Undying legacy of superiority

The indelible impacts of the colonial rules still make us render an undue privilege to the fairer-skinned foreigners.

Once, many Europeans ruled us. Among them, the British showed us the world but simultaneously destroyed our culture. Understandably, the situation was largely negative, though there were some positive aspects also to note.

What I want to discuss is something different. We remained fascinated by the British contours, much like we were throughout their rule. Had we been united strongly since the beginning, we might have been able to drive them away before they ran their roots. We often perceived them as superior to us, believing they possessed better qualifications and intelligence than we had. For this reason, we voluntarily opted to be subordinated to them. Yet the reality was different. Despite knowing the truth, we had a hidden attraction towards their skin colour and accents. That may be the reason we still celebrate the Commonwealth legacy that the British instituted for us.

If we chance upon a white person from Europe or the U.S., we instinctively stand up and look at him with awe. We have always been their fans for no reason. Perhaps it stems from our hidden respect for the erstwhile rulers. Otherwise, we would have shown the same respect toward the Chinese or people from northeastern India, who are also fairer. However, we look at them differently. People from a large part of India are confused about the contours of people from the northeastern region. When we meet them, we ask, ‘Are they from Nepal or China?”

What triggered me to write this blog was my travelling on a Vistara flight from Mumbai. My co-passenger was a foreign lady. Multiple times, the cabin crew came to ask her if she was comfortable while many Indians were seated in the front row. After the meal service, when the air hostess came to collect the leftovers, she asked the foreign guest if she was done but forgot to enquire with other passengers. This incident was not an isolated one. I noticed that foreign passengers often received special attention. While I am not against this practice, I believe we should show the same respect to all foreigners. Unfortunately, our approach, particularly to those from Africa and China, differs significantly. Some deeply ingrained and prejudiced attitudes will not easily go away. Despite a tumultuous history, Africans have thrown out European rule; yet harbor an affection for their skin color. Unlike India, where whites did not completely exit their former colonies, the Europeans treated Africans poorly, akin to slavery. Even as Africans began to assert their rights, a legacy of servitude persisted. After independence from Europeans, many African nations struggled to take complete control of their governance due to various challenges.

Indians can be proud of an Indian origin, Rishi Sunak, becoming the ruler of the British, which once controlled India as its colony. Once, the British ruled much of the world as the sun never set in its empire, with 56 countries under its dominion. Now Indian-American Kamala Harris is contesting against the veteran Donald Trump for the U.S. presidency. Whether she would succeed is not sure, as Trump may employ all possible tactics against the migrant-coloured candidate. Her colour and origin still matter. If she becomes the U.S. President, that would be a proud moment for Indians, though I am sure the system will curtail her actions. Nonetheless, it would be a victory for those who lived oppressed under white hegemony for long.

Let us live with self-esteem and respect all humans with a love of equality. Colour is no longer a qualification for any privilege. We salute leaders like Shashi Tharoor, who speaks bluntly about the follies of the British rules in the very language the colonialists easily understand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has travelled every continent to seemingly tell that Indians are no less than any thoroughbred on the planet.

SAJIKUMAR

https://sajikumar.co.in/