Indian women washing feet of the European contingent of Miss Word pageant has sparked a controversy. While some see it as hospitality offered to guests visiting a Temple, some see it as colonial hangover, where brown Indians take a subordinate position.
If this was a regular cultural / religious practice at the temple, nobody would have noticed. However no such defence has been offered. Telangana govt officials have called the controversy motivated and refused to comment. Pageants have flowery value statements but their practices, often culturally insensitive or rooted in objectification of women don’t always match.
What do you think? Hospitality or Colonial Hangover?
