Racism Rears Its Ugly Head

So Shilpa Shetty was racially abused in the reality TV show Big Brother. We, been a democracy have a right to be feel outraged, unhappy, angry, debate, discuss the issue. And maybe compare it to other instances of racial abuse. And introspect.

But asking the Government of India to step in and take some action when the actress herself hasn’t asked for it, is wise?

I was unnerved when the Information Broadcasting Minister called a press briefing, telling that Ministry of External Affairs will deal with the British Government on the issue and investigate the matter.

The knee jerk reaction of the Government machinery lead me to think how it is frittering resources for a TV show which has gained popularity because of ‘bitchiness’ of the participants. That’s the prime requirement to be a contestant on the show. If one goes in thinking, he is going to be a part of the Brady bunch family, with a couple of hugs thrown in, then the contestant is in the wrong show.

Before you accuse me of being insensitive for not getting angry to the remarks Shilpa has to endure, I would like to point out two things.

One - Where was the Government when certain Muslim businessmen where locked in a Holland jail as their racial profile was suspicious. The GoI didn’t spring into action so fast then.

Neither it has been in other cases, where it was required to show its spine.

Two - It is a well documented fact that brown skinned people have been subject to racial discrimination in the west.

I have realized half the problem lies with us not been proud of our colour (wanting to be fair – look at the fairness cream ads, demand for fair models, air brushed pictures, layers of foundation) and sending out a signal through our actions that ‘they’ are in some way racially superior to ‘us’. The other half of the problem arises from there, with ‘them’ thinking we were meant to be ruled over.

Coming back to the reality show, it seems the actress has been giving back to them as good as she is getting. Till then, hope the Governments of both countries, the media and the people stop over reacting and trivializing the issue.

Because a deep rooted problem like does not need a knee jerk reaction, it needs strong biases, from all sides, to dissolve. And that will take a long time.

Originally posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:08 PM