To ze best of my knowledge, Rakhi is from a time when weaponry was not as equal-opportunity in terms of gender as it is now. There were swords, the bow and arrow, a spear or two and the occasional hypnotised tiger named Steve. With the exception of that last item, all of these weapons’ effectiveness depended on the strength of the arm behind them. Women will never be as strong as men, so it made sense to have men protect them.

Now that weapons are on a more level playing field, it doesn’t mean that you throw your sister to the wolves and tell her to sort out her own stalkers because you have QVC returns to make. I’d say that that’s how everyone becomes a me-me-me selfish jerk and the family structure goes, as AM radio sports commentators say, to hell in a hand basket. Men will always be the protectors of women, and nothing slows down a man’s impure motives than another man who’s not having his ****. It’s part of a man’s nature to protect the women he loves, and it’s naive to think that because the year has changed, the nature of human beings has changed.

Well, then I must be insane because that is exactly how I have thought. And when I was 4, I couldn’t articulate as well and so it was all these tantrums. Things like rakhi and all were all part of a larger understanding. Boys would go to school–the good expensive one, girls would go to the local one. There are many many examples of all this in Indian culture. You all know what they are so I won’t elaborate.

Kind of like saying, why is it that men are expected to propose (even in the enlightened world)? It’s how it’s been…

Only the insane can think that way… please… for most people it’s just an excuse to be happy and have fun, some pocket money for the sister… reading too much into this is futile. Jeez…

anyway, to g back to the original topic, i am aware that ashish nandi has written a text of girindhra something bose who founded the indian psychoanalitic association and whatnot. Does anyone know of any other works or theorising on rakshabandh, indigenous psychoanalytica interpretatiohns, etc.? It would be possible but I would be skeptical if the Oedipus complex was as relevant for Bengali Hindus (and possibly all Bengalis) as the effects of Goddess worship, but I don’t actually know. Which is why I inquire here from you all.

best, dr a

I’m with you Yoga…anything less than a case and i also sever the realtionship

and they had the gall to name it rakhi road

guju

i guess you heard that blue moon, the “belgian” ale enjoyed by sgt crowley at the vite house is brewed by molson. yu left ving nut you.