We are racists too

Whether or not TOI carries RK Laxman’s daily You Said It, it’ll definitely talk about some Asian geting assaulted in the now infamous Australia. Articles go on to say how racism is a problem faced by Desis everywhere. I agree. But have you looked at what goes on in your house before checking out the shit in your neighbour’s place?

To begin with, ads after ads endorsing Fair n Lovely, Pond Fairness, Fairever, Emami Fair & Natural, etc for women. Shahrukh and John Abraham do their bit by being the face of Himani Fairness Cream and Garnier Fairness cream for men. Why? I mean why this obsessive need to look fair? Whats wrong if your skin produces “that” extra ounce of Melanin???? Aren’t we being racists here?

Next come the super annoying matrimonial ads. Need a “Fair”, good looking and well educated girl/boy blah blah blah.. Its amazing how qualifications take a back seat and FAIR is the first word! Amazing priorities. What if your would be groom/bride is a money sucking parasite, who has no respect for you or your parents? What if all that happns when they open their mouths is garbage flowing out? Ever thought about it? Why do you think girls or boys with darker complexions wont make good spouses? What are your reservations against them? And more  importantly WHY??? Aren’t we being racists here?

The place where I stay, has a lot of citizens from Nigeria. Believe me, I’ve seen this happening. I was standing in the queue in front of my bank ATM. There was this guy who was standing ahead of me. A woman and her son behind me. The kid in all its innocence asked his mom “Why is this Uncle so dark?”. The answer that came out from his mom was “Coz he’s a Black/Negro”. I just wanted to slap the woman real hard. Couldn’t you have thought of anything better to answer your child? Aren’t we being racists here?

For many people, wearing an attire in black on auspicious days or during festivals symbolises something sad/evil. Why? Aren’t these lame beliefs man-made?? Whats the big deal? You like it, you wear it. Isnt that plain simple? Aren’t we being racists here?

For all the filmy people (Bollywood) out there who might defend themselves saying “We aint like that, we treat everyone equally”, I just have one question. In the movie Fashion, Priyanka Chopra’s character, Meghna Mathur feels she has hit rock bottom, after finds herself having slept with an African American. Why? Would she have felt the same had she slept with a Gora firang? And women in the theatre shed copious tears with her in the next scene.  

Aren’t we being racists here? The answer is “Yes, we are racists too. Happily at that.”