Oh racist – we are!

Ever since the monkey episode happened one fine day on the Sydney cricket field, there have been several debates and discussions on whether at all we Indians are racists. Initially there was hue and cry on how we have been wronged and we need to give the Aussies back in the same manner. Slowly as the matter started settling down, there was some introspection about whether at all we are really racists at heart.

For me, there is no doubt in my mind that we are racists and are struggling to get over the firang hangover! See the matrimonial advertisements for instance. Have u ever come across an ad that doesn’t mention the word fair, beautiful? Aren’t our idiot boxes filled with fairness cream ads? how many times have we (I mean girls) been told to carry an umbrella on a harsh sunny day so as to avoid a tan?! Why aren’t boys ever asked to carry an umbrella on a sunny day?!!! I always wonder! Are any of our movie heroines dark and dusky? How many pregnant women have been given saffron (the wonder spice that is supposed to bring about ‘fair’ babies) mixed in their milk?

The list is endless. I have come across very few men and women who have moved beyond this and have looked at the inner beauty of people. For a lot of people I guess there is no time and inclination to see what’s hidden beneath the skin.