One of my friends from Kenya referred to an article on the recent racist attacks on Africans in India by one Kul Bhushan who had been a newspaper editor in Kenya for three decades. In the article, the writer more or less advises the Indian authorities on combating prejudice and violence against Africans in India. This is my response to the views expressed in that article, which was shared by my friend.
The article, sadly, is a shameful and disgusting way to 'advise' the Indian authorities. The writer is more worried about the negative economic impacts of the racial hate crimes in India than the real roots of these recurring racist crimes. That isn't surprising given the Indian capital's search for investment opportunities in Africa and the need for cordial relations to pursue those goals.
The writer indirectly, without appearing to say it, makes statements that are rooted in the prevailing racial prejudices among many Indians against the blacks. Are there really sufficient proofs to lend credence to the allegations that 'routinely' persons from Africa are "apprehended at airports with drugs"? What basis is there for making scurrilous remarks about African women? These are racist prejudices. They are not very factual. There are more Indians involved in all these kinds of activities than those from Africa. Besides, as other writers have pointed out, most of the Africans in India are students. It isn't a very large number either, which means that even in the worst case, only a few individuals may be involved in dubious activities. There are also nationals from other countries (of course, with different skin colour) who are not only involved in such activities but are also the kingpins of many shady businesses along with Indians.
The basic issue here is the persistent refusal by India as a nation (Govt and society) to confront these incidents as rabid racism. A stubborn refusal to call a spade a spade. An abject reluctance not to recognise hate crimes and widespread racist behaviour. Indian authorities are in a permanent state of denial. They deny the very existence of deeply ingrained racism and the institutionalised racial prejudices in India. Even Indians with dark skin are treated differently.
People from any country or region must be treated as equal irrespective of their skin colour. Mr Kul Bhushan is more worried about economic losses than combating the racial prejudices. How can this be done? That calls for eliminating all racist attitudes - in schools, in textbooks, in advertising, in the cinemas, and so on. When it comes to a "crack down on all accused of racial insults and violence to Africans" one must not forget that almost all of these are happening with the support of certain political groups. It is not enough to "crack down" on a few individuals. The actions need to go far enough and punish all those who instigate and organise the racial crimes. India is notorious for the caste-based violent discrimination. Almost daily one can see reports of caste discrimination and extreme violence. The attitude of many Indians to Africans echoes their caste prejudices and violent discriminatory practices.
It is sad that even someone who seems to write in solidarity tends to ignore the dark and disgusting aspects of Indian society by prioritising the economic interests above the fundamental duty of a nation to respect the life and dignity of foreigners living as protected guests. India has to leave aside the financial and economic considerations and resolve to fulfil its international responsibilities seriously. If not, it must face consequences for that. It has to firmly uphold the basic human rights, life and dignity of all foreigners living in India without discriminating on the basis of country, religion or skin complexion.
Reports on the racist attacks:
http://www.indiaresists.com/racist-violence-in-noida-statement-by-the-association-of-african-students-in-india-aasi/
http://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/african-woman-attacked-in-greater-noida-claims-she-was-kicked-and-punched-by-locals/story-DLCG1bRBIL9Bz0xuCPQbRO.html
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/at-hospital-people-laughed-at-us-nobody-helped-nigerians-who-were-beaten-at-noida-mall/
The article, sadly, is a shameful and disgusting way to 'advise' the Indian authorities. The writer is more worried about the negative economic impacts of the racial hate crimes in India than the real roots of these recurring racist crimes. That isn't surprising given the Indian capital's search for investment opportunities in Africa and the need for cordial relations to pursue those goals.
The writer indirectly, without appearing to say it, makes statements that are rooted in the prevailing racial prejudices among many Indians against the blacks. Are there really sufficient proofs to lend credence to the allegations that 'routinely' persons from Africa are "apprehended at airports with drugs"? What basis is there for making scurrilous remarks about African women? These are racist prejudices. They are not very factual. There are more Indians involved in all these kinds of activities than those from Africa. Besides, as other writers have pointed out, most of the Africans in India are students. It isn't a very large number either, which means that even in the worst case, only a few individuals may be involved in dubious activities. There are also nationals from other countries (of course, with different skin colour) who are not only involved in such activities but are also the kingpins of many shady businesses along with Indians.
The basic issue here is the persistent refusal by India as a nation (Govt and society) to confront these incidents as rabid racism. A stubborn refusal to call a spade a spade. An abject reluctance not to recognise hate crimes and widespread racist behaviour. Indian authorities are in a permanent state of denial. They deny the very existence of deeply ingrained racism and the institutionalised racial prejudices in India. Even Indians with dark skin are treated differently.
People from any country or region must be treated as equal irrespective of their skin colour. Mr Kul Bhushan is more worried about economic losses than combating the racial prejudices. How can this be done? That calls for eliminating all racist attitudes - in schools, in textbooks, in advertising, in the cinemas, and so on. When it comes to a "crack down on all accused of racial insults and violence to Africans" one must not forget that almost all of these are happening with the support of certain political groups. It is not enough to "crack down" on a few individuals. The actions need to go far enough and punish all those who instigate and organise the racial crimes. India is notorious for the caste-based violent discrimination. Almost daily one can see reports of caste discrimination and extreme violence. The attitude of many Indians to Africans echoes their caste prejudices and violent discriminatory practices.
It is sad that even someone who seems to write in solidarity tends to ignore the dark and disgusting aspects of Indian society by prioritising the economic interests above the fundamental duty of a nation to respect the life and dignity of foreigners living as protected guests. India has to leave aside the financial and economic considerations and resolve to fulfil its international responsibilities seriously. If not, it must face consequences for that. It has to firmly uphold the basic human rights, life and dignity of all foreigners living in India without discriminating on the basis of country, religion or skin complexion.
Reports on the racist attacks:
http://www.indiaresists.com/racist-violence-in-noida-statement-by-the-association-of-african-students-in-india-aasi/
http://www.hindustantimes.com/noida/african-woman-attacked-in-greater-noida-claims-she-was-kicked-and-punched-by-locals/story-DLCG1bRBIL9Bz0xuCPQbRO.html
https://www.scoopwhoop.com/at-hospital-people-laughed-at-us-nobody-helped-nigerians-who-were-beaten-at-noida-mall/
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