[Ruth]

Originally posted by CharlotteSometimes
Saying that they 'wouldn't be capable' is every bit as prejudiced as some would claim the three girls to have been. We only saw a snapshot, we don't know them and we don't know what they are or are not aware of. Jade certainly suggested during the more heated part of her argument that she had at least some insight into the Indian way of life.

Did she? I don't remember that.

And yes, Shilpa should indeed be looked down on over those things. We all have different moral values, and greed in the face of poverty is something I'm not prepared to overlook, just because Shilpa plays the part of the dignified victim with much aplomb. Absolute poverty to such degrees doesn't exist in either Britain or America.

Believe me, there are people living in apalling conditions in this country. And there are people in this country who have servants too. Are they all morally reprehensible? Am I morally reprehensible because I enjoy pastimes that cost money, while other people have no money whatsoever?

Shilpa's reaction to the conversation about sex and the losing of virginity was overblown and out of proportion. She put a spin on it that never existed, and could easily have not commented at all, or even left the room.

No, it wasn't overblown. She didn't get angry or pick a fight or anything. It was pretty obvious that she did not wish to discuss her virginity or her sex life. That was her perogative, regardless of her culture or background. She tried to answer the question while not touching on the subject of her sexual history. But Jade wouldn't let it lie. It's certainly possible that Jade didn't have the intelligence to see that Shilpa was uncomfortable discussing it, because Jade is not the exactly the cleverest housemate ever is she? But I think it more likely that she just wanted to make Shilpa say it, because it was obvious that Shilpa was not happy talking about it. If Shilpa had left the room or not commented, people would have been criticising her for that as well!