The Karma of Brown Folk by Vijay Prashad
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Vijay Prashad, The Karma of Brown Folk
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
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Subtitle: Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2001, XV + 253 p. (bibliogr., illustr., index, tablx.)
Original source:
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André Padoux
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: Vijay Prashad, The Karma of Brown Folk
Year: 2002 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.637
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Vijay Prashad's book, The Karma of Brown Folk, published by the University of Minnesota Press in 2001, provides a compelling examination of the Indian diaspora in the United States. The text serves as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on the experiences of approximately one and a half million Indians living in the U.S. While the book embodies a blend of memoir and critical analysis, it reflects the sentiments, concerns, and aspirations of this diverse community. Prashad uses the concept of "karma" to explore the complex realities faced by immigrants from South Asia, highlighting their socioeconomic challenges as well as their cultural dynamics within American society.
The Complexity of Identity: "Brown Folk"
One of the central themes in Prashad's work is the complexity of identity among the Indian diaspora, referred to as "brown folk." This term encompasses a wide range of individuals, including those born in the U.S. as well as immigrants from India and other regions in South and East Asia. The socioeconomic variations and religious diversity among these individuals complicate their shared identity. The author points out an interesting paradox where, despite being perceived as part of the "colored people" category by the dominant white society, many in this community feel a sense of superiority over African Americans due to their often higher educational and economic status. The discourse around their identity is further shaped by the spiritual legacy of India, particularly through the lens of a homogenized Hinduism, which serves as a cultural touchstone for their shared experiences.
The Emergence of a Collective Culture: "Syndicated Hinduism"
Another significant concept explored in the book is the emergence of a collective cultural identity termed "syndicated Hinduism." Prashad illustrates how, despite the diverse backgrounds of the brown folk, a unified cultural identity is being constructed around a particular interpretation of Hindu practices. The formation of organizations such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) reflects this effort to unite individuals of Indian descent around a common cultural and religious framework. However, this movement is characterized more by cultural affiliation than strict religious adherence, with many members engaging with American culture rather than rejecting it outright. This concept opens discussions about the ongoing evolution of Hinduism in diaspora, as it adapts to a new sociocultural environment while retaining elements of its Indian roots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Karma of Brown Folk is an insightful exploration of the complexities faced by the Indian diaspora in America. Through his examination of identity and culture, Prashad articulates the tensions between migratory experiences and the formation of a cohesive community. His arguments not only reflect the challenges specific to this group but also invoke broader questions about cultural adaptation and identity formation in a multicultural society. As immigrant communities navigate their unique experiences, they contribute to an evolving narrative of cultural identity that resonates in contemporary discussions around diaspora, migration, and belonging.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of Vijay Prashad's book 'The Karma of Brown Folk'?
The book provides insights into the experiences of South Asian immigrants in the U.S., discussing their diverse backgrounds, cultural identities, and the complexities of living as 'brown folk' in America.
How does Prashad view the integration of Indian immigrants in America?
Prashad highlights that Indian immigrants have varying levels of integration, influenced by their cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and education, while often feeling a sense of superiority over African Americans due to perceived social successes.
What does the term 'karma' represent in the book?
In Hinduism, 'karma' signifies the consequences of past actions and the impact on one's future, providing a framework for understanding the status and experiences of South Asian immigrants in America.
What cultural aspects do 'brown folk' share according to Prashad?
Prashad notes that many South Asian immigrants adopt an homogenized form of Hinduism, forming a distinct cultural identity characterized by shared family values and celebrations that connect them to their Indian heritage.
What tensions exist between 'brown folk' and African American communities?
Prashad discusses the ambiguous attitudes that South Asian immigrants hold towards African Americans, as they are viewed as 'colored people' yet often feel socially distinguished due to their educational and economic successes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “The Karma of Brown Folk by Vijay Prashad�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) 0:
Religion
2) 1:
Hinduism
3) 2:
Indian
4) 3:
India
5) 4:
Karma
6) 5:
Night
7) 6:
Prashad
8) 7:
Destruction
9) 8:
Liberation
10) 9:
Evolution
11) 10:
Spiritual
12) 11:
Worship
13) 12:
Family
14) 13:
Shona
15) 14:
Deshi
16) 15:
Doubt
17) 16:
Power
18) 17:
Black
19) 18:
Women
20) 19:
Guru
21) 20:
Book
22) 21:
Way of life
23) 22:
Transformation
24) 23:
Communication
25) 24:
Possession
26) 25:
Divination
27) 26:
Literature
28) 27:
Pilgrimage
29) 28:
Reflection
30) 29:
Scientific
31) 30:
Rashtriya
32) 31:
Mutation
33) 32:
Richness
34) 33:
Platform
35) 34:
Parishad
36) 35:
Identity
37) 36:
Buddhist
38) 37:
Ayodhya
39) 38:
Feeling
40) 39:
Sorcery
41) 40:
Carita
42) 41:
Vishva
43) 42:
Bombay
44) 43:
Punjab
45) 44:
Temple
46) 45:
Ashram
47) 46:
Priest
48) 47:
Valley
49) 48:
Roman
50) 49:
Death
51) 50:
Color
52) 51:
White
53) 52:
River
54) 53:
Joint
55) 54:
Space
56) 55:
Agent
57) 56:
Faith
58) 57:
Union
59) 58:
Yogi
60) 59:
Hope
61) 60:
Face
62) 61:
Soil
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 124]