Britishers left our country a long time ago but I can't help thinking that there is still an element of white superiority embedded in each one of us. The fact is made painfully clear with each new advertisement. Fair and lovely, fair and handsome, the fact that talking English makes you superior. Bad pronounciation, in English is always looked upon as a sign of inferiority. Waiters and people at call centers are painfully instructed to talk in good English.
The undying hypocrisy of the middle class in India is reflected in this. They are very nationalistic, but very few still would rate someone who talks fluent English and someone who talks fluent Hindi on the same level. In fact, recently, by not going to foreign countries to get jobs, people seem to be doing a favour to their country. They proudly announce something which should be looked upon as natural! They seem to be contributing to the economic development of our country by working here but blindly ignore the economic disparities present! People who criticize the country are labelled as unpatriotic. The country should be blindly supported. I personally think people who criticize the country manage to do more for it than those who succumb to blind patriotism. There seems to be a feeling that patriotism and pride for nationality will overcome the problems posed by the Indian system of government.
But back to my topic on white superiority. There is a subtle change in attitude in third world racism and first world racism. Third world racism, wherever present, seems to concentrate on an attitude of hate, and almost seems like hate against superiors. First world racism meanwhile concentartes more on an attitude of contempt, contempt towards inferiors. I think this difference in attitude makes the whole difference. Whites coming to our country are treated with supreme politeness and stared upon curiously as wonders. Asian people visiting white countries are merely ignored.
The fact that I'm writing this article itself in English goes on to show that I'm more comfortable in expressing my views in English rather than Hindi. I know that, and I'm ashamed of it. I try my best to improve. Atleast, bad English is not something by which I judge perosn.
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1 comment:
There is alot of wrong in our country and world. Alot of us don't even know or realize it. It is as you said because of lack of exposure. 'Real' information is perhaps is what most of this generation is devoid of completely.
Good job.
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