Imagine strolling along a pristine beach, not a single piece of trash in sight, despite thousands of people enjoying the sun and sand. Now, contrast that with the crowded, often littered beaches back home. This stark difference left actress and travel enthusiast Shenaz Treasury pondering a bold question: Why can’t Indians be clean? Her recent trip to Rio, Brazil, sparked this thought-provoking observation, and she didn’t hesitate to share it with her Instagram followers. But here’s where it gets controversial—is it fair to compare the cleanliness of beaches in two vastly different cultural and infrastructural contexts? Let’s dive into her experience and explore the nuances.
Shenaz, known for her adventurous spirit and candid social media presence, recently treated her fans to a series of videos from her Brazilian getaway. In one clip, she captures the bustling Copacabana Beach, drawing a parallel to Mumbai’s famous Juhu Beach. ‘Welcome to the busiest beach in the world,’ she remarks, ‘even busier than Juhu.’ Yet, what struck her most was the impeccable cleanliness. ‘Not one wrapper,’ she notes, her tone both impressed and questioning. This led to her now-viral caption: ‘As busy as Juhu beach. But BUT BUT. So clean…. Why can’t Indians be clean?’
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Shenaz isn’t just critiquing; she’s highlighting a cultural phenomenon. In another video, she humorously shares her experience of a Brazilian vendor helping her try on a bikini top over her existing one, something she jokingly claims would never happen in India without ‘shady intentions.’ This lighthearted moment underscores the cultural differences in public behavior and comfort levels.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in Rio. In a thought-provoking clip, a local Brazilian warns Shenaz, using gestures, to keep an eye on her phone and wallet due to the risk of theft. ‘In Brazil, girls are very safe. Phones and wallets are not,’ she captions, shedding light on the contrasting safety dynamics. This raises an important question: Is cleanliness the only metric we should use to compare cultures, or should we also consider other societal aspects like safety and infrastructure?
Shenaz’s observations extend beyond cleanliness. She marvels at Brazil’s fitness culture, describing Rio’s beaches as ‘runways’ where people aren’t just lounging but actively playing volleyball, football, and paddleball. ‘Fitness is not just a hobby here, it’s a lifestyle,’ she notes, painting a picture of a society deeply committed to health and vitality. This contrasts sharply with the more sedentary beach culture often seen in India, where relaxation takes precedence over physical activity.
And this is the part most people miss: Shenaz also highlights the communal beach experience in Brazil. On Sundays, despite the crowds, people bring their beach chairs and umbrellas, enjoy food from vendors, and create a vibrant, shared space. ‘Even the guys selling food are hot,’ she quips, adding a touch of humor to her cultural commentary.
So, is Shenaz’s comparison fair? Or is she oversimplifying a complex issue? While her observations are undeniably thought-provoking, they also invite a deeper conversation about cultural norms, civic responsibility, and infrastructural support. For instance, Brazil’s beaches are often maintained by dedicated cleaning crews, a luxury not always available in India. Does this shift the responsibility from individuals to systems?
Shenaz Treasury’s Rio adventure is more than just a travelogue; it’s a mirror reflecting our own societal habits and values. Her bold question challenges us to think critically about cleanliness, safety, and cultural priorities. But what do you think? Is it a matter of individual behavior, systemic support, or something in between? Let’s spark a discussion—share your thoughts in the comments below. After all, the most meaningful conversations often begin with a bold question.
