The roots of India's soft power run deep. India's is a civilization that, over millennia, has offered refuge and, more importantly, religious and cultural freedom, to Jews, Parsis, several varieties of Christians, and Muslims.
Shashi TharoorRead
Foreigners have a complex set of associations in their minds when they think of America - from Iraq to 9/11, certainly, but also from Coke to jeans. It is entirely possible for people around the world to love American products, American books, American movies, American music, and dislike the policies of the government of America.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People can appreciate American culture while rejecting its government policies.
Shashi Tharoor highlights the dichotomy that exists in how people perceive America. While they may enjoy American cultural exports like food, movies, and music, they might simultaneously critique or oppose the political landscape and actions of the American government. This intricate relationship reflects broader themes of cultural appreciation versus political disapproval in global perceptions.
Themes
AmericaCulturePoliticsPerceptionForeigners
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about globalization, one might use this quote to illustrate the contrast between culture and politics.
More from Shashi Tharoor
All quotes →Much of the conventional analysis of India's stature in the world relies on the all-too-familiar economic assumptions. But we are famously a land of paradoxes, and one of those paradoxes is that so many speak about India as a great power of the 21st century when we are not yet able to feed, educate and employ all our people.
Shashi TharoorRead
I believe in an India of pluralism and diversity, not of religious bigotry and caste politics. I believe in an India that is secure in itself and confident of its place in the world, an India that is a proud example of tolerance, freedom and hope for the downtrodden.
Shashi TharoorRead
I returned to India because I believe in an India of honesty and hard work, not of corruption and crookedness. I believe in an India of openness and straightforwardness, not of hypocrisy and double-dealing. I believe in an India where opportunities are available to all, and not just to a chosen few.
Shashi TharoorRead
The steep decline in America's image and standing after 9/11 is a direct reflection of global distaste for the instruments of American hard power: the Iraq invasion, Guantanamo, Abu Ghraib, torture, rendition, Blackwater's killings of Iraqi civilians.
Shashi TharoorRead
There is not a thing as the wrong place, or the wrong time. We are where we are at the only time we have. Perhaps it's where we're meant to be.
Shashi TharoorRead
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