please read this even if you're not indian. especially if you're not indian.
you've seen the jokes. india is "dirty", indians are "everywhere", why don't they fix their own country. ok. let me tell you why, and what's happening right now while nobody's watching.
first, the history you skipped: britain ruled india for two centuries and drained it. economist utsa patnaik's research estimates around $45 trillion in today's money was taken. the india that got independence in 1947 was one of the poorest countries on earth. every "why is india like this" question starts there. you don't get to profit off a robbery and then mock the crime scene.
now, what's happening RIGHT NOW:
in may the question paper for NEET leaked. that's the national medical entrance exam. over 2.2 million students took it. cancelled. years of studying, families' savings poured into coaching, gone overnight because someone sold the paper. students died by suicide after. these were kids who wanted to be doctors.
and out of that came a protest movement. a gen z group called the cockroach janta party, started by a 30 year old named abhijeet dipke, got 22 million instagram followers within DAYS. they've been doing a sit-in at jantar mantar in delhi demanding education minister dharmendra pradhan resign.
and then there's sonam wangchuk. if you've watched 3 idiots, he's the real engineer the character was based on. built solar schools in ladakh. invented ice stupas so himalayan villages have water. spent his whole life on education. he's 59 and he's been on hunger strike for 17+ days now. reporters went to see him this week and he was too weak to talk. and the troll armies are calling him "anti national" and "foreign funded". a man starving himself for other people's children. that's the thing here, anyone who asks a question is suddenly a traitor.
it's not one incident, it's everywhere you look:
• infrastructure worth thousands of crores failing within months of the ribbon cutting. tunnels collapsing in regions where heavy rain is a guarantee, not a surprise.
• youth unemployment near 10% for ages 15 to 29, 13.6% in cities. in a country of 1.42 billion where more than half the population is young.
• only about the top 3% of indians earn above 10 lakh a year. meanwhile billionaire wealth keeps ballooning and the headlines celebrate it.
• manipur burned for over two years. an ethnic conflict, tens of thousands displaced, and the prime minister barely said the word manipur while it happened.
• journalists raided. critics' houses bulldozed. activists sitting in jail for years without trial under laws like UAPA. our press freedom ranking has cratered.
• even the petrol is a fight now, ethanol blending pushed through while drivers complain about their engines and get no straight answers.
and through all of it, the PM, who came to power on religious polarisation (americans, sound familiar?), travels abroad for photo ops and has not held one single open press conference in over a decade. not one.
what i'm asking:
if you're not indian: share this. our media mostly won't cover any of it because the big outlets are owned by the same billionaires the government serves. the only reason wangchuk's fast is getting any coverage is people refusing to look away.
if you ARE indian: speak up even if you're comfortable. especially if you're comfortable. join the protests. add to this, correct me, translate it. staying quiet is a choice when nothing in this post touches your life.
india is not "dirty". india was robbed, and it's being robbed again, from the inside this time. but it's also the country where a 59 year old will starve for strangers' kids and 22 million young people will rally behind a party literally named after cockroaches, because cockroaches survive everything.
Um, I wrote a White Collar/Batman Fanfic and have a couple chapters drafted out already. First one is up on AO3, so if that’s your jam, go and give it a looksie please?
First chapter below the break for teasing and such.
Um, I wrote a White Collar/Batman Fanfic and have a couple chapters drafted out already. First one is up on AO3, so if that’s your jam, go and give it a looksie please?
First chapter below the break for teasing and such.
Bad Ideas
“This is such a bad idea.”
Tim paced relentlessly back and forth, a small pattern of footprints beginning to appear under him. He raked his hand through his hair once again, the thick black locs smoothing down further under the grease that had already been built up. He fussed with his hair enough times in the past hour that Dick was actually starting to worry that he would go bald at this rate.
“I suppose if any of you are up for the task, it would be Grayson.” The muttered comment was perhaps the kindest compliment Damian was able to give one of his brothers.
“Oh, ye of little faith,” Dick turned to his family, grinning wider than a cheshire cat. “I’ve got this in the bag.”
“Dick.” Bruce sat up from the chair. They were gathered around the BatComputer, the massive state-of-the art equipment that was smarter than most AI’s, drew enough power to run a small city, and contained access to every fabric of data that existed on this world, and a few on other worlds. The lights bounced around the crevices of the BatCave. Every stalactite in the cave reflected the light differently, wrapping a web of shadows upwards, away from the brooding family. “Do not under-estimate the effects a long-term undercover mission can have on the body and mind. You must find yourself fully immersed in the life of another person, wear his skin like it is the only one you have ever known, burden his secrets as if you have none taking up space in your heart, expunge yourself of all connections that make you Dick Grayson and be truly alone. No one else in your life will know your true self, and anyone who knows your true self cannot be in your life. There will be no exceptions.” Bruce stopped. Taking a breath, he stared into his oldest son’s eyes. None of them were in uniform, the early morning was creeping in and they had long finished their vigilante activities for the evening. Damian’s and Dick’s hair still dripped with moisture from their showers, and the dark circles under Tim’s eyes grew only darker. Placing a soft hand onto Dick’s shoulder, Bruce looked down. “Not even for me.”
Dick sighed, nodding his head.
“Yeah, Bruce. I get it.” Dick muttered softly. He and Bruce had gone through a lot– a lot– in the past couple of years. What was once a rocky and tumultuous relationship, had grown into a solid foundation of respect, and mutual admiration. Bruce wasn’t known for sharing his feelings, even with his own sons, but Dick had finally come to understand how Bruce felt about him. The trust and understanding now remained an undercurrent in their dynamic.
“But we’re talking about some big fish here we’re looking to catch. This level of corruption, this degree of villainy– from within our own government? Something has to be done about it. And we’ve all learned the hard way that we’re the best equipped to deal with this. I grew up in Gotham, learned just like you how much poison a corrupted government seeps into its people. We’ve seen how this city has turned sour because of it. To see that happen all over? For it to affect the whole country? I won’t sit by and let that happen. These asshats in the FBI think they can turn America into the same political free-for-all that Gotham was before Batman. Someone needs to teach them a lesson. And I am more than ready to do what it takes to make sure that happens.” Dick sighed again, rubbing away the stress of tension that was building up on his forehead.
“I understand what I’m risking. I understand what I have to do. You’re not sending me in blind, Bruce. You’re arming me in the best way we know how to be armed– with my mind.” Dick’s hand rested on top of Bruce’s, still clamped down on to the younger’s arm.
“Yea but a gun would be so much better.” A modulated voice called from the top of the stairs to the manor.
“This only works if he’s non-violent. Arm him with a gun, the only thing we get is another funeral.” Tim snapped. Still on edge, he graduated from smoothing down his hair, to plucking away at the frayed ends.
“Not to mention the complete inelegance that guns are as a weapon.” Damian tutted. “Of course you would think of that as the better option, Todd.”
“I was talking to the grown-ups Bat Brat. You know, those of us actually old enough to legally hold a weapon.” Jason made his way down the stairs, his heavy boots pounding down.
“You’ve never cared about legality a day in your life.” Damian rolled his eyes.
“Boys.” Bruce cut off the escalating bickering session. “Jason, do you have a productive reason for being here?”
Jason titled his head, his motorcycle helmet glinting in the overhead light. He sighed, removing his helmet and revealing the domino mask underneath. He carefully placed his helmet down on the edge of the console, and slid the mask off his face. Jason looked up, locking eyes with Dick. Dick stood straighter, a sudden jolt going through him at the seriousness of his younger brother. They stood at opposite ends of the Batcomputer, Damian leaning against the desk, and Bruce and his chair in between the two boys. For a moment, their history was laid out in between them and the distance was gone. Jason strode closer to Dick, almost pushing Bruce out the way with his broad shoulders.
“You’re sure about this, Traffic Light?” Jason asked.
“Yes.”
“Okay.” Jason nodded. He clasped both of Dick’s shoulders with his wide hands. “Make contact once you’re under.”
“Jason, he can’t–” Bruce started, but was quickly cut off.
“Listen, old man. The Red Hood falls perfectly under his cover. Am I known for being a little too violent?” Jason glared at Tim over his shoulder for a second, before returning to his big brother. “Maybe.” Jason whispered, shrugging his shoulders. Already at his physical contact quota for the day, he let go of Dick, moving sideways so those behind him could look in on the conversation too. “But I live in that world. It might raise some eyebrows as to his character, but no one would suspect anything off about us knowing each other. I’ll keep it in character, make sure it doesn’t seem like I know you too well. But I can be your lifeline. You need an out? Hell, you just need a familiar face? You call. I’ll come.”
“Awww, I didn’t know you cared so much Jaybird.” Dick cooed, stretching his arms out towards Jason.
“Can it. You get it this once– and once only. Don’t make me regret it.” Jason strutted away from Dick without a glance. Dick lowered his arms, a pout forming on his lips. Jason paused for a moment, looking between the gathered flock of heroes. “Just don’t…. Look, we lost you once. None of us want to lose you again”
“Master Wayne.” Alfred appeared next to the group of men. He stared sadly at Dick, unable to do anything but remember the small, traumatized boy that walked through those doors, all those years ago. Looking between his boys, he would always remember the sight of them at their lowest. It’s what motivated him to do all he could to continue to lift them as high as he could. “It is time.”
Bruce glanced at Alfred, nodding. He was sure that the butler must have installed a secret passageway to the batcomputer that even the world’s greatest detective couldn’t find. To always appear so suddenly and so quietly next to the computer, always when Bruce needed him the most.
“Are you ready, then?” Bruce asked. The question was directed to Dick, but everyone else took a moment to answer it internally.
“Let's get this show on the road.” Dick grinned, shrugging his shoulders and loosening the tension. “It’s time for Neal Caffrey to be arrested.”
The morning had gone past in a blur. Dick carefully folded up and packed away his clothes. He placed everything in a drawer, nothing left out in his room to indicate that someone was actually living in it. The fridge was emptied out, no chance for any last minute snacks on his way out. He buttoned up the dark blue shirt, tucked it into his black pants, and tightened the belt. He took extra care to make sure he put the correct phone in his pocket, his real phone tucked away in the Batcave. All other personal affects placed in his pockets were carefully curated.
“The FBI is on route to the storage facility. Wonder Girl is on site already. Zeta tube is ready to go to get you there.” Oracle’s voice crackled over the ear wig still in Dick’s ear.
“Copy that O. Going dark and will head over.” Dick paused. He looked over the empty apartment. “Hey, Babs?”
Dick knew he shouldn’t be using real names over the comms. He just needed her name to pass his lips one last time, before it was too late.
“Yes Dick?” Barbara knew the tightness in her chest was mirroring Dick’s. They had been partners in so many ways. The history that flowed between the two couldn’t be matched by anyone else in their lives. It felt like saying goodbye not just to a friend, but a soulmate. She wished she could say his name, over and over. Let his name overflow on her lips like wine to holy communion. Make sure he never forgets who he really is.
“Take care of the kids for me.”
Barbara chuckled, nodding. Of course. Faithful to his cause to the very end. “I’ve got their six. Always.”
“Always.” Dick smiled. Promising. “See you on the other side. Nightwing out.”
Before he could change his mind, Dick removed the earwig and placed it in a secret compartment on the bottom of the kitchen drawer. He walked his way out of his apartment. Every step he took was a step further away from Dick Grayson. His gait loosened, his shoulders slacked down, his head held high. He stepped closer to Neal Caffrey.
leftist antisemites are really everywhere on this hellsite making & reblogging their posts like “the Jews have too much power and privilege and actually their very recent genocide was not that bad compared to what my group experiences and antisemitism doesn’t even exist in my country and especially not in liberal spaces”
Goyim should reblog posts like this one instead of always only acknowledging antisemitism when it is about jk rowling’s goblins or easy shit like that.
Challenge the antisemitism that is coming from inside the house. Be a little brave. Because you will lose followers for reblogging a post like this, because there are antisemites following you that think this way, and assume you do too.
i love you ciabatta i love you brioche i love you focaccia i love you challah i love you sourdough i love you rye i love you multigrain i love you bagel i love you pita i love you pretzel bun i love you baguette i love you english muffin i love you naan
TL;DR: we’re living under a dictatorship. people are currently protesting the deaths caused by decisions the government made while prioritising the election over human lives. mainstream news are making it seem like the protesters are hooligans who are protesting new safety measures and not the dictatorship they refuse to even acknowledge.
THE LEAD-UP
here’s a brief list of things that caused the people to protest:
the elections have been rigged since the moment aleksandar vučić became president. not even in a relatively subtle way like in the usa (gerrymandering), but by literally replacing sacks of voting papers with ones that are voting for sns (srpska narodna stranka, the president’s party)
we were lied to about when the first covid-19 case appeared in serbia. the government withheld information from us because it benefited them.
also, about a week before the lockdown, the president made fun of the virus, encouraging people to “go shop in milano if they want”. when the situation got serious, he shifted the blame to the people.
hospitals all around the country were and still are severely underfunded. they’re reusing masks, don’t have enough space for all the patients, and the tests we’re still given aren’t accurate.
the lockdown was lifted prematurely because of the parliamentary elections. if you look up “serbia covid19 cases” on google, you’ll see that the second wave started around june 21st, which is when the election was.
right after the election was over, the government set extreme safety measures, including: police enforced lockdown fri-sun, an attempt to force all belgrade students out of their dorms during exam season, etc.
THE PROTESTS
last night (july 7th), there was a huge unorganized protest outside of the belgrade parliament building.
as expected, the police turned it into a violent protest. they used tear gas 26 times, attacked people who weren’t even protesting, and used unnecessary force against those who were. a man was choked the same way george floyd was.
only n1 (cnn’s channel) actually informed people that this was happening, and their website was down all night last night. every other network was airing their usual program, since they’re controlled by the government.
the people got into the parliament building a few times, but were ultimately forced out violently by the police.
there were protests in other cities too, but they weren’t as large.
rts (the most watched channel in the country) is putting all the blame on the protesters and making it seem as if they’re protesting the new safety measures, and not the dictatorship of aleksandar vučić.
every other international news source is pretty much doing the same.
WHAT NOW?
the protests will continue. in case they’re successful, there will be another election, one that won’t put only sns members in the parliament (they make up more than 70% as of right now).
in case they’re not successful, we’ll be expecting a change of the constitution that will state that there’s no limit to how many terms a president can have. we’ll live under complete dictatorship.
the most you, outside of serbia, can do is share correct information and spread awareness about what’s happening.
reblog and share this post, share other posts (on instagram especially) made by serbian people, call out false information when you see it.
It's a fun moment when you realize your feminist, pro-BLM, LGBT+ accepting friend who rants and champions for equal rights to all because they do deserve it, doesn't give a shit about Jewish people and shuts down any conversation you have about the struggles Jewish people still face.
