Egads. A thoughtful comment from my brother-in-law prompted me to re-read my thoughts on "The White Tiger." Upon doing so, I realized that it could appear that I was actually in favor of morons like the Naxalites. I should clarify.
My bro's point, that the proportion of Indian citizens living below the poverty line has steadily declined despite the rising population, and that this reduction has been despite socialist/communist forces rather than because of them - is absolutely well taken. I also agree that the best place to kickstart growth is in sectors that are well-adapted for expansion (aka urban India). He also informs me, "The government is now diverting bulk of revenue towards rural programs; the same revenue which, by the way, grew significantly in the past half-decade due to urban growth partially fueled by consumerism - like cell phones and the taxes associated!" This would be via initiatives such as the "National Slum Development Programme" and the VAMBAY housing program, both of which seek to improve living conditions in both urban and rural slums.
So, in the face of all this, is the White Tiger just a bunch of posturing nonsense? Well, I would argue not. Adiga (who grew up outside of India, in relative comfort) is describing a sector of India that, while improving, certainly still exists. And he is also reminding us (in a fashion that is likely exaggerated, I'll admit) that democracy and corruption are certainly not mutually exclusive. But I think its important to remember that the main character, Balram Halwai, is the very definition of an antihero. Adiga is describing the feelings of isolation and desire for retribution that drive some poor citizens to become militant or joint militant groups such as the Naxalites. But I certainly don't think he's promoting it. After all, his antihero is a remorseless murderer, pretty openly misogynistic, to boot. I think his goal is to understand why these groups are able to gain any traction at all in a country that is clearly improving, and one certainly hopes that government initiatives to improve rural and urban slums will help permanently destroy the glass ceiling above India's poor that is depicted in The White Tiger. It's worth noting, in closing, that while Balram Halwai is clearly an antihero in Adiga's novel, the character trait that allows him to ultimately succeed is not his desire for violence or retribution, but his abilities as an entrepreneur. Maybe Adiga is just a subtle supporter of microfinance!
2 comments:
Your clarification is accepted!
:-)
Separate to your review & blog -- I think my whole issue with this book is with 'why' and 'how' it could have won the Booker.
You mentioned that Adiga's "goal is to understand why these groups are able to gain any traction at all in a country that is clearly improving"
-- Well - I ask - why not?
Do we need a book to explain this - let alone emphasize this as an emerging 'problem'? And then be declared a BOOKER prize winner?
It is almost commonly accepted by now that crime increases exponentially as levels of capitalism and democratic civil liberties are increased.
Check: the US of A - the richest country on the planet in terms of both civil liberties and finance/economics as whole, per capita etc.
-- But it also has the highest homicide and theft rates in the modern (G8?) world of non-military ruled nations.
So back to Adiga - India is changing for the (economic) better and as small portions of population move towards having some level of 'consistent' income it's only expected that the other half will feel the "pinch"; both economically (rising inflation) and from a psychological perspective.
i.e. MOST of "have-nots" side will strive for the same via education or 'moral' entrepreneurship (microfinance?).
A small few, minority, will rebel via political means (join their local communist group) OR via popular rebellion of choice: "crime".
Adiga simply "exploits this moment" via a common, expected story instead of 'exploring the moment' further and digging at a deeper level. (OR by twisting the plot into something more meaningful instead of the basic anti-hero thought & logistics process.)
This book is being hailed (in the west) as a view into the 'real India' - that is where most (local) Indians feel offended.
--- This would be similar to stating that the SCARFACE or JACKIE BROWN films are a good view into "the real USA".
Leaving that aside - compare this book in terms of other (Booker winning) literary, imaginative minds ("Life of Pi" comes to mind) -- did Adiga really deserve the Booker? Hmmm...
It's similar to when the Film Academy 'finally' awarded Scorcese for 'The Departed' - I agree he deserved an Oscar, but not for this film.
-- THE DEPARTED - a good film but 'best picture' (?), despite not being an original film - it was a remake of a Hong Kong film
Did Obama deserve the Nobel? Did "DEPARTED" deserve that Oscar? Did White Tiger justify Adiga the Booker?
-- In my mind - they all run in the over-hyped category ...
THE ECONOMIST writer who reviewed WHITE TIGER won't agree -- but I'm willing to micro-finance a bet that at least half a billion Indians would ...
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