Daily Archives: August 16, 2021

Most of us remember watching Disney princess movies growing up it is safe to assume that almost everyone has seen at least one of them. Generations grew up with these fancy, beautiful princesses, sometimes even serving as role models with their kindness and loving personas. The impact of these princess movies, however, is far from benign. Many of them taught kids the stifling bonds of gender roles and emphasized the importance of looks and beauty standards. In recent years, though, Disney has attempted to redefine what it means to be a Disney princess. This move gives hope for young generations, especially girls, to be powerful on their own.

There are two types of Disney Princesses: traditional ones and new ones; and there are three eras: the Classics Era, the Renaissance Era and the New-Age Era.

Classics Era (1937-1959)

The Classics-Era princesses Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty were primarily passive and temperate. They were waiting for someone to come rescue them. These princesses also fit squarely into conventional beauty standards.

Snow White is the typical, beautiful, gentle and innocent princess. The only thing she does in the movie is clean the house for seven guys and get saved by another one. Cinderella is more developed but still struggles to progress beyond the limits of needing someone to save her; she is curious about the world, but ends up with the strong Prince Charming that saves the day. In Sleeping Beauty, the fairies give Aurora the gift of beauty not intelligence or personality when she is a newborn. As the story continues, we dont even get a chance to see Auroras depth of character only her beauty and grace. In the Classics Era, these kinds of gender stereotypes and the objectification of submissive female characters were at their peak.

Renaissance Era (1989-1999)

The Renaissance Era of Disney princesses, also called the rebel children era, appears to have been in response to a wake-up call for a needed transition from being conventional to being a reformer. While the Renaissance Era improved on the Classics Era by making princesses curious about the world rather than doing the housework for others, Disney still stuck to the motif of princesses needing someone. This era includes Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas and Mulan.

With Ariel, Disney finally succeeded in creating a complex character. Out of all her sisters, Ariel can sing the best, yet she wonders about life on land. After seeing Prince Eric, she decides to exchange her singing voice for the opportunity to become a human. She develops into a self-sustained princess without reliance on anothers help, even at the cost of going against her family and community.

Another great example of Disneys development is Belle from The Beauty and the Beast. In Belle, we see a woman whose key characteristic is not her beauty, but rather her intelligence and love of books. She doesnt fit in society, and even sings a whole song about how she wants to break away from it. As the story continues, we see that she is not preoccupied with beauty but instead falls for the ugly, terrifying Beasts kind personality and big heart. Like Belle, Jasmine continues to follow in her footsteps and resists societys expectations for her to marry someone of political import. There are even a few times that Aladdin points out Jasmines intelligence and ambition, a rarity for Disney. Jasmine is also the first Disney princess of color, a revolutionary move at the time.

Though Disney may have taken a step forward with Jasmine, they lose credibility with another princess of color. Pocahontas, also powerful and free-spirited, fears getting married to Kocoum and falls in love with an English settler, John Smith. After all the pain white colonizers caused to Indigenous people (which the movie easily glosses over), its not easy to watch an indigenous woman fall for a white colonizer. Pocahontas wants peace between nations and cultures, and she wants to help the other side, although we clearly see from the plot that white colonizers arent there for friendly reasons.

Pocahontas is Disneys first attempt at basing a princess on a real person rather than a fairy tale; I still feel that it failed, though:they twisted the facts about her story, focusing on her romance with John Smith instead of her leadership abilities and brave soul. In reality, Pocahontas was around 11 when she met Smith, who was believed to be in his late twenties or early thirties, and she was captured by white colonizers, held for ransom and encouraged to convert to Christianity. She married tobacco farmer John Rolfe and died of an unspecified illness at around age 21.After all the progress of the preceding films, it is sad to see a regression in Pocahontas. Even though Pocahontas still represents a strong and brave role model for young girls, the movie is sexist, racist and problematic.

Mulan is one of the bravest and strongest princesses of all, as she is the best fighter in an all-male army. She fights for her country and her roots, showing that women can do anything they want, even if it defies tradition. Also, for the first time, a princesss love interest remains in the background, a relief after many years of male dominance in a princess movie.

New-Age Era (2009-present)

The latest era of Disney princesses, the New-Age Era, also known as the independent woman era, is the most recent and most equal era of Disney. It includes Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Elsa, Anna and more. Tiana definitely embodies the new definition of a princess. She works hard to achieve her dreams and keep her promise to her father, and she doesnt turn to shortcuts or a man to help her get there. She is straightforward in every situation, even if its hard, a virtue making her the best role model out of all the Disney princesses.

Another Disney princess wanted to see life outside of her tower, where she was locked up and spent all of her childhood and young adult life. Rapunzel is free-spirited, artistic and stubborn. Even though Mother Gothel told her that the outside world is full of evil and that she wouldnt be able to handle it, Rapunzel followed her instincts and pursued her dream. Rapunzel represents a strong, determined personality, defying the stereotype of women as innocent, weak and inadequate by themselves.

Merida is the composition of opposing opinions on being a princess. She lacks a lady-like attitude she gets in a fight with her mother about her masculine demeanor refuses to get married and is interested in archery. She is the first Disney princess without a male savior counterpart, making her the first fully independent Disney princess. Being a princess no longer means being feminine, gentle or having a prince charming. Gender roles have changed, and thus the most recent phase claims its name: the independent women era.

In the story of Elsa, a powerful girl is afraid of those powers and is seen as evil. She isolates herself because of her evil power, but as the story continues she embraces it with the help of her sister. Instead of romance, Frozen focuses on the undying bond between two sisters, Anna and Elsa. Even though Elsa hurt Anna with her powers unintentionally, Anna forgives Elsa and wants to be there for her, in bad and better times. Anna even rejects her love interest, Kristoff, to help Elsa, who she loves the most and would do anything for her. They represent the importance of independence, womens unity and doing just fine without a man by their side.

One of Disneys newest princesses, Moana, continues to carry on the theme of the independent, brave women. She doesnt have any love interest, and she is determined to save her people no matter how dangerous the journey. She is another inspiration for girls who do not need a man to accomplish their goals.

Disney has come a long way after many years, and is still continuing to make progress over time. I remember not liking iconic Disney princesses when I was a kid because they needed a man or magic to realize their goals. I have since noticed many changes in the meaning of being a princess over the years, and Im glad that Disney decided to change their stories and let female characters define themselves without a need for someone else.

Disney today and tomorrow will inspire young girls to follow their own path not the traditional path, but working hard for their dreams, and not waiting for anothers help that is, becoming their own inspirations. I hope that Disney continues to progress, because we still live in a male-dominated society, and in many facets of life women still arent allowed to be what they want. I believe with open-minded and egalitarian princess movies, a new generation will rise to solve these problems for a better society.

Read more:

From Snow White to Moana: The Evolution of Disney Princesses - The Stanford Daily

Harley Quinn writer Stephanie Phillips has a PhD in rhetoric and composition, a master's in English, was a competitive Muy Thai fighter, and loves comics. But for a long time she felt like she didn't really 'get' Wonder Woman.

Phillips has always seen Wonder Woman as a "symbol of strength," but the human side of Diana Prince was a hard thing for her to grasp on a personal level. After a journey to understand Wonder Woman's humanity for herself which led to her using Wonder Woman in her Muy Thai fighting prep, Stephanie Phillips is now putting the character on her own path to understanding her own humanity in Wonder Woman: Evolution.

Debut November 16, Wonder Woman: Evolution teams Phillips with artist Mike Hawthorne, inker Adriano Di Benedetto, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Tom Napolitano as they take the Amazonian warrior to a cosmic court to act as Earth's representative when its crimes are put on trial.

Newsarama spoke with Phillips about the upcoming series, her acclimation to understanding Wonder Woman for herself, and following the character through a re-examination of her own identity.

Newsarama: Stephanie, the subtitle 'Evolution' leaves open a world of possibility. What does it mean in terms of you and Mike's story?

Stephanie Phillips: When I was initially tasked with a Wonder Woman story, I started to think about what interests me about this character. Since her inception, I think Wonder Woman has been this incredibly symbolic character, often steeped in mythology and lore. I love that about her, but I realized that I didnt feel like I had a good handle on Diana personally, like taking her a step beyond her symbology I want to know who she is.

So, on the one hand, 'evolution' symbolizes my interest in seeing Diana evolve through her own history and emerge out the other side of this trial as a changed person evolving into something different than weve seen from Diana in past stories.

Second, 'evolution' here also refers to a more specific story note that Diana is standing trial for humanity because weve evolved beyond evolutionary needs and now use these new technological capabilities to destroy the planet and each other.

While Diana is evolving throughout this story, were also thinking about the cost of evolution more broadly as well.

Newsarama: So this cosmic entity that whisks Diana off - who is it, or who are they?

Phillips: Theyre a little bit mysterious. They have god-like abilities and serve as arbiters, presiding over a kind of neutral ground where they judge the many species in their universe. Their job is to keep all the various planets and species in check when one gets a little too far out of line and poses a threat, they intervene. At the moment, they see humanity as posing a potential threat not just to Earth itself, but to the cosmos.

The story will explore how they serve to make their decision about humanity and why Diana is the chosen proxy.

Newsarama: Who its it that has selected Diana as Earth's proxy in a trial to judge all mankind's worthiness to exist?

Phillips: Our god-like aliens specifically select Diana for the trial. Part of this story will be about understanding why Diana is selected.

Newsarama: This has shades of classic Greek mythology, but also the various cosmic superhero trials. What are you aiming for here?

Phillips: Personally, I am aiming for an exploration of Wonder Woman via her relationships, specifically to the Justice League, the Amazons, and even to humanity as a whole. I really like this foil as a chance to ask questions about Dianas priorities, her moral compass, and even her understanding of her own identity and sense of belonging.

I would also say theres a bit of a Platonic dialogue happening in this book. As Diana is left to think about how she defines failure and success, as well as how she interacts with the many different worlds shes a part of, she will have different 'guides' for these discussions. I think the people Diana converses with will, at points, be a little surprising to Diana (and readers!), and Im really excited to see that unfold.

Newsarama: What does Diana think about all of this?

Phillips: Like the hero we know her to be, Diana initially rises to the challenge. Earth needs a hero, and thats her job. But the trial is more than just swinging a sword at oncoming enemies, and it will quickly push Diana in ways she was not expecting.

Newsarama: What are this challenges that Diana is up against?

Phillips: This is tough to answer without giving too much away, but I will say that the trials are not what Diana expects. She is ready with a sword to face oncoming alien enemies, but there is a lot more to this challenge than Diana was anticipating, and the struggles will take a pretty drastic psychological toll on our hero.

Newsarama: How does this fit within the continuity of Wonder Woman we see in the current Wonder Woman comic? Is this same Wonder Woman, or one from a different universe in the DC Multiverse?

Phillips: The miniseries really does stand on its own and readers dont have to read any other Wonder Woman stories to jump in. We do touch on her past quite a bit, showcasing the Amazons and even the Justice League, but weve intentionally created something self-contained that can be read as a standalone Wonder Woman adventure.

That being said, the current ongoing series by Becky Cloonan, Michael Conrad, and Travis Moore is excellent and I would definitely encourage everyone to pick it up!

Newsarama: You began this year as part of the Sensational Wonder Woman book, and now you're heading into the final months writing a solo series, after really coming into your own with the Harley Quinn book. How does it feel to be here?

Phillips: I see writing these characters as a responsibility and a privilege. I have a responsibility to the characters that I love deeply and grew up reading to do right by them, and its such an honor to be trusted with their stories. I have the coolest job in the world (apart from you know actually being Wonder Woman, because that seems pretty cool!).

Newsarama: How do you view Diana, and the role/mantle of Wonder Woman personally?

Phillips: Back when I was fighting, I actually used to attend weigh-ins with Wonder Woman attire on. Before fights I would even watch or read Wonder Woman fight scenes and just feel inspired by this character who can be ruthless, empathetic, and strong while making all of those elements beautiful.

But the first time I was asked to write Diana I realized that, in my mind, she was this symbol of strength and not someone I was connecting with on a human level, so this story seeks to really question that humanity in a very large way pushing and challenging Diana in ways she is really uncomfortable with. And, hopefully, well see something cool emerge on the other side!

Newsarama: You're working with artist Mike Hawthorne, who is returning to DC after years at Marvel. I know its early on, but what's it like working with him?

Phillips: Just incredible. The word that immediately comes to mind about my collaboration with Mike is 'respect.' I love Mikes work and I try to do my best to create a variety of scenes and then let Mike do his thing, because that 'thing' is being exceptionally talented!

Working with Mike, inker Adriano Di Benedetto, and colorist Jordie Bellaire what a team! Tom Napolitano is lettering the series, which Im also thrilled about. Its just really the best group of people I could ask to collaborate with and I really think that shows in the end product.

Newsarama: Big picture, what do you hope people get out of Wonder Woman: Evolution?

Phillips: This story is incredibly personal and kind of raw for me. Im asking a lot of questions that I might not have the answers to (nor does Diana), but I think thats where some of the power comes from. Analyzing your life, decisions, identity, and belonging to hopefully allow us to see Diana in a way that we havent seen her before. The setting may feel very grand and sci-fi with aliens and distant planets, but this is actually a very human story and Im interested in that juxtaposition. We have to go to another planet and face a committee of aliens in order to find Dianas humanity.

Wonder Woman: Evolution is joining a diverse tapestry of Diana Prince adventures. Here are our recommended best Wonder Woman stories.

More:

Wonder Woman: Evolution writer Stephanie Phillips reveals how the character helped her in competitive Muy Thai fighting - GamesRadar+

Photo credit: Dino Reichmuth on Unsplash.

Continuing to address a new Substack piece by James Croft where he objects to some of my comments on his debate with Stephen Meyer, today we turn to a hot topic: aliens!

In my article on the God hypothesis and the problem of background knowledge, I said that were Croft to apply his demand for background knowledge consistently, it would mean we couldnt indirectly infer our way to non-divine alien entities either. Croft doesnt concede this, but he does say there would be a degree of hampering from a lack of such knowledge:

How could someone responsibly construct a hypothesis that a new, non-human intelligent agent might exist? Does the lack of background knowledge that Ive pointed to on the part of God also hamper attempts to abductively infer that aliens are the cause of some phenomenon, for instance? To some degree, it does and of course it does.

He illustrates with an example: Suppose a crew lands on Mars and finds a perfectly spherical floating orb of unknown make and origin. If this crew had independent background knowledge of alien races with means and motive to build floating spheres, this would make the inference to aliens stronger than if they didnt.

This is true! Trivially true, in fact. Neither Meyer nor any other ID-friendly philosopher would disagree with Croft that background knowledge can make a good inference to the best explanation better. But the question at hand is whether its always needed to make it good.

In this specific case, Croft happens to think that absent background knowledge, Aliens! would be a weakly justified hypothesis. Here, my mind immediately went to the scene in 2001: A Space Odyssey where moon colonists discover a monolith not a floating sphere, but a grounded rectangular prism, which emits a high-pitched sound when the sun comes out:

The scene is shot and scored in a very ominous way, where the ominousness lies precisely in the sense that the monolith is, well, alien.! And in fact, as the story unfolds, we learn that it is.

Maybe for Croft, it wouldnt be so ominous. But maybe it would. I would actually be curious to know if he thinks its analogous to his floating sphere or not. A more interesting question, though, would be to ask him what our Mars landers should conclude if they find, say, a cave wall displaying the digits of pi. Or perhaps a friendly garbage-collection robot, with a design unknown to any human designer on Earth at the time. Those sorts of discoveries would be much more analogous to what we observe as we examine human and animal bodies on a micro and macro scale code, function, moving parts in service of a whole, and so on and so forth.

But Croft believes he can say more. The inference to aliens behind the floating orb is weak, but Meyers inference to God is even weaker [emphasis Crofts]. He then gives a proof-of-concept argument based on the background knowledge about human beings, evolution and astronomy our Mars landers could still appeal to:

1. We know that intelligent life can evolve on particular kinds of planets, because we did.

2. We know that there are lots of potentially life-permitting planets in the universe, because we have found many of them, and we can tell from our understanding of astronomy and physics that there must be many more out there.

3. It is reasonable to conclude, given what we know about the evolution of life on our planet, that intelligent life may have evolved on one of these other worlds.

4. It is plausible, given what we know about humans and other animals, that such life would also want to create technologies (as we and other animals do), and also that they might want to contact other species.

5. Sufficiently advanced alien technologies might be inexplicable to us, just as the technologies we have today would be inexplicable to our ancestors were they to view them. And, therefore:

6. It is not unreasonable to postulate that this phenomenon (the floating orb) is a technology created by an alien intelligence.

The second half of this argument is good (hurray, agreement)! However, I find it ironic that Crofts Premise 4 appeals to the creativity, drive, and, well, intelligence that we observe in ourselves to design things. He appears to believe this is a legitimate stepping stone on the way to aliens, but in his frame, it abruptly loses all legitimacy on the way to God. His Premise 5 also shows deference to things that might be beyond our ken from our currently limited human perspective, also wise! But are doctors and scientists likewise not still stymied by many mysteries within creation itself? Have there not been numerous times when they declared something useless, only to discover theyd been too hasty?

But of course, the really eyebrow-raising premise here is the first one: We know that intelligent life can evolve on particular kinds of planets, because we did. Is that a fact? Obviously, Im not here to recap the entire debate over the evolution process, nor the origin of life process. The origin of life debate is especially heated, as Meyer shows in his latest book, and as other excellent scientists like Brian Miller and James Tour have done at length elsewhere. I wont repeat their arguments (though Ill link to just one article by Miller treating a critical review of Meyers book at length), but I will say its cheeky of Croft to simply help himself to this statement as his own Premise 1 in a hypothetical case for aliens, when its the very question at issue in the debate over the God hypothesis. If this is how he defines background knowledge, perhaps we simply have different standards for knowledge!

The extreme improbability that life would originate by chance is a good note on which to pause and pick up next time, as I address Crofts more technical objections to Meyers Bayesian inference.

Link:

Croft, Continued: I'm Not Saying It's Aliens - Discovery Institute

A study from the University of So Paulo has found that the evolutionary stability of a bird species depends on its role in seed dispersal networks. The experts report that the stability of each species increases with the more types of seeds that it disperses.

More than 70 percent of all flowering plants depend on birds to disperse their seeds. The research suggests that birds which feed on fruit from a wide variety of plants have better evolutionary chances.

The bird species that occupy more central positions in a network, that have more connections, tend to be more stable in macroevolutionary terms, said study first author Gustavo Burin.

According to Burin, establishing this correlation between species interactions and their evolutionary dynamics was a huge challenge because it required an analysis of two processes seed dispersal and evolution that occur on entirely different time scales. While evolution plays out over millions of years, seed dispersal is an annual process.

We worked on this for four years, integrating data on 468 bird species belonging to 29 seed dispersal networks, said Burin. We demonstrated that the more links a bird species establishes with plant species, the greater its evolutionary chances.

More precisely, the greater the evolutionary stability of a bird species, the more chances we have of observing its relative importance in a seed dispersal network, measured by the number and pattern of interactions established by the bird species.

Burin explained that bird species which occupy central positions in a seed dispersal network have two important traits either they live longer or they belong to groups that accumulate many species in a relatively short time, so that if a species disappears its replaced by many other similar ones.

In Brazil, examples of long-lived species include the Rufous-bellied thrush and the Sayaca tanager.

Here were emphasizing the importance of interaction with plants to the evolutionary success of bird species, but the reverse may also be true in the sense that plants that can rely on more bird species to disperse their seeds are more likely to propagate and survive. When a dispersing vertebrate exists, the seeds can be carried dozens of miles away from the plant, said Burin.

The effects are the strongest in tropical areas that are warm and wet with less seasonal variability. This helps to explain why biodiversity hotspots persist in Colombias Amazon region and in Southeast Asia, explained the researchers.

The study was funded by So Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP, and is published in the journal Science.

By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer

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Birds involved in more seed dispersal have evolutionary stability Earth.com - Earth.com

A 2010 Pagani Zonda R Evolution supercar is available via a direct sale for US$6.5 million at RM Sotheby's. Karissa Hosek 2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

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A 2010 Pagani Zonda R Evolution supercar is available via a direct sale for US$6.5 million at RM Sothebys, as the auction house kicks off its flagship annual auction Thursday in Monterey, Calif., as part of the Monterey Car Week.

The 2010 Pagani Zonda R Evolution, currently exhibited at the Monterey Conference Center, is the fifth of 10 examples produced by Pagani between 2009 and 2011, RM Sothebys said.

Pagani is an Italian manufacturer of sports cars and carbon fiber components that was founded in 1992 by the Argentinian Horacio Pagani. The automaker unveiled its first car, the Zonda C12, at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show. In 2007, it developed its first track-focused model, the Zonda R, which was regarded as the marques tour de force.

The 2010 Pagani Zonda R Evolution features an exposed, woven carbon fiber bodywork, and is powered by a Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR-derived, 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 800 horsepower to top a speed of 230 miles per hour, according to RM Sothebys.

The auction house declined to disclose the identity of the consignor, but said that the car is being offered for the first time publicly in the U.S.

During the extended three-day auctions from Aug. 12-14, RM Sothebys will offer more than 264 lots of classic cars and sports cars, including a collection from late Texas businessman Paul Andrews. Highlighting this collection is a rare 1962 Aston Martin with an estimated value of between US$11 million and US$14 million.

The top lot is an iconic 1970 Porsche 917K that was built as one of the three 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans race entries of the JW Automotive Engineering/Gulf Racing team, which has an estimate of between US$16 million and US$18.5 million.

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RM Sothebys Offers Pagani Zonda R Evolution Supercar During Monterey Car Week - Barron's

An ultra-rare example of Paganis engineering prowess is now up for grabs RM Sothebys.

The four-wheeler in question is a 2010 Pagani Zonda R Evolution that is available via a private sale at RM Sothebys for the handsome fee of $6.5 million. The immaculate black beauty, which has covered just 632 miles in its lifetime, represents the pinnacle of Pagani engineering and has an exceptional pedigree.

Pagani unveiled the first Zonda, the C12, at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999. The Italian marque followed up with a few high-octane variants over the next few years before unveiling the Zonda R in 2007. Touted as Horacio Paganis tour de force, this was the automakers first track-focused beast and was unequivocally ferocious. In fact, it still holds a Nrburgring record for completing the racecourse in 6 minutes 47 seconds in July 2010.

The 800 hp beast has not one but two rear wings and quad tips.Karissa Hosek/RM Sotheby's

This particular model is the fifth of just 10 Zonda Rs built between 2009 and 2011, according to the auction house. Its also one of only a handful to be upgraded to the Evolution spec that includes a bump in horsepower, as well as a set of lightweight magnesium alloys, a smaller secondary wing underneath the standard rear wing and additional dive planes on the front corners for extra downforce. This specific Evolution also sports exposed carbon fiber bodywork with tricolore accents throughout and the signature quad exhausts.

Under the hood, the Zonda R is powered by a naturally aspirated, Mercedes-Benz 6.0-liter V-12 engine mated to a six-speed sequential transaxle. The tuned Evolution can churn out a gutsy 800 hp while the regular Zonda R is good for 740 horses. With a formidable power-to-weight ratio and lightning-quick gear changes, the Zonda R can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and hit more than 230 mph at full tilt.

RM Sothebys says this is the first Pagani Zonda to be offered publicly in the US market, which helps explain that hefty price tag. Hey, nobody said owning a piece of Pagani history would come cheap.

Check out more photos below:

Karissa Hosek/RM Sotheby's

Karissa Hosek/RM Sotheby's

Pietro Martelletti/RM Sotheby's

Pietro Martelletti/RM Sotheby's

Pietro Martelletti/RM Sotheby's

Pietro Martelletti/RM Sotheby's

Pietro Martelletti/RM Sotheby's

Pietro Martelletti/RM Sotheby's

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This 1-of-10 Pagani Zonda R Evolution Supercar Could Be Yours for $6.5 Million - Robb Report

As India enters the 75th year of its Independence, my mind goes back 25 years, to its 50th anniversary and Queen Elizabeths visit. Inviting her to celebrate Indias Independence was a generous gesture considering Britains past imperial role. It also demonstrated Britains hope that the past could stay in the past, and a future partnership of two great democracies be established.

The visit ran into rough weather. To woo the British-Sikh vote, a significant factor in several constituencies, the British high commissioner was instructed to negotiate a visit to Amritsar and the Golden Temple. IK Gujral, the then prime minister (PM), made it clear that he didnt want the Queen to go to Amritsar unless she was willing to apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Eventually, in an embarrassing compromise as far as Gujral was concerned, it was agreed the Queen would visit Jallianwala Bagh and lay a wreath, but she would not apologise. During the visit, the Duke of Edinburgh didnt make things any easier by questioning the official figures of the number of people killed in the massacre when General Reginald Dyer ordered his soldiers to open fire on a peaceful crowd trapped in the garden. The Queens husband was reported as saying that General Dyers son had told him that the figure was much lower hardly a reliable source.

Before coming to India, the Queen visited Pakistan. This did not please the external affairs ministry. During the visit, the British foreign minister, Robin Cook, offered to mediate between India and Pakistan. With the unhappiness over Amritsar and the anger over Cooks blunder, the press coverage of the tour became extremely negative, so much so that the Palace issued a statement saying that the Queen thought the visit was going very well.

British PM, Boris Johnson, seems to have learnt the lesson from this sorry story: Dont push too hard, dont ride roughshod over Indian sensitivities if you want to negotiate successfully, as he does. He desperately wants a Free Trade Agreement to justify his promise that Brexit will leave Britain free to negotiate far more beneficial trade agreements than those it was tied to by its membership in the European Union.

Johnson is taking it step by step. He met Narendra Modi virtually two months ago, and they agreed on an enhanced trade partnership. Modi described this as a roadmap to a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. He also spoke of an ambitious roadmap to elevate India-United Kingdom (UK) relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. That sounds something like the alliance of two great democracies Britain hoped that the Queens visit would symbolise.

India is a constitutional democracy. According to its first president Rajendra Prasad, its democracy has historic links with Britain. He said, We have all derived from the British Parliament and we still continue to derive inspiration from its proceedings, from its history....(and) from its traditions. Furthermore, at the recent G7 summit hosted by Johnson in June, Modi, although only a guest, signed the open societies statement, the joint commitment to strengthen democracy globally.

There are now questions being asked about how democratic India is. The United States government-funded non-governmental organisation Freedom Houses 2021 report has demoted India from free to partly free, alleging discriminatory policies, rising violence and a crackdown on freedom of expression. India has also dropped two places in the Economist Intelligence Units Democracy Index. It alleges a crackdown on civil liberties in India.

These allegations have been furiously denied, but the truth is that Indias democracy does have an international image problem, which if it remains, will stand in the way of establishing a comprehensive partnership with Britain. It also makes Indias commitment to the worlds richest nations campaign for democracy appear implausible.

The views expressed are personal

Read more:

India-UK: The evolution of a post-colonial relationship - Hindustan Times

As the Maine Organic Gardeners & Farmers Association celebrates its 50th anniversary, we discuss the lasting impacts of the organic movement, and the role Maine has played in it. Organic farming has altered agricultural practices, the foodservice industry, energy use and the economy. Well hear from leaders and organic practitioners about the benefits and evolution of going organic.

Panelists:Sarah Alexander, executive director, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA)Stacy Brenner, organic farmer and small business owner, co-founder of Broadturn Farm in Scarborough; vice president of MOFGA; Maine State Senator (D-Cumberland)Jim Gerritsen, whose family has owned the Wood Prairie Family Farm in Bridgewater for more than 40 years

VIP Callers:Amanda Beal, commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & ForestryRep. Chellie Pingree, U.S. Representative for Maine's 1st Congressional District; organic farmer; MOFGA's first apprenticeSam Hayward, James Beard award-winning farm-to-table chef; executive chef/partner, Fore Street RestaurantJohn Bunker, organic farmer, educator, historian, expert in heritage apple preservation; author of Apples and The Art of Detection

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Organic Movement: The Evolution of Organic Farming & The Leading Role Maine Has Played In It - Maine Public