A review by khamakhaaaa
Whole Numbers and Half Truths by Rukmini S
4.0
“Of all the narratives that Indians wrap
around themselves — whether for disguise
or for comfort — none is as dearly held as
this one: I am middle class.”
So often did a statement in this book shock me that I had to stop for a moment and re-read it, and sadly nothing changed, I had read it correctly in the first time. I was surprised at how I was highlighting so much in this book, largely because Rukmini S goes on to shatter the notions that we hold firmly as ‘truth’ or ‘common sense’.
Upon reading this book I realised how smart the BJP party is in the way they play with the data. Also, how so many of our beliefs are merely myths and fabricated stories — like the ghost stories, only we’ve adapted so well with them that we’ve begun to see ghosts in their flesh and blood. We are in essence collectively “missing reality, manufacturing reality” as Rukmini S herself puts it.
The author touches upon some of the most crucial aspects of public debate around data: caste, urbanisation, voting patterns, migration, healthcare, religion, Covid, gender, population, crime patterns, unemployment, income levels, languages, and so on.
The prose on the other hand feels a bit bumpy and hurried at times, which might be a compulsion for this kind of book which is structured around the theme of data.
Overall, it’s a must read for every citizen of India.
around themselves — whether for disguise
or for comfort — none is as dearly held as
this one: I am middle class.”
So often did a statement in this book shock me that I had to stop for a moment and re-read it, and sadly nothing changed, I had read it correctly in the first time. I was surprised at how I was highlighting so much in this book, largely because Rukmini S goes on to shatter the notions that we hold firmly as ‘truth’ or ‘common sense’.
Upon reading this book I realised how smart the BJP party is in the way they play with the data. Also, how so many of our beliefs are merely myths and fabricated stories — like the ghost stories, only we’ve adapted so well with them that we’ve begun to see ghosts in their flesh and blood. We are in essence collectively “missing reality, manufacturing reality” as Rukmini S herself puts it.
The author touches upon some of the most crucial aspects of public debate around data: caste, urbanisation, voting patterns, migration, healthcare, religion, Covid, gender, population, crime patterns, unemployment, income levels, languages, and so on.
The prose on the other hand feels a bit bumpy and hurried at times, which might be a compulsion for this kind of book which is structured around the theme of data.
Overall, it’s a must read for every citizen of India.