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Post by dgriffin on Feb 9, 2008 10:35:20 GMT -5
Fading Traditions - Temple prostitutes - the clash of ancient and modern culture in India Hear the heart-wrenching story of Joythi, a young ‘devadasi' or temple prostitute. Joythi, her two small children, and her entire family depend on the income she receives from bestowing her divine gift on her clients. But the truth is that she is no more than a common prostitute, and as such is in a very dangerous profession. A group of former devadasis - or Temple Prostitutes - are fighting to eradicate a centuries-old Hindu tradition which turns them into prostitutes. Originally, devadasi were celibate dancing girls used in temple ceremonies and they entertained members of the ruling class. But sometime around the 6th Century, the practice of "dedicating" girls to Hindu gods became prevalent in a practise that developed into ritualised prostitution. The girls are mainly of the lowest class, 'untouchables,' and their fight is the ultimate clash of ancient and modern culture in India. The prevalence of the devadasi tradition in parts of Southern India, in particular, means that social acceptance of sex work in Karnataka State is common with devastating consequences for the spread of HIV/AIDS. Award-winning documentary-maker Kati Whitaker travels to the south of India to meet Joythi - and the small group of former devadasis who are trying to persuade her to leave the profession. tinyurl.com/yqowf9BBC Radio Documentary - 23 minutes
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Post by dgriffin on Feb 9, 2008 10:37:27 GMT -5
What an awful existence! I think of such lives and the devastation in other countries when I hear America being bashed for our "devil ways." That said, there was a time when I was a teenager when I wished we had temple whores at Blessed Sacrament.
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Post by frankcor on Feb 9, 2008 11:16:34 GMT -5
Dave! You're going to hell for that.
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Post by dgriffin on Feb 9, 2008 11:21:40 GMT -5
Well, you have to remember that the Mass was longer back then and the mind would stray a bit. During a high Mass, I would have them all named and could tell you what little they were wearing. Who knows what my thoughts would have been had there been altar girls back then. I'm afraid I'm not adding much to the sense of outrage with which I began this thread.
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Post by frankcor on Feb 9, 2008 11:24:21 GMT -5
That is too funny.
::frankcor looking a little guilty::
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Post by dgriffin on Feb 9, 2008 11:35:25 GMT -5
A year or so ago I saw a film (same place where I saw the Rev. Billy and Stop Shopping Choir) about Circus Girls in India. Taken from their parents at about age ten, made to hang by their teeth (which they usually lost by their mid-teens) in wild acrobatic stunts and housed in not much more than dog pens by owners who bought them from their parents. The third world is a very dangerous place.
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Post by frankcor on Feb 9, 2008 11:55:25 GMT -5
Some species eat their young. Humans can be much worse.
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Post by Swimmy on Feb 9, 2008 12:09:31 GMT -5
I share your sentiment, Dave.
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Post by concerned on Feb 12, 2008 6:30:04 GMT -5
How does a person have sex with an untouchable?
I like vestle virgins.
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Post by dgriffin on Feb 12, 2008 7:57:14 GMT -5
Good point. I don't know. I didn't listen to the complete 23 minutes. Vestal virgins, now that rings a bell.
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Post by frankcor on Feb 12, 2008 14:09:51 GMT -5
Spelling flame, Dave? tsk tsk tsk
LOL!
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Post by Clipper on Feb 12, 2008 14:18:25 GMT -5
Vestal Virgins? Is that the chaste young ladies from the suburbs of Binghamton?? I am too old for virgins> I don't have the patience to teach anymore, haha. Give me experienced anytime.LOL
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Post by rrogers40 on Feb 12, 2008 16:21:36 GMT -5
All I can say is what a Fun society India is. I mean only in India can the people at the bottom of the social structure still have so much power. (Actually you see it all over the world- including the US) What I'm talking about is that only the Untouchables can bury the dead in a manner that allows there spirit to go to heaven.- Man I would hate to get on there bad side.
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Post by Clipper on Feb 12, 2008 16:33:16 GMT -5
Oh my goodness Dave. I am sorry I posted my last post, haha.
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Post by dgriffin on Feb 12, 2008 16:37:26 GMT -5
Here's your babe, Clipper.
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