Mizoram chief minister Lalthanhawla revealed at an international seminar in Singapore on Thursday that he, too, had been a victim of racism, in India.
Echoing the experiences of several Northeasterners, he said, "People ask me if I am an Indian. When I go south, people ask me such questions. They ask me if I am from Nepal or elsewhere."
The Congress politician said people across India often forget that the Northeast is also a part of the country. "I am a victim of racism," he remarked, though he retracted this statement later.
Do you agree that Indians, who are among the first to cry "racism!" whenever they go abroad, are themselves racist in the way they look at and behave with people who look different from themselves? If they are, do they have the right to accuse others, like the Australians, of racism?
Readers' comments:
I am really concerned with the new tendency to use genetics to try and paint the so-called "upper castes" as superior. Many Indians who support the caste system talk about Darwin, DNA, and evolution to somehow make it appear that the upper castes have evolved. Even the name of this website reeks of racism. When I left India 15 years ago, Daily News and Analysis did not exist. Now, very conveniently, they call themselves DNA. Pray, what does DNA have to do with news? I hope they have the guts to post this message.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009 12:19 IST
concerned, USA
Of course we are racists! Think about the Northeast. And don't forget the plight of Biharis and UPites in Bombay. We do not think it's a big deal, but we make a hue and cry when we are treated badly outside.
Friday, July 24, 2009 11:56 IST
Mayank, Mumbai
Of course Indians are racist! Otherwise, how do you explain continued problems with the scheduled castes and between upper and lower castes among the Hindus?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 13:14 IST
Bili, Muscat, Oman
We can divide the whole world into three parts: 16th century fools, 18th century thieves, 21st century disciplined dacoits. In all these three categories, almost every person is involved in racism. Maybe their way of expressing it is different.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 16:58 IST
Arun Chaturvedi, Lucknow
"When you point your finger, there are three fingers pointing back at you" -- there is a lot of truth in that saying.
Monday, June 29, 2009 9:27 IST
Flavian Hardcastle, Adelaide, South Australia
