There are a lot of blog posts that I’ve been wanting to write, but the one I’ve been fixating on for months now is this one: how the world sees women who don’t have or want children. It is a pillar of patriarchy since time immemorial, this pigeonholing of women. And we are treated accordingly depending on how we react to it. If we have children, we’re rewarded for it. But if we say we don’t want children, oh heavens save us, we are looked down upon. Society (even people we know) makes sure to tell us that we are the embodiment of the devil himself. Just go watch the pro-lifers and you’ll see what I’m saying.
Category Archives: Thoughts
10 Reasons Why I Think the Duolingo App is Bringing About Its Own Downfall
If you had asked me a year ago what I think of Duolingo, I’d have probably told you it was the second coming of God. And you know what? It WAS true for a long, long time. The concept of having new languages at our disposal, all for free, was a mind-boggling, game-changing one, even if it was unguided and even if it was just setting a wobbly foundation. I was obsessed with the Duolingo app, religiously doing lessons every single day, maintaining a streak that I was proud of (got up to 818 days), and recommending it to anyone who was looking for a way to get started on the path to learning a new language. It was this enthusiasm, perhaps, that came back to bite me, a weird karma or Uno reverse of sorts, because now, I can’t stand the app.
The Perils of Being a Book ‘Influencer’ on Social Media and the Changes It Effects…
The advantages and disadvantages of social media have probably been talked about a million times before and cautioned for and against even more than that. But we’ve usually seen that in a wider context. What happens to people like me who are on the Internet, shouting from the proverbial rooftops about books? What impact does it have on us? How does it change us? How do we navigate the double whammy that is social media and our love for books?
Of course, when I say this, I’m only talking about my own experiences, something that seems fitting enough given that the day this goes up is my birthday. If you happen to relate to it, we’re two of a kind. If you don’t, then take it with a grain of salt because there are as many opinions in the world, if not more, as there are people.
Can You Say You Enjoyed Reading Sad, Grim, or Unsettling Books? | Monday Melodramatic Musings
If I look back upon the past few years and my modern reading, I see books that made me cry become my favorites more than those that made me laugh. I see books that talked about unsettling topics become my favorites. I see books that dig up some long-buried emotions and reactions from deep within me. How can I say that I “enjoyed” reading them? And if I said that, does that make me some kind of a sociopath? Do I thrive on sadness? On the dark? Surely not!
My Panicky Reading Habit & Truth of Being a Bookworm… And Eventual Resignation
It would be a cliched, self-important, tone-deaf thing to say if I said that being a bookworm isn’t easy. Quite contrarily, it is one of the easiest things in the world. All you have to do is have a reading habit, no matter the genre or the frequency of the books you read, and you can be called a bookworm. Over the past 1.5 years or so, however, I’ve discovered a new dimension to my reading, to my existence as a bookworm, which probably says more about me as a person than about me as a bookworm. But since both are intricately linked and interwoven… That’s a whole conundrum in itself.
The Treatment of Book Influencers – A Little Rant
If you write a book, people will show their awe for you. And fittingly so, because writing a book is no mean feat. It doesn’t matter that the reviews for the book aren’t what you thought they would be. Completing a book and putting it out into the world is a huge thing, an achievement in itself. And who knows, maybe years down the line, this very story might age well and catch on? So that isn’t something that you should worry your storytelling brain about.
When the public is this supportive of the world of books, I wonder why every person in this world doesn’t get the same amount of respect.
Diwali as a Child vs Diwali as an Adult | #Blogtober22 – Day 24
Diwali or Deepavali is a festival that us Indians look forward to with great anticipation, not just because we get to celebrate fireworks, but because it heralds light and new beginnings. It is a festival that depicts good winning over evil and on this day, we worship Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, inviting her into our homes. There are other reasons and traditions connected to the festival but this is one that’s widely celebrated. Irrespective, though, Diwali is the Festival of Lights, characterized by fireworks and light and hope.
Why I Might Never Meet My Favorite Authors or Artists | #Blogtober22 – Day 21
I feel like a lot of these Blogtober posts have started with me putting out the disclaimer that I am an introvert. And as much as I want to apologize for the repetition, I also understand that I need it for context. Moreover, what am I even apologizing for? For a part of myself? For being me? So, I’ll keep my introductions as they are, thank you very much. In fact, I’ll start off this blog post by talking about how much of an awkward introvert I am. Like I said before: context setting is important.
My Social Media Journey (and why I’m tired of it) | #Blogtober22 – Day 16
One’s introduction to social media is so exciting, isn’t it? Oh, we can connect to friends on social media! Oh, I’m going to meet so many new people on there! Oh, my favorite artists are only one click away and I can interact with them! Oh, I’m going to become a phenomenon overnight because I’m going share and share and share and talk and talk and talk! And only one of these isn’t true. Because despite all the positives that social media extends to us, it can also be a draining experience. The constant need to put oneself out there and keep on top of the trend and stay updated takes something out of us.
The Sexism of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery | #Blogtober22 – Day 14
I’ve been watching a series – finished a second and third loop, too – that has some great acting, some great premises in there. Some characters can be annoying, as is the case everywhere, but some are simply brilliant. The layers to them are so great to watch because underneath all these characters is a strong foundation of what makes them. The female main character especially is a firework in a best meaning of the word. She is badass, she is impulsive, she won’t take sh*t from anyone, she is persuasive, and she is the kindest and most understanding person you’ll ever meet. But cross her and you’ll see!
The Melodramatic Bookworm 