Posted by Eric Abraham on March 15, 2005 at 15:14:28 from 64.178.230.149 user EricAbraham.
In Reply to: Re: Chennai/Madras (wasTalkee English bimeby) posted by RichardG on March 14, 2005 at 15:36:07:
It seems that ALL "traditions" were once new and strange -- once the "new" wore off they became traditional. We have changed town names for various reasons in the USA quite often - New York was once New Amsterdam - Truth or Consequences, New Mexico was once Hot Springs and so on. It is all part of Life and the World. Changing back to original names is showing respect and recognition of the equality of the indigeneous people of the geographical region. (Hot Spings was changed due to a radio program's PR stunt.)
Restoring original place names is a way of honoring the original inhabitants of the area which were colonized or conquered many years ago. The colonizers and conquerers did not have enough respect for the locals who were judged to be inferior, to use either thier names or could not pronounce or want to pronounce words in a "foreign" language. Part of expanding territory - it is included in our original sphere of activity by renaming newly aquired places and things in our own style.
I remember when I went to Germany that we were told repeatedly that WE were the Foreigners and we had to respect the local people, customs, language and that we were guests in their country. It all came down to the fact that we were unofficial "Ambassadors" for our country. Remember the book and film "The Ugly American"?
It was this type of attitude that got Dr. Altounyan removed from Aleppo - the attitude mentioned above, that indigeneous people were inferior, even though he was doing much needed good for the locals - he was seen as representing the intrusive culture. And most of us do not like to be told how to do anything by others - especially some one we don't particually like. And this is not to say the people in those countries would not have done the same thing had the situation been reversed. It is simply human nature - protecting the nest and expanding our "turf" - which is what Empire was all about.
We are now more aware of the sins of the past, let us now try to correct them - it will be long and difficult - a lot of "tradition" to overcome, but if we all do our part to express tolerence, understanding and compassion, the world will be a much easier place to live. We are all in this boat/planet together.
Eric Abraham - Lucas, Kansas