Tag: English

Pigs Rule

Pigs Rule

I recently found myself around a humorous discussion around politics at a relatives’ home.
A grand aunt asked another relative if they planned on getting into politics. The relative laughingly retorted that for one to be in politics, they must be prepared to hit and to be hit. As an example, he cited a recent incident involving some politician.

My grand aunt, matter-of-factly replied that those are some of the things one needs to be prepared for, if one is convinced and focused on an important goal. She added something about the need to keep a certain type of people close. They were those who would attack, protect and defend. She quoted what sounded like ancient but obvious wisdom in my mother tongue. It translated to something like, ‘that is why one needs to rear stray dogs.’

I recently read the classic ‘Animal Farm’, written by India-born English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic, Eric Arthur Blair, a.k.a. George Orwell.

Rear dogs. Interestingly in the book, that’s exactly what the pigs did to achieve and stay in power. To muscle their way to the top. To eliminate any competition. And to enforce their way on the people.

The philosophy of the ruling pigs in ‘Animal Farm’. Image source: link

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English: At the Deep End

A while back I was starting out on an email to a friend and was about to type the common “How are things at your end?” when I was reminded of a conversation I had with a friend some years ago. Whether she probably didn’t think too much while replying, or was in a mighty hurry, we’ll never know. But it did however, remind me of how sensitive and dangerous a language English could be.

I happened to see this friend online on Google Chat, and it had been a while since we had spoken. Here’s how it went:

I inquired: Hey.!! How are things at your end? Been a while.

She replied: My end is fine. And you?

I: (almost fainted).

I replied: Yeah, I’m fine too. Good to see you online.

I was however, tempted to reply with something like: (Sure, guess I’ll agree. My ‘end’s’ fine too, the usual.. though I suppose it has gotten a little fat thanks to the bloody desk job) :O

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