the unabashed use of polysyllabic words so amusing.

These are the same organisms who giggle when "The Lone Ranger" (LOL!) is performed in a concert hall.

If it will please you better, I shall henceforth take great pains, as you so scrupulously have, not to exceed the erudition of a mildly precocious eight-year-old.

[choweee]

Stop trying so hard. If you want to be taken seriously, simply speak more clearly and elegantly. It's that easy :)

[polymath7]

My remarks are perfectly clear and if there is any confusion as to what it is I wish to say, the fault is not mine:)

[choweee]

I disagree.

[polymath7]

What makes you so presumptuous as to think I give a damn?

If I want advice on my prose style, I'll ask for it -but it is in the highest degree unlikely I shall ask you.

[polymath7]

Five "thumbs down" for my original comment?

Frankly, I would expect the audience for this video to be more intelligent than that, and to not so stupidly misapprehend from such a light and innocuous remark that I am some sexist troglodyte.

[spoonbreezer]

my mom is reading unacustomed earth and one day i was bored and started reading it. it is amazing! im already halfway through the book! she really makes you want more when she ends her stories. their just amazing!

[Sandastic]

I don't know what is more soothing, listening to her or reading her work? Goregous woman!

[polymath7]

My, what a beautiful woman. If I should come into contact with her, I'm afraid I'll be reduced to the basest schemes in an attempt to seduce her -even if this means pushing her husband off of a balcony.

[cmfisch978]

My, what a beautiful woman. If I should come into contact with her, I'm afraid I'll be reduced to the basest schemes in an attempt to seduce her -even if this means pushing her husband off of a balcony.

-----------

In case you missed the memo, there is more to her than her body parts; she's actually a pretty good writer who probably wouldn't be seduced by your misogyny.

[polymath7]

(chuckle)Although this memo to which you refer did indeed escape my my notice, I am well aware of Ms. Lahiri's literary merits. My remark was made with levity, and I am no misogynist.

[cmfisch978]

Well, misogyny is an insidious cultural phenomenon, as your original post proves, given its focus on her as a sexual object rather than a writer. After all, she is being interviewed by Charlie Rose, not the Playboy Channel.

[alwaysright10000]

This will likely sound more truculent than I intend, but if ever there were a word I am sick of, it is "culture" and in any event, culture has little to do with it. I promise you, every heterosexual male (including Charlie, I'm sure) is -whatever his remonstrance to the contrary- thinking the very same thing. This is of course a platitude, but there is a reason it has become platitude.

[polymath7]

Oh, I made a mistake. I am using a friend's computer and that reply was supposed to have come from polymath.

[WingsTM]

You ARE always right, alwaysright...Ms. Lahiri was talking about how she lost her mother-in-law and father-in law, and all I could think about was how I was gonna spread my DNA with her help.

(I'm being sarcastic)

[polymath7]

What an obtuse and puerile attempt to refute my observation.

I did not by any stretch suggest that this is ALL I was thinking about and, your false dichotomy notwithstanding, assure you I am quite able to entertain more than one concept at a time. You also, by referring to the deaths of her parents-in-law, seem to mawkishly and quite baselessly imply a certain callousness on my part.

How tacky.

[nikashamit87]

do you write to please yourself ?

[polymath7]

Do you mean Youtube comments?

Actually, yes, my Youtube comments are written entirely for my own amusement.

[polymath7]

You seem to be full of or own insidious biases. For instance, you overstate your case by using the word "misogyny" when you mean (or should mean) "sexism", and you single out my comment for scorn, raising no objection to the one that stats that all Indians are compassionate and lovable; which, on purely rational grounds, is neither more nor less egregious than saying all Indians are charmless and hard of heart.

[cmfisch978]

You seem to enjoy the sound of your own keystrokes; my use of misogyny was perfectly acceptable in its original context. I'm not your personal dictionary, so you'll have to relearn the meanings and appropriate contexts of both words on your own time, not mine.

Two, nice non-sequitur. I didn't notice that other post, as if that has anything to do with what we're debating, but I'll make sure to chide that other poster as well. Give me a minute.

[polymath7]

Acceptable to whom? Certainly not to anyone with any earnest interest in semantic veracity. Where is hatred of any kind -insidious or overt- even faintly implied anywhere in my original post? As for my supposed non-sequitur, my point was that a ludicrously prejudiced comment seemed to have escaped your notice and gone unremarked because there was nothing "offensive" in it. Had it stated the obverse, you would surely have had something to say. What is this if not insidious bias?

[cmfisch978]

Sure, okay. Fair enough. You get the last word. I'm really not interested in wasting much intellectual energy in the comments section of a Youtube video, as I have too much of my own work to focus on to go back and forth with you for days like this, which is where I see this headed. Sorry if I overreacted to your comment and you took offense.

[polymath7]

I'm sorry, I suppose I expressed myself rather poorly. I was not offended and did not intend for my tone to seem confrontational. I just thought it might be worth a moment's time to invite you to examine some of your own assumptions. Again, I apologize for coming off as more aggressive than I intended.

[planetcop]

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedalian­ism!

[Avinashl]

ahhhhh! interesting but dull!

[8data]

shes not that great

prefer coetzee

[8data]

what a dumbass comment, 8data

[polymath7]

I've noticed several of your comments elsewhere, 8data, and I must say, you my dear are very, very odd. You remind me of a loony ex-girlfriend. (chuckle)

This would not by any chance happen to be Tanya V, would it?

[junkaa1234]

she seems so boring

[gabrielaSH]

sorry...you seem boring!

[junkaa1234]

well played

[totalbliss1]

What an awesome writer. Her writing is so poetic and richly detailed, you're simply astonished reading it.

[jennysmith199]

what a compassionate woman she is. no doubt. all Indians are like that compassionat,lovable,caring&ad­orable,they all are great parents put values of culture and diversity in human being respectisiam,wow you INDIANS ARE ROCKING TO HAVE PEOPLE LIKE BEAUTI WITH BRAIN.A GREAT LADYIN INTERVIEW,AS WELL AS MOTHER TOO,& HAVE DEEP SENSE OF RESPECT FOR HER IN-LAWS AS SHE EXPLAINING IT THOUGH.

[smokes2468]

She is one the most Beautiful Women I have ever seen. She is lovely and so Soft Spoken. What a classy woman.

[beev7]

right, isnt she? i saw this the other day and what a beautiful women, and shes much older than what i had assumed. i can also relate to what shes saying, shes so calm and settled its rather sexy. haha

[smokes2468]

I know what you mean.