Call to Reorganize: A Categorical Imperative
Based on the current assessment of the Hindu community organization it is clear that American Hindus are disorganized to a fault wherein they would be incapable to address any serious challenge to their basic existence in the U.S. It is categorically imperative to generate awareness about this lacuna, undo the disorganization (along sectarian, pseudo-spiritual, caste and linguistic lines), and affect meaningful reorganization of the community.
Many successful Hindus lulled into complacency because of their perceived ability to integrate with American society, may not readily accept that there is any need to reorganize. However, history has been witness to several successful communities facing the axe whenever events far away have introduced paranoia and frustration in America. A typical example would be the internments of Japanese Americans during World War II. Going further back in Europe, Nazis sentenced to death all Jews whether they were economic giants with flawless accents, or poor, non-English speaking, immigrants. Their identity as Jews was the trigger. Hindus as a physically visible minority, possessing wealth and status, could become sitting ducks when a similar situation arises.
Samuel Huntington of the “clash of civilizations” fame has postulated that a successful diaspora must be able to whether a generational conflict. Young Indian Americans have not demonstrated the same passionate longing for India or Indian organizations, its sub continental rivalries or politics. In spite of summer camps, language classes, Yoga, etc, they oscillate between two worlds, one the familiar American mainstream world which is their comfort zone and the remote, exotic Indian world ushered into their lives by their family. They are sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to jump into a clear cut Christian oriented American culture or an amorphous Hindu culture loaded with rituals and a perceived irrelevance to their daily lives. Also, immense peer pressure to appear cool by neglecting studies, play competitive sports, or join the dating scene, has made matters worse since it is in direct conflict with values of the older generation. Even though it is not apparent at this time, the Christian view of the “pagan” Hindu and all its ramifications could raise its head.
Considering all these and other issues that may come up from time to time, it is imperative that the community shed its legendary passivity and actively participate on issues to protect their interests. Since the present organizations/institutions are ill equipped, to address these issues, it calls for a complete overhaul and reorganization of the defunct structure.
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