'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga

'The White Tiger' is a capturing read about the still strong class system in India. The story is told by a young man who was born into a low caste and so was expected to work as a servant his entire life. However, the man will not accept this fate and plots a way for himself to get out of his low position in the society.

The novel is an eye-opening read on how the society in India operates. The differences between those higher class and those from lower class are revealed through the author's life story. A must read for anyone taking an interest in such issues or hoping to learn about South Asian culture.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Hb5KCWQ3hBMC&dq=the+white+tiger&source=bl&ots=Gctnvip_tA&sig=LoOsLCzWDTIrF6ydGzB-_MC7LIM&hl=en&ei=AgY_TKWjDIaq4wbm9pUl&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAg

How do you mobilize people?

Having lived in the UK for around 11 years, it strikes me to see a nation that is not used to protesting against their Government. People complain about the political situation and disagree with it, yet they don't do anything to try to influence politicians or to stand up for themselves. To a person who comes from a more active Scandinavian culture where people are not afraid to voice their opinions, this culture of passiveness seems odd.

An example of this passiveness is the fact that most British people are against the war in Afganistan, yet they don't do anything in order for the Government to know how they feel about it all. (http://solomonsmindfield.blogspot.com/2010/07/only-17-of-british-want-troops-in.html)

Another example is the threatened cuts in the public sector and in public services, which people oppose, yet don't voice their opinions to those in charge of making such decisions.

Is it just culture of passiveness, of not caring, or is it simply that people don't know how to go on about voicing their opinions or opposing policy makers?

Care International Photo Exhibition in London

I happened to find this exhibition by chance today. It is along the river on the South Bank, close to Tate Modern. There are many beautiful and interesting photos from around the world that highlight the humanitarian crises faced by many on a daily basis. Go and have a look!

http://www.careinternational.org.uk/?lid=13433&bid=22

Aftermath - Play on Iraqi refugees

If you are in London in July, go and check out the play 'Aftermath'. The play is about Iraqi refugees and the Iraq war. It will take place in the under tunnels of Waterloo station.

Check the website for more information:

www.oldvictheatre.com

Oil Spill

Gwyneth Paltrow has teamed up with an environmentalist who gives talks about our energy-consuming lifestyles. This is an eyes-opening analyzes of what oil is doing to us:

http://goop.com/newsletter/90/en/