Thanks to your ridiculous outcry, things are likely to get worse for Indians out here...including the students you are so concerned about.
What did you think this would do? Get the few racists to open their eyes? Or did you stop to think that it would actually make them worse? Did you ever think that the fence-sitters would view this outrageous display in India and actually choose their side?
This article sums up what I'm trying to say. It has one of the few sane Indian voices.
At the end of the day, if anything happens further to Indians, Indians only have their own media to blame.
Until next time,
Cheers!!!
Another student has been targeted. Is it really a molehill?
ReplyDeletep.s. I wanted to consult u on a matter.Should I mail u to the id I have from ur comments on my blog?
at least there are some people left who gets it instead of just playing the blame game...
ReplyDelete@ Reema: I was referring to the other student that has been targetted. Now, due to the media's inital over-sensationalised outburst, the few racists are going to get even more defensive and worse. Those sitting on the fence are probably going to have their views on Indians confirmed. And as a result, I'm sure we'll hear about more Indians being attacked. All thanks to the Indian media.
ReplyDeleteOh...and yes of course you can email me on that address. :)
@ Ersa: Yeah, it's good that there are some eminent people in the society that are not overgeneralising.
I believe that it is high time Indian govt. takes some serious steps but still this stereotyping is not going to do anyone any good.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned on another blog, when western women get raped in India no one brands entire Indian men as rapists.
Also many forgot Harbhajan-Symonds racial issue. That time I saw every single Indian supporting Bhajji. It is high time we stop divides and racism in India too. Also instead of forming an Indian gang and not even trying to mingle with the host, it would be good to learn about the country and stand up against any atrocities abroad.
@ Solilo: I have no problem with the govt wanting to do something. But that something has to involve talks between Manmohan Singh and Kevin Rudd.
ReplyDeleteNot Shiv Sena burning effigies.
Not some bloody bollywood actor becoming high and mighty.
Woudldn't you agree? I mean, if we are trying to get Aussies to view us differently, people like these are not helping the cause.
Oh and the Harbhajan-Symonds thing still gives me the shits --- the convenient argument was "we are targets of racism so we cannot be racists". Bullshit, eh? :S
Rightfully said, M'am!
ReplyDeleteYour stay in Aus has kinda diluted your Indi-ness I guess People thumping in screw drivers into others and Indians reacted . What is wrong with that man ? And yes , everyone chooses his way to protest this and that is the essence of a free society . The Shiv Sena chose their method and Bachchan his . You choose to call it a molehill . Well I am sure had it been you or a relative getting hit , the reactions would have been different .
ReplyDelete@ Amol: Thanks.
ReplyDelete@ Shakthi: Firstly, my stay in Aus couldn't have diluted my 'Indianness' because I never had any even back in India.
Anyway, going on to the matter at hand, if you read my post on racial row, you will get a better understanding of what I'm trying to say. I am not denying the existence of any racism but I'm saying that it's a bit ridiculous to brandish the entire country as racist when they are not. And the behaviour of the Shiv Sena is only going to irk those that are racist to react further. Criminal activities take place every day in Australia against anyone who is white, black, asian, middle eastern, Indian... most of these are due to individuals under the influence of alcohol. I'm not condoning this but I'm saying attacks are not uncommon.
Even if it had been me getting hit, I would put it down to an unfortunate circumstance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And I am aware that I could be mugged or assaulted --- I'm a woman after all (and I've lived with that possibility of something bad happening even in India where rape is common) But I wouldn't put it down to racial causes.
"And while we want action to be taken by authorities in Australia, equally we should remember all the various crimes against foreigners who visit India,"
ReplyDeleteWell said!!! Finally one sane voice. I totally agree with you Psych Babbler, and I don't think the media or political groups care, they just use every opportunity to steal some publicity.
I think what you mean to say is that things like this have to be handled well and with some sense of maturity (not putting words in your mouth, but this is how I see it). Say what you want, noone is stopping anyone, and SHOULDNT stop anything from sharing a like/dislike of a person, but is burning an effigy going to help the situation??
ReplyDeleteSure it shows that you dont like the person, but do something that makes a difference.
I think that many people are finding it hard to accept that it is possible to criticize the media coverage and the "Australia is racist" blanket statement, while not condoning the attacks.
ReplyDeleteThis sort of schism as good or bad, and nothing in between, is what causes all the problems.
I am adding your blog to my list too. :)
@ IHM: Publicity stunt...(wonder why I didn't think of that!) Of course that's what Bachan and the others are probably upto!
ReplyDelete@ SSQuo: You're right...that is what I am trying to say. It should be dealt with in a mature and civilized manner. If some Aussies have the opinion that Indians are backward, well, I think we proved them right based on the effigy burning.
@ Sumedh: Welcome! Yep...it's a very black and white way of thinking and again, I think the media is the root cause world over for influencing individuals to think in such black and white terms.