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I believe that no one can insult you without your permission. Shilpa Shetty has paid the price for trying to desperately seek the approval of the West. It is pathetic how we go on bended knees and lick the boots of Westerners in an effort to be part of their world.
Every year we parade ourselves at the Oscars or try to break into Hollywood films, hoping against hope that we will be welcome there. We want their money and they do give it to us, but at what cost? Stereotypes and racism abound in the West.
The comments against Shilpa on prime-time television reveal the racist streak of British society.
What is even more shocking is the realisation that reality TV will go to any length to attract more viewers. The West is an open society with a closed mind, which has a condescending and patronising attitude towards Indians. But, we refuse to learn our lessons and keep the West as our yardstick for success.
The common man has always been at the receiving end of such high-handedness. It is for the first time that an Indian celebrity has been thrown in a hostile environment and has encountered racial slurs. Call it an occupational hazard, if you must.
It may not be a fair world, but it is up to us to retain our dignity. It is high time we stopped the West from walking all over us.
