Shilpa and the Racial Saga

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Shilpa and the Racial Saga

The results are out, the insult has been avenged; the underdog has claimed the throne from the hands of the mighty white skinned tormentors. South Asians in UK and across the world can rejoice as Shilpa braved the racial missiles to emerge victorious - Gimme a break! .Hours on television and countless columns in newspapers dedicated to this great epic (read media circus).

To set the record straight; there is racism in UK………….. as much as there is in India or for that matter any part of the world that deals with diverse cultures. Shilpa Shetty gave the South Asians in UK a platform to vent their frustration against the cold and racial behavior of the ‘whites’. The Indians in UK and back home were backing Shilpa in unison since she was subjected to ‘racial torture’ with words like ‘indian’ and ‘paki’. But what is surprising is that these were the same Indians who will laugh and forward (email)‘sardar jokes’, rebuke non-english speaking people as ‘gattis’ , type cast north east Indians as ‘nepalis’. From ‘doklas’ to “dosas and ‘papads’ to ‘pavs’ every state , community and caste in India is subjected to racial comments ,and mostly in bad taste. So why are we all pouncing on Jade and Co (Shilpa’s tormentors on the show) for the behavior we are accustomed to back home? Never heard any white skinned person on the receiving end of a racial slur. Is it because we all (including the whites) subconsciously acknowledge the fact that they are superior?

Racism is a feeling of superiority or animosity, and is an opinion. Humans have harboured a tribal mentality since ages, and racism is an offshoot. We need to sacrifice our tribal pride on the altar of tolerance to accept and celebrate the diversity of cultures. Curing racist feelings is an individual affair as it is a matter of opinion. In the context of the society, a feeling or opinion can’t be checked by laws, regulations or resolutions. We need to check the actions that arise out of this feeling. Any actions that can infringe the basic rights of people need to be focused and checked. So let’s make more noise when the ULFA (a militant outfit) go on a rampage in Assam and kill innocent immigrant workers from Bihar, when Muslims are denied flats in housing colonies, when dalits are raped and killed in broad daylight, when pundits are targeted in Kashmir and north Indians are beaten and restrained from writing public exams in Maharashtra or even when matrimonial columns and jobs in hospitality use the colour of the skin to judge applicants. – The Irony -- Not all of us will oppose everything mentioned in the above 4 lines.

In the meanwhile, lets raise a toast to the real winners of the day – the channel for high TRPs, the politicians in UK for an opportunity to consolidate their Asian vote bank, Shilpa Shetty for ‘unknowingly’ resurrecting her career, Jade Goody for extending her shelf life, Indian actors or starlets for the countless opportunities in televisions shows abroad and the brands in UK trying to the woo Asian consumers for finding an undisputable brand ambassador in Shilpa. ]Lets hope that the media dedicates more space to other important issues. Till that happens, let’s forecast the next media circus – the Abhi-Ash wedding. Prepare yourselves be subjected to columns ranging from what Abhisheik’s security guard’s dog is going to eat on the big day, to what Aishwarya’s cook’s brother-in-law’s daughter is goin to gift her ‘didi’, and on camera interviews of people in some lane in Allahbad (native of the bachchans) on how they will be celebrating the union of Abhisheik Bhaiya and Aishwarya Bhabhi- phew! .---------------------------------
Posted by Jimmy Mathew at 3:55 AM

16 comments:
Think tank :) said...
Jimmy...Very well written...Keep writing... :)
January 30, 2007 4:50 AM

Sameer said...
Well said Jimmyboy...even if we go outside & boast the we have the most cultural diversity in the world, we all know how racist our society is. In this case, what happened is just what happens in any Indian election. The votes of minorities like Asians and Blacks for Shilpa and the votes of Whites divided. Congrats to Shilpa, Well done & biggest winner is Channel 4. It wanted to increase its Asian viewers and it played the master card by roping in a Bollywood personality.
January 30, 2007 5:17 AM

niky said...
very well written Jimmy...
January 30, 2007 6:14 AM

vinay said...
hey jimmy,Interesting article.. good one to start your blog.. but I personally feel that it wasnt racism to be more concrete.. it was more like invading personal space.. I mean the social animals do inherit many trades from the jungle ones.. on a parallel example Eminem had to prove himself before he could be accepted by all the afro-american lot... they didnt accept him because he was white.. but because he had something in him... on similar lines.. you are not recognized on of your skin color but on who you are..Furthermore the herd mentality is always going to be present in humans.. ie. if one person accepts slowly the herd will do too...hahah i can go on and on.. the question is do you have time and a ear to listen?peaceVinay
January 30, 2007 6:57 AM

freya said...
hey dad...Good stuff.. knew u cud write... Lol, but d very fact ur writing abt all of this proves ur part of the media circus!!!And am betting there will be lots more in the same ilk..... but its a good read & u have a strong fan base - so its worth ur while to keep it up....Inform when you update!! :)
January 30, 2007 8:19 AM

deep said...
good work jimmy boy ....i did not know you also wrote and that to so intense and deep with thoughts....good good keep it up and let me know if do something else also.
January 30, 2007 8:47 PM

botlasujata said...
very well written...and i absolutely agree to what u hav written...keep writting...hope to read some good writings from u in future...toooo...take caresujata
January 30, 2007 10:03 PM

Dipti said...
Hey Jimmy Darling.....i m really surprised that u wrote all this and that to so intense...Jokes apart u have written excellent ...i agree with u ...but i feel we can discuss on this too....it will b fun..say what... good good keep it up,whatever u write share it with me too...
January 30, 2007 10:06 PM

Kunu said...
Hi Jimmy,Long time have not heard from you. Hope you are doing good !K
January 31, 2007 1:27 AM

vinai said...
Fit rite nuts & bolts...well i share the same views as you do on this subject...but I'm amazed at that words like 'paki' have brought about such a rage....i've read that she was even called a "Cu$t"....but nobody gives a damn.... are we saying that racism is bad but sexism is acceptable?
January 31, 2007 9:43 AM

Vrinda said...
yes jimmy bhaiyaa wheres ur bhabi?keep trying! good one!
February 1, 2007 3:18 AM

nishat said...
hey jimmy..didnt know u maintained a blob...good one..keep it up!
February 1, 2007 4:30 AM

nishat said...
hey jimmy..didnt know u maintained a blob...good one..keep it up!
February 1, 2007 4:30 AM

jebby said...
Jimmy Boy, well written. it was a pleasure to read. Take care God bless
February 1, 2007 9:13 AM

Preethi said...
hey jimmy good one !!!great language and the perfect combination of word and thought !! God Bless !! Preethi
February 2, 2007 9:58 PM

Rixon said...
Hey Jimmy nicely written things....truely hyped news about Shilpa which helped her win....anyways no regrets as our country was doing good......anything for our country....keep it up and let me know whenever you write anything else :)
February 6, 2007 10:53 PM