New York Times, in spite of being one of the most widely respected publications in the world, has invited the ire of Indians sometimes. In a widely read article, the publication makes a case for saree being ‘Hindu attire’ and how it has seen a surge since May, 2014.
The author goes on to ‘weave’ his story around sarees to Varanasi (PM Modi’s constituency in the 2014 elections) to Benarasi sarees and how the plight of the artisans has not been addressed in the 3 years since Modi won the elections.
Twitter obviously had a field day with these broad allegations, and many found the article to be poorly written/argued.
Just read this article and laughed out loud: ‘In India, Fashion Has Become a Nationalist Cause https://t.co/V5QsL0efIg‘. NYT editors, sari is not a ‘Hindu’ dress… we wear it because it’s a beautiful, versatile INDIAN garment. India is too complex for u to understand…!
— rashmibansal (@rashmibansal) November 13, 2017
This @nytimes piece is absolutely ridiculous. It is badly argued & badly researched. Trying to make a story where there isn’t one & unnecessarily communalize the issue of saris (& Nehru jackets!) https://t.co/jWUFq4vfIz
— Tanvi Madan (@tanvi_madan) November 13, 2017
This asinine @nytimes article links the #saree with Hindu Nationalism!Real issue is that Indians sticking to traditional attire get in the way of pushing Western attire. Pathetic drivelhttps://t.co/UefV1ntwJv
— Smita Barooah (@smitabarooah) November 13, 2017
Simply shocked that @nytimes now thinks that wearing our tradition clothes is some sort of bigotry. Next up – eating Dosa, biryani or chaat instead of hotdogs is unacceptable. Sickening attack on our way of life:https://t.co/pkw9CiUqQ7
— Sanjeev Sanyal (@sanjeevsanyal) November 14, 2017
This is so bad as to be funny! In India, Fashion Has Become a Nationalist Cause https://t.co/3HddE8BM8H
— Seema Sirohi (@seemasirohi) November 14, 2017
So that video depicting sarees as regressive &clumsy was not one off. A narrative is being built-sarees are fascist? https://t.co/ZcK6i4t33e
— Sunanda Vashisht (@sunandavashisht) November 13, 2017
Very poorly argued article. Surprised to see NYT fact checkers not point out that Banarasi Sari is not “Hindu”. Clearly the current conversation is deeply prejudiced.
— Nikesh Sinha (@nikeshsinha) November 14, 2017
This is not the first time, the renowned newspaper has messed up with its Indian audience. Remember this cartoon they ran?
NYT, maybe do some fact-checking before expressing your opinion on Indian fashion and politics?
In this age, you WILL BE called out.
