Apologies upfront for a digression. I thought of leting this pass, but i felt being a first person witness to the event a little perspective would help.
Doc,
To be honest, in times of disaster, there isn't much scope for Victorian display of pomp, pride, honour and dignity as such.
Having gone through the hell, during those times, one can reasonably assume those experiences bring out the fundamental animalist survival instincts to the fore. If you had ever been in such situations, you can relate very well, how one tries to save oneself no matter what the cost. I simply can't agree with your assumptions as I saw none during that period. Let me emphasize this : I'm not expecting any to behave as if Japanese are waiting for metro train but to falsely ascribe that nobility is a fallacy.
Also I found that keralites pretty much acted in the same way as humans would do anywhere. Having survived Chennai floods, I didn't find many differences. Rather it was similarities that struck me. Even after all the indoctrination, of may I say Malayali exceptionalism.
During such times, there arises many a heroes. Nothing special about it. But your appreciation is well placed, as it would be for all communities elsewhere too. But please bear in mind, amidst those heroes, sung and unsung, there are many many more shady creatures too. All most all unnoticed. Particularly here in Kerala, as the hyped up image of this state has to be upheld at all costs.
Thanks.
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What came after the floods is the strangest part. Part of the populace praising the royal sovereign of a distant emirate. Well people questioning whether Kerala is paying tax to Indian union were nowhere seen to question such extra territorial loyalties