Stereotypes are mere 'pictures in our heads'. Prejudice and suspicion against all that is perceived of as 'different' give rise to cultural stereotypes. Creating stereotypes also involves connecting the created categories with values, equipping the categories with an ideational label. Thus, stereotypes often contain the presupposition that one's own group represents the normal, or even universal and that one's own culture and ist socially construed concepts of reality is superior and normative in relation to other cultures and world-views. The stereotypes are not just one person's private...

Deconstructing the motivated 'otherizing' of the marginalized, this book offers an alternative reading of the representations of Indian body and desire, in both literature and media, that are often politically inscribed as 'abnormal' and 'unnatural' due to their non-conformity.

This volume brings together eminent Tagore scholars and younger writers to revisit the concepts of nation, nationalism, identity and selfhood, civilization, culture and homeland in Tagore's writings. It encompasses critical examinations of Tagore's literary works and other art forms as well as adaptations of his works on film.