21
Nov
India: What a Mess
Everyday for the past three months I have been trying to figure out what it is about India that my husband loves so much and everyday I hate it more and more. Today I have decided to write a little bit about my hate for India since my experience today has been especially negative.
Today we went to the Indian Naval Base in Fort Kochi to see the ships. On a regular day you are not allowed onto to base, but this weekend they are having Navy Fest and inviting the public in to view the ships. We thought this would be a great opportunity to see some of these amazing ships. As we pulled into the gate, one of the navy personnel came up to our car and said “Foreigners not allowed.” My husband tried to explain to him that I have a government issued PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card. He said to us that there was no chance of me getting in since it is a foreign defense area. I thought this was a great reason, however, they were not checking any ID. They looked at my skin and assumed I was a foreigner. There assumption was correct, I am not a citizen of India, but why didn’t they ask to see my ID before assuming. Even more important why are they letting everyone in that LOOKS Indian. What if someone looks Indian, but is a citizen of another country.
This is not the first time I have been shown some sort of racism. It happens all the time. One other such time that comes to mind was during a visit to HSBC. We were waiting in the waiting room for our number to be called and the chai wallah came around to offer people chai. She offered me chai, but totally snubbed my husband. Why are these sort of things happening in 2009?
Society is either really really nice to me because of my white skin or really really rude to me because of my white skin. The issue that I have with this country stands with the massive amounts of racism that happen everyday whether it be towards me or towards an Indian. It seems that this country is so obsessed with what shade of skin you have or what caste you come from or what job you hold. There are statues of Sri Narayana Guru Swami all through Kerala. He was an amazing social reformer who changed this place a bit, but if he saw it today he would again be appalled at what there is to see. He has many famous teachings, but the one that I think says it best is, “Devoid of dividing walls Of caste or race Or hatred of rival faith We all live here in Brotherhood”.
November 21st, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Sad but true.
Have you watched the fair skin commercials on T.V? Disgusting.
November 21st, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Hello
I have to say that i agree with most of what you say. Indians are the most racist people in the world and india is the most racist place on the earth. I say as an Indian who is now settled in UK. How India can claim moral leadership of anything is beyond me when the people cannot behave in an acceptable way in the 21st century.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:12 am
hahahaha … they didn’t serve liji chai in HSBC this is hilarious …
November 22nd, 2009 at 2:07 am
Missy,
Sorry to hear about the incident. India can be very rough on your sensitivity especially with anything to do with color of your skin…..I am sure you will be able to look beyond its many inadequacies and enjoy the amazing Culture, Food and Architecture it has to offer for rest of your stay there.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:15 am
But wasnt the very word ‘racism’ coined in America ? I understand the fact that you love America ( coz you belong there ) inspite of the rampant racism . I recently read about the Afican American Judge who was arrested while opening the door to his own house, because a neighbour reported him and the policeman wouldnt believe him because he was black. I have been visiting America quite often, as most of my family live there , and over the years have seen with my own eyes, how friendly people have turned unfriendly and sometimes hostile to people from countries or colours other than their own .
I dont hate America for that , nor do I hate Americans. Each country has its own shortcomings . You are staying here because you want to ( I hope !) Dont try to love India – but definitely dont hate it. You will be a happier person for it.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:01 am
You are aware of incidents like the one with the judge and many other hate crimes in America because they ARE REPORTED and addressed. Here, in India, racism and hate crimes are covered up or not reported which makes India look much worse. More importantly people brush it off like there is no issue.
I am pointing out issues like this in India so that it can be addressed and not ignored.
Other countries having similar issues doesn’t make it ok here in India. I hear so often ‘This happens in America or that happens in America………’ I live here in India and so I am concerned with India right now.
If people stop putting blame on other countries or accusing other countries of having similar problems and they focus on their own country and stand up for what is right and what is not ok, this country could be a much better place for all of its citizens.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Exactly my sentiments too. Dont hate any country or its people. I hope you dont hate India anymore !!