What is Saswat Blog?
Saswat
Blog is a regularly updated forum of online activism since
2003.
In the current world order, we are living in a hostile
climate moderated by a bunch of capitalist bigwigs. The
tools of oppression that the imperialists have used thus
far include market economy, sexism, racism, police states,
defense forces, national boundaries, and various other
forms of discriminations on basis of age, sex, ability,
sexual orientation, and gender identities.
These corporate monopolists have been using their vast
resources of mental productions, otherwise known as
mainstream media, to implicitly and often seductively
attempt at imprisoning many progressive collective
endeavors to defeat their reactionary moves. Using the
media, they have been reinforcing vile stereotypes,
religious conservatisms and xenophobic tendencies among
people who fall to their calls, willingly and unwillingly.
Capitalism’s consequences have been slavery,
discriminations, prison systems, religious fundamentalisms,
economic class societies, widespread poverty, exploitation
against landless, women and children, and unjust wars
against the innocent people.
The Saswat Blog, is not just against Capitalism, but it
also stands for something greater.
It stands to celebrate and cheer for the progressives
everywhere. To cherish and look forward. To organize and
unionize. The blog recognizes the efforts by progressive
peoples all over the world: those that are members of the
left parties, and those who are not card-bearers, those who
are critical social scientists, and those who are deprived
of even basic education, those who work for alternative
causes at the highest levels and those who work at
grassroots in small but significant ways to carry on the
dream forward.
Personal is
Political:
My thoughts, my words, everything that I believe in my
life, are not entirely original, definitely not entirely
mine. Indeed, they are derived from, and hence belongs to
the entire world, past, present and its future. There is
nothing so personal in my life that is not shaped by the
political worldviews I have subscribed to or refuted.
Hence, this blog is CopyLeft, not copyrighted. Feel free to
distribute contents to fellow travelers for education,
agitation, and organization towards an alternative world.
Why
are Comments Moderated?
I
am always delighted that more readers are visiting the blog
everyday. That a small personal effort is actually drawing
unique and heterogeneous readership from all over the
world, is very humbling an experience for me.
However unfortunately, of late this blog is also attracting
attention of many right wing, religious fanatics. And I am
receiving very offensive comments everyday from some people
who think certain religions are superior to certain others.
I do not mind being called names, as many have preferred to
express their frustrations, but I certainly do not think
this blog is any place for verbal abuses. Moreover, many
commenters clearly violate the basic philosophy behind this
blog.
And hence, much against my wish, since July 2006 I have
decided to moderate each comment and approve strictly only
those comments that accept this blog’s comment policies.
The purpose behind this moderation is two fold: It creates
a Safe Place for browsers from all over the world, since it
does not propagate hate and does not allow expressions of
racism, sexism and hostile reactionary discussions. Two,
the blog invites readers who believe in the progress of the
world through critical theories and revolutionary means.
However, if you are not inclined to support movements
taking place world over to combat capitalism, then you are
welcome to visit this blog at your will, but your adherance
to the guidelines below is required, not just desired.
Saswat Blog
Comment Policies:
1. Limited freedom of
expression: When the blogger posts
anything, it is a matter of exercising right. When the
commenters post anything, it is a matter of enjoying
privilege. Hence never assume that we are on the same boat,
or all of us enjoy the freedom of expression as a right all
the time.
2. No
abuses: I have a few very loyal readers
who visit the blog on a daily basis only to post abuses.
This is utterly childish, and serves no purpose. Such
comments will never be published and it’s a sheer waste of
time on your part, if abusive language is all you have in
your comment. I urge such commenters to improve their
command over the language and be more imaginative in
expressing their viewpoints.
3. Read
the posts: Please read the posts very
carefully before commenting. I always attempt at
contextualizing every issue I write about. So the answer
you are seeking maybe already present within the entry.
4. Values and
mission: This is a progressive, not a
reactionary blog. It means, I am not here to incite the
right-wingers to react to my posts. I am not here to shock
the conservatives or create any sensations. Before posting
comments, please know that my purpose is not to anger you,
frustrate you, or cause you to react. So, if you feel so,
please leave the blog immediately, than wasting your time
writing hate-comments that will never be published.
5. Communism is an
international workers’ movement: This is very important for all
the readers to remember. Do not be surprised, shocked or
disappointed with the word. I am not a member of any
communist party in the world, because I am not a party
worker. I am a media scholar at this point in life. Please
know that there is nothing wrong with Communist Party, and
it’s just another political party like any national,
regional or local ones. As for Communism, it could mean a
political theory, social science, economic analysis or a
radical philosophy. Here, again, no surprises. And this
blog is entirely sympathetic towards causes of labor, and
hence I am not here to entertain any comments that speak
derogatorily about communism.
6. No
basic questions: I am not here to educate you
about what is communism. Or about who was Marx. However if
you want to know more about some subject such as communism,
feminism or critical theories, please ask politely and I
will try my best to answer.
7. No
insults, stereotypes and assumptions:
Comments must not
assume about the oppressed. No comments such as “lower
caste people are incapable of becoming doctors” or “Muslims
are terrorists” will ever be tolerated. I am not going to
accept any contextually negative remarks against women,
working class people, lesbians, gays, bisexuals,
transgendered people, tribals, indigenous peoples,
religious minorities, people of color, old people, people
with disabilities, pregnant women or single mothers. I
understand people have their own prejudices and its
difficult to suppress them, but please do not find this
blog as a platform for your pent-up emotions.
8. This
is my place: My blog is my small home
online. Please feel free to stop by, have a glass of
jal-jeera, even something to eat. Have fun. Talk to me if
you find something is wrong and help me gain more by
enlightening me with something new. But please behave like
you are my guest. Because you are.
9. Been
there, done that: if you differ with me, that’s
fine. But do not try to impress me by your reactions.
Please know that for two decades of my life, I studied
mainstream school subjects, college subjects, university
subjects. I read the same text books as you probably did,
and watched the same news channels as you did. But all
along, I have been lucky to have my most wise parents, my
supportive friends and family. And with their help, very
fortunate to have stumbled upon wide variety of alternative
books and movies, and activists that have helped me since
childhood to deconstruct every mainstream work I have
digested. Hence, do not try to convert me into anything. I
am already converted! And since my purpose of life is
pretty much clear, I am on my path to develop the road I
have taken. I am sure you are clear about where you want to
go. If our paths are the same, I am delighted to become
your comrade. If not, my good wishes.
10. I am
serious. So be you: I do not write because I have
to while away time, or earn some money. I write not because
I feel like writing or I love to write. I write only
because I need to write. I write only because it’s a
necessity for me. I am damn serious about why I write what
I write. I expect when you post a comment, you are equally
serious.
Thank you for reading so far. Welcome to every post of
Saswat Blog, past and present, and do engage in a
conversation if you have some time.
Laal
Salaam!
Saswat
Pattanayak