tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227259796791346059.post825200657338336212..comments2024-01-31T14:45:16.559+05:30Comments on A touch of green: Of 'Madrasis' and 'Bengalis'Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227259796791346059.post-20262022637967076462015-06-01T20:00:43.404+05:302015-06-01T20:00:43.404+05:30In my opinion, much of the time and for most peopl...In my opinion, much of the time and for most people, the stereotyping into "Madrasis" and "Bengalis" is an act born of cultural ignorance rather than of ill-intent, of laziness rather than of malice. However, this negligent act of a lazy and silent majority is oftentimes the backdrop against which vested interests, generally via disgruntled miscreants, cause acts of discrimination, violent or not - in India and around the world. Ignorance, therefore, promotes discrimination.<br /><br />USA, a pluralistic society like India and a land that I immigrated to a quarter century ago, has taken one approach to grappling with discrimination. Oversimplified perhaps, but I describe the US approach to enforcing non-discrimination as refusing to acknowledge the multiple colors in the palettes of race, religion, ethnicity, et al. Being color-blind means gray is the only color. While this is not a perfect depiction, and while there are glaring acts of discrimination as seen too often in the violent acts of trigger-happy police departments, most people in the US seem to believe that ". . . all men are created equal."<br /><br />India has taken a different - and perhaps more vibrant - approach to being a pluralistic country: It is not that gray is the only color, but that all colors are beautiful and equally worthy of being celebrated - much like the multi-chromatic colors of that festival of colors - Holi. Nowhere is this more evident than in India's national anthem: "Madrasis" and "Bangs" are both acknowledged and celebrated, as are all the other regions and/or linguistic groups. Utopia? Perhaps. But is there a better way?<br /><br />Mr. Warrier, the issue you raise is so relevant: The generic classification of "Madrasis" and "Bengalis" are often hurtful and harmful. Taking a page from the US, anti-discrimination organizations (ACLU, NAACP, and especially, Anti-Defamation League), the enlightened ones - perhaps the activists, hopefully the media - takes on this issue in India, and whacks the mole every time an incident - innocent or not - of this nature takes place.<br /><br />I applaud you for taking on this intentional and unintentional bigotry.<br /><br />--Amit Chandra, Boston, USA<br />AChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17696366215766547787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6227259796791346059.post-7950464629941894852015-05-30T09:49:19.260+05:302015-05-30T09:49:19.260+05:30Interesting. Have tried resisting the Madrasi tag,...Interesting. Have tried resisting the Madrasi tag, very often succumbing as it seems more ignorance & laziness than ill-intent. Was furious after seeing Chennai Express especially with all the "madrasi" ing the film had - mixing up all the Southern states in 1 melting pot. Clearly we may be part of the minority as the film became a hit. However, willing to shout with you, whenever you are! Jayashreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09842719286557597277noreply@blogger.com