“Racism is something you learn, not something you are born with”.
As the above saying goes, racism is a universal staple of the human psyche. The existence of this universal phenomenon prevails in almost all parts of the world. Is India an exception? No, it is sad but inescapable truth and a fact which is not very well accepted.
Ironically, Indian society cry foul and believe that they are the victims of the race-based discrimination and oppression by the people of the western countries. However, the prevalence of racist actions, practices and prejudices in Indian society is overlooked.
Even the most cursory look at any daily newspaper can depict our racist attitude. Let’s retrospect the matrimonial column of the newspaper; our prejudices towards caste and obsession with fair-skin can be easily observed. Off late, the front page and headlines are filled with news stories of violence against indigenous minorities from India’s North-East. They have to face jibes and repressing statements in their own country.
The recent murder case of Nido Taniam is an example of such racial assaults. Nido Taniam, was a 19 year student from Arunachal Pradesh. He was mercilessly beaten up by shopkeepers in the South Delhi suburb of Lajpat Nagar when he protested by breaking the glass of the shop as he was racially taunted by them. He just went to the shop for asking a nearby address and was ridiculed for his ‘Chinki’ looks and ‘Korean’ hairstyle. He succumbed to his injuries the day after. Just days after this brutal racist assault, two Manipuri youth were allegedly attacked and abused by few drunken bikers.
Such incidences have brought the issue of racism in the spotlight. But these issues are not raised and talked about as Indians don’t acknowledge their racist attitude and beliefs. They should realise that other countries are atleast taking steps to stop such race-based oppression. However, they are unable to counter the issue of racial discrimination mainly because of their indifference and ignorance towards it.
Nelson Mandela said- “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite”.
It’s time to change the mindsets of people in our society. Steps should be undertaken and laws should be made to curb the division of people with US and THEM.
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