Firstly, I'd rather embrace diversity, and take interest in our differences, than to seek a kind of color-blindness. But regardless, given the comment above, I continue to be sincerely puzzled by comments like: Perhaps one day I'll be given an explanation.
Well, you got me all wrong man. Believe you are new in here and hav'nt gone through my threads yet. Every body is proud of their country. Ask the black man who is a victim of racism, he too would say " i am proud of be an American". I , being victim of religious hatred, I too say "i am proud to be an Indian", but having said all this would not change the truth. Are you from India? Do you even know what is going on in India in the last decade? I am sure you just read online papers and come to conclusion that nothing happens. Pockets and pockets of religious riots are causing huge deaths in Muslims and Christians. You are taking just the example of Gujurat, that is because media had no choice but to hight light it. How about several cases in several different parts of country, like Hyderabad, Orissa, ongoing hatred in Maharashtra, in kashmir, in bihar; the list is endless. ASk the nun who got raped openly in Orissa for what? for giving service to God? ask her if she is proud of India. Every Indian knows what happened to her, but orissa government wants to proof, and eye witness to catch culprits. OH wait! lets also ask that woman who was burnt alive for being a christian, who had children and was stripped naked and burnt recently (wouldn't even want to go in history because you may not remember anything, hence telling you of recent events)? but no, you cannot ask her because she was burnt to death! and hundreds and thousands of people suffering daily at the hands of selfish and unjust Police who are just to collect bribes and work for politicians, can you deny this? India got freedom from a physical enemy in 1947. But now we are again slaves to a hidden enemy. The whole system is corrupt, top to bottom. Eating away the country like termites. I wouldn't want to comment on america, or other countries, because i know much better things with proofs and eye seeing events of India. These things might also happen in other places, rather they happen, but i know for sure it happens here. How about Religious hatred attacks done by Rss and VHP or for that matter Bajrang dal. Be a part of small scale media, then you would know the reality what is up with our country. being amongst the safe lot does not make the other side good place. India has been my land, it will always be my land and i would do anything to protect it from these insane religious hatred people. whether Muslims, christians or Hindus, any body who spread hatred and violence, they as individuals should be punished, instead of making the entire community as culprit. There are christians too spreading religious hatred, there are Muslims too spreading religious hatred, but can't you get it? they are damn individuals and have nothing to do with any religion. And even if i agree that its only in my place of Gujurat, does that let everybody ignore it? its a shame on central government that no step was taken to control it when riots went on for days. There are historical events as well which if i write, it would take huge space here. Most of my friends and colleagues since childhood have been Hindus and sikhs. They are excellent people and close to me. But does that make others good too? In every country, masses are good, its only that they are brain washed by the politicians into hatred against each other for their political gains. And India, we already know is governed by such politicians. Letting people know of the troubles we go through does not mean we hate our country. That's unfair conclusion. Actually unless you are part of the whole insecure society, you will never feel the pain. hopefully you never be a part of it and always be on the brighter side. But even though after all this, I love India and i am proud to be Indian.
Yes, the world is a place full of racists and I can understand it must really suck for whoever is on the receiving end of all this hate. Here in Europe, race isn't such a big deal but we still get a few less educated individuals who enjoy hassling the general population with their ignorance.
LOL - or, perhaps one day Mia will figure that no matter how many red reps he gives under cover, it won't change the fact he's never provided an answer to this very, very simple issue. I think it's natural to our species to divide, and it takes work - ongoing work - to reach out to each other.
I hear you there. In the US, its a bit different. As of late the hate seems to come more from people who profess to have no racial prejudices meanwhile focus their pent up rage by attacking and calling others racists. Its a kinda reverse racism if you will. There are some here in this very forum that carry on like this openly. Ultimately, we've come a long way in a short time, and I've noticed more animosity towards hispanics, at least where I live. I mean its pretty sad when you have both black and white doing the same thing to another group of people that they've striven to overcome. I think Cesar Chavez had it right when he told Kennedy that the Mexicans are the "Irish of the 20th Century". All this talk about race lately has centered around black and white. I've yet to hear anyone talk about the larger racial divide that separates both black and white against hispanics. Hopefully one day this too will change.
Uh, yep. Or, so easily leaping to an obvious plant. Ad infinitum. Nothing there, move on folks. Mia - It's quite basic. Despite our unfortunate history, I'd love to move on. In order to do that, we have to speak truthfully. I believe comments like the above betray a racist point of view. If I am wrong, I stand fully prepared to admit my error, and apologize. In order to do that, you will have to address your own words, at some point. Merely attempting to call me everything under the sun, or to slander my name, doesn't address anything. I'm open anytime for an honest exchange.
Yeah, its time to move on. Leave behind things and thats. But being just and honest is most important for what we want to achieve.