I had a weird and interesting day today. I went to my field placement and we visited a work site, as we normally do, but this time something was different. This time migrant workers were extremely hesitant and would not co-operate with us. They were very suspicious, argumentative, and resisted any explanation that we were just there to inform them about AIDS and gather information for data purposes. This has never happened quite like this before. They are usually hesitant of us yes, but outwardly argumentative, never. Something was in the air.
Later on I found out that I can only send 5 text messages per day for the next, oh I don't know, 10 days or so as per the India Government. What the heck is going on today?
Well I found out. Political unrest in the northeast. Apparently the migrants at my work site were scared we were going to take their information and give it to people, people who would attack them. Violent threats have been rumoring around the media about attacks on the people of Assam, a northeastern state in India. Because of this, the people of Assam have been fleeing and have been on edge, including the ones all the way down south, in Kerala, where I am. Right now, I'm probably in one of the safest places to be. Most of the political protests and riots happen in the northern cities. I really have little insight as to what is going on politically, but there seems to be some tension with Pakistani ans (nothing new here) and a bunch of fighting between political parties. So here is a news story I came across that explains a little bit about what's going on and the history of tension in India.
Cultural Unrest
While looking up news about this cultural unrest, I also found this great article about the situation for women in India. This article does an amazing job of capturing the heart of how the culture contributes to women's inequality. It gives a better view for those of you not in India about what I'm facing here.
No Country for Young Women
Later on I found out that I can only send 5 text messages per day for the next, oh I don't know, 10 days or so as per the India Government. What the heck is going on today?
Well I found out. Political unrest in the northeast. Apparently the migrants at my work site were scared we were going to take their information and give it to people, people who would attack them. Violent threats have been rumoring around the media about attacks on the people of Assam, a northeastern state in India. Because of this, the people of Assam have been fleeing and have been on edge, including the ones all the way down south, in Kerala, where I am. Right now, I'm probably in one of the safest places to be. Most of the political protests and riots happen in the northern cities. I really have little insight as to what is going on politically, but there seems to be some tension with Pakistani ans (nothing new here) and a bunch of fighting between political parties. So here is a news story I came across that explains a little bit about what's going on and the history of tension in India.
Cultural Unrest
While looking up news about this cultural unrest, I also found this great article about the situation for women in India. This article does an amazing job of capturing the heart of how the culture contributes to women's inequality. It gives a better view for those of you not in India about what I'm facing here.
No Country for Young Women
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