Enthu

......hey, recently had opportunity to spend time with high school (indian 8th to 10th std) students from poor slum areas, a group had organized a free discussion form/training for them.
initially they were not really enthusiastic... they seemed to have lots of negativity and aggression. it's like - we generally didn't take any favors / free services with 'gratitude'... i think inside them, they are insecure about getting exploited, and as well as, see themselves as demeaned about taking such a free service..
they try to maintain, i am cool, i am on my own/independent, etc kinda shade. (oops.. disclaimer: I am not trying to judge, or stereotype a group based on their economic strata. Just jotting down my thinking process here).

lots of them have dreams of becoming a mafia/criminal don... they come out with such names (some of those people/names i didnt even know.. they connect such people with quick wealth... glamour symbols like - expensive mobile (which is a major craze for them), car, going to five star hotel, etc.. these dreams/aspirations may seem juvenile/infantile to other classes (middle/upper)... but if you dig deeper/unlayer, then you can see that they are absolutely denied these things.. (for example, their aspirations include - taking a taxy/cab, or an A/C cab.. with full confident (that they can pay the fare without worrying about it).

so, it seems bit sad too.

and their role models include the people most visible.. especially in their community/nearby areas... big intellectuals, diplomatic (read boring) achievers/celebrities dont seem to excite them enough.

they seem to prefer louder fashion statements... without really thinking about the influences/causes behind them.. grabbing attention seems to be the funda behind wearing something. (and again, if you think - getting attention is like a basic need.. if you dont have food, you wont be worrying about a classy diner place to have it. so give me attention first.. then later comes respect.. (and i am not even sure i will get respect anyway).
- discussion about 'how media influences' with them was well received ;)

there is anxiety about 'may not be able to perform well in exam/s'. what kind of future /future career will unfold infront of me, worries them as well.

all in all, i guess i learned more... was able to deal with some of my stereotypes... and being non-judgemental.. whew! that's allways tough.. its a new battle with it everytime ;)

and as i heard:
How many roads must a person take
To be consumed,..

How much peace must a person make
To find that detachment…

How many people must a person love
To find the right one…

How much wish should be there
To find a winning lottery…

What must a person gamble
To be finally famous,

Why must a love remain to poke
Coals of lost dreams and pain…

How much more rhetoric will it take
For you to say, shut up.