By using the phrase, “what a fucking joke,” Adiga’s novel, White Tiger, suggests that people of power in India want to portray an idealistic society to others. Their efforts to disguise corruption allow citizens like Balram to expose the hypocrisies within power structures, mainly political. “What a fucking joke,” first appears in conjunction with government officials that will be sent to welcome Premiere Jiabo and Balram says, “I see our prime minister and his distinguished sidekicks drive to the airport in black cars and get out and do namastes before you in front of a TV camera and will tell you how moral and saintly India is” (2). Indian government officials perform for those visiting their country to show how “perfect” life is in their country and how democratic their nation is. Those in power want to portray a functioning and democratic India and a country that leaves outsiders in awe of their successes. If the prime minister takes Jiabao to a village slum, the minister runs the risk of exposing the drastic differences between the lives of the rich and poor, and the one-sidedness of Indian “democracy.” Throughout the novel, readers are shown the“jokes” that are hidden from Jiabao, like the people’s love for their “elected”officials. When most have never been able to express the rights they are entitled to in a free democratic nation like electing their own leaders. According to Balram, his father never physically voted, “I’ve seen twelve elections-five general, five state, and two local-and someone else has voted for me twelve times” (84). The government paints a picture perfect image to outsiders, but still cannot rid their country of an old value system. If the Indian government wants a perfect India, they must employ policeman to maintain social order and control those who seek to overthrow and expose their nation’s corruptness. Innocent men sit in jail for crimes their masters committed because their servant’s lives have no meaning. Servants like Balram have no voice and must endure the hallow promises their government makes them, that one day they too can succeed, “…but the masters still own us, body, soul, and arse. Yes, that’s right: we all live in the world’s greatest democracy. What a fucking joke” (145). Adiga’s reference to the “world’s democracy”questions the functions of democracy and what it stands for, just like Balram questions the way government officials portray their country to outsiders. The American phrase, “what a fucking joke,”exposes the hidden lies within a democratic nation and critiques the idea that what works for one person works for another.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/worldviews/2012/09/27/india-great-for-women-entrepreneurs-and-bad-for-women-how-is-this-possible/2/
The article above lists some of the most successful female entrepreneurs in India, alluding to the fact that India just recently had a female president. While noting the successes of many women, the article also points out the problems with Indian culture and the advancement of women. In the White Tiger, Balram, Mr. Ashoke, and most of the men mentioned in the novel, only mention women in relation to sex. They do not view them as equals in the field of business, or in Balram's case, as having aspirations outside of the home. In the novel, lower class students are mainly young boys, women are not given the opporutnities of education, but are limited to duties of the home. Women are still viewed as objects to exploited in the Indian culture. They are not seen as equals and boys are taught that a woman is still subservient to their masters.
Rita Marya, the editor-in-chief of Franchise India describes the growing number of Indian people able to partake in entrepreneural acts like Adiga's character, Balram does. She notes the growing numbers of businesses that take off in India and quickly die, due to other more successful companies, or an owner not understanding how to set themselves apart and make themselves more marketable. Marya, like Adiga, expresses the importance of giving all that one has and not being afraid to take risks when managing a business. She also warns of the corruption that has plagued India for years with the financial leaders who treat and prevent other people from creating new companies and creating upward mobility for Indians who seek a different life, than say servitude or farming. To become an entrepreneur, one must be tenacious and not be afraid of their acts as an individual to climb the 'corporate ladder.'
http://www.forbes.com/sites/worldviews/2012/09/27/india-great-for-women-entrepreneurs-and-bad-for-women-how-is-this-possible/2/
The article above lists some of the most successful female entrepreneurs in India, alluding to the fact that India just recently had a female president. While noting the successes of many women, the article also points out the problems with Indian culture and the advancement of women. In the White Tiger, Balram, Mr. Ashoke, and most of the men mentioned in the novel, only mention women in relation to sex. They do not view them as equals in the field of business, or in Balram's case, as having aspirations outside of the home. In the novel, lower class students are mainly young boys, women are not given the opporutnities of education, but are limited to duties of the home. Women are still viewed as objects to exploited in the Indian culture. They are not seen as equals and boys are taught that a woman is still subservient to their masters.
Thanx to the author sharing such a wonderful article.. franchise india
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