Probably, Indians know ‘tolerance’ better than any other contemporaneous guy in the whole world. From 50 degrees hot humid day to 2 long hours of annoying yet unavoidable traffic, we are good enough to bear almost everything possible by a human spirit to carry. This high degree of adaptability, actually asks for consolation and not applause. We know how unwanted things get, yet we manage to settle down with some peace.
When young and charged with passion, a drive to pursue a career of one’s choice is at its peak, but then dad’s highest disappointment and ‘you-are-abandoned, right now!’ kinda attitude gets-in. When in love and planning to marry the one of your choice, mom’s seemingly unstoppable tears get-in which probably is the ultimate tool to get things done. Even if still left with some spark at mid fifties and looking to give-up the 10 to 5 job for a start-up, societal pressure gets-in and one finally one realizes it’s too late to expect a change in the life.
Well, while it’s too hard to ‘set-free’ and best to ‘fit-in’ , a little peeping into a culture that embraces freedom like it’s only lover, will surely light-up the hearts for a while. This is California- the silicon valley, where Mr. PM is soon to make a visit which stands out all odds and oozes freedom against all bondages. Here are a few facts that makes California one of the highly adaptable and welcoming states of the world-
- California was one of the first states to allow women to vote in America in 1911. The 19th Amendment in America’s constitution came by 1920. By then, women in California were already practicing their rights to vote as per will.
- It has legalized same sex relationships in 1976. One of the first states to embrace the change, it laid ways for gays to nationalize their demands for rights.
- California is the most immigrant friendly place in the states. It is the home to the world’s second largest influx of expatriates. We surely need to revisit our definition of ‘tolerance’. Remember, had Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai been in India, they would have been one amongst the guys who we come across on traffic signals, returning back from a long tiring day at office, hoping that the wife is back home and the AC in the room is turned on.
- This state also celebrates gay-marriages and net-neutrality. Our stand on this issue is still unclear. And according to the new encryption policy- all encrypted data, personal emails, messages, and stored data upto 90 days back of use will be in access of the government. Don’t we badly need to give up all self-imposed hypocrisies?
California certainly has no place for ‘tolerance’. All it knows is acceptance and freedom. Freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom to ‘live’ life and not to just sustain. Hope Mr. PM gets some time out of his busy big business deals and cares to scratch the surface beyond business interests and find the colours of Californian culture a great lesson to teach India with his next Mann-ki-Baat session. Have a great time Mr. PM! :)
Source: https://www.icytales.com/california-its-freedom-above-all/
