Paradoxes

Since we have arrived in India, we have continually discussed how it is a country of paradoxes. The past two days’ events definitely highlighted that theme. After arriving in Amritsar, we learned that six Sikhs in Milwaukee were killed by an unknown gunman. How ironic was it that the next day, as Americans, we were visiting the Golden Temple, a holy temple precious to Sikhs. After reflecting on the shooting and what it meant for us as Americans in India, the idea of both fear and courage came into my head. Some may think that the two words are eons apart- that to be fearful is to lack courage. But in my opinion, I believe the opposite is true. Fear is courage. To be courageous enough to take a bite of the street vendors corn even though you have a deathly fear of Delhi belly. But most importantly, to have the courage to understand and accept those that are different. Today, at the Golden Temple, a Sikh woman who only spoke Hindi approached me and pointed to my camera, which was hanging on a strap on my wrist. Although I could not fully understand her, I realized that she was telling me to hold it in my hand so that I would not lose it in the hustle and bustle of getting into the temple. Despite the killings of the previous day, this woman, a Sikh, still cared that I, an American, did not lose my camera. That’s courage- being kind and compassionate when it seems as if the whole world is against you. I mentioned earlier that the past two days were a paradox because despite the heaviness of the massacre, it was by far one of our most poignant days in India. We visited the Wagah Border where we witnessed the changing of the guard. We danced in the street with Indian women to the heavy beat of Jai Ho. We ran with the Indian flag flying high in the wind, its colors of saffron, white and green creating a beautiful image in the setting sun. Green for fertility, white for peace and saffron for courage. This is why we’re here. To learn as much as we can, to connect with as many people as possible, in order to bring our knowledge, our acceptance, and our understanding back to the United States. --Lexi Butler