Western cultural imperialism or just the unavoidable affects of globalization? A WSJ correspondent is interviewed on Christmas in the East. The article is supposed to have appeared in the weekend edition but I couldn't acess it. The one takeaway from this is the nature of consumerism in these societies - Christmas in not cultural or religious here - it's more about shopping and entertainment.

Whatever way you take christmas ?? It is purely a fun time and we can accomodate any birthdays or festivals to celebate and have fun. We Nepalese are fun loving by nature and are willing to celebrate kukur puja so why not birthday of jesus christ?? shopping and exchanging gifts on this occasion is also a good gesture. I just enjoy it and I think you do too.

Agree with dimple.

I don't see how celebrating Christmas has negative consequences.

Thanks for your thoughts Dimple and Duke1 - they are not too far off from mine. I do feel there is a downside to the affects of globalization but that is far outwieghed by the upside in the long run. At least in the context of this specific example about Christmas. The affluence created by globalization could actually turn out to save many local cultures - afterall, it is not uncommon for people to search for their roots and seek gratification in their own cultures once they have gotten past meeting the needs on the broader end of the needs pyramid.

i have a different take on nepalese @ least. we are more of a show off rather than anything else. "auru le godha chadyo bhane ra dhuri chadne kind" as long as we can remember to "ghati herera haad nilnu" we will be all right. and njoy our existance and presence.

but as our ADMIRAL mentioned upside of globalization is far more significant than the downside. otherwise where would our beloved ADMIRAL b raking in so many miles and free tickets hoina ta (O:

hey ADMIRAL,
belated MERRY X-MAS and happy new year!!! and do not worry about going over limit kya u can always use that second cappy (O: LOL

Thapap - Nah, unfortunately, I can't use the second one . It didn't take much logic for Sajha's code to figure out the two were one, albeit with some assitance from good ole admin I suspect :P, so I can't use the second one when the first is maxed ... he he he . And rightly so coz the rule was put there for a reason :) I felt re-registering with another name would not be the right thing to do. Besides, when I am out of Sajha I have been forced to find other things to explore - so this has turned out to be a blessing in disguise :)

I can understand your skepticism about Nepali society - I am sure there are people like that in ours as well as other societies - but I am not sure how long such feelings can be harbored especially if people find better economic opportunities and realize the critical role of optimism in upward mobility.

Happy new year to you too, thapap!

Capt saab, I see that you've been very careful today with your postings..I'm surprised it happened to you though..:) Anyway, have a nice day...