debut: 2/16/17
35,096 runs
A brief synopsis of Indians with Racism in T&T.
In a brief history of Trinidad and Tobago Indians, Emir discusses caste, unaware that Hindus in the Caribbean do not practice caste discrimination today. Hindus acknowledge that different occupations and hierarchical levels structure every society. Instead of making comparisons, they draw parallels between the various Varnas and different parts of the body. They emphasize the importance of each part in order for the body, and by extension, society, to function effectively. Turkic and European invaders employed caste discrimination as a tactic to maintain control and sow division. Caste discrimination was a significant issue in post-independent India, but it is gradually diminishing and primarily persists in rural areas. Thus, it is clear that those who claim that discrimination is inherent to Indian culture are simply misinformed. Caste-based discrimination was actually introduced by invaders dating back to BCE, and it played a significant role in the emergence of Buddhism. Indians practice a variety of religions, including Hinduism and Islam, with a smaller number adhering to other faiths.
In the days of indentureship, many Africans viewed Indians and Chinese as a potential threat and subjected them to harsh treatment. This was the outcome of the British colonial strategy of division and rule.
In this land, both major races participated in the struggle for independence, from England. Eric Williams steered the PNM towards a focus on race and religion, which resulted in the African-Creole community dominating the party. The British were supportive of this move.
Propaganda was widespread during the initial election for the legislative assembly, urging voters to avoid supporting individuals such as Chanka Maharaj and Bhadase Sagan Maraj due to their religious beliefs. The British influenced Africans to believe that Indians could never fully embrace Trinidadian identity due to their distinct religion and culture. Africans treated Indians severely, with the first Prime Minister, Eric Williams, going so far as to label Indians as a hostile and uncooperative minority. My Grandfather with foresight would eventually leave for Canada and started a business, he was a goldsmith.
The British employed similar tactics in all their colonies, such as Guyana, Mauritius, Fiji, Singapore, and South Africa.
They wrongly blamed the Indians and allowed everyone to mistreat them. Thus, Indians, like Nalini, had a cultural background where they felt the need to prioritize their own interests, believing that the PNM and blacks would not provide any assistance. They had grown weary of unjust treatment and an imbalanced system, and many held strong opinions regarding Africans. Now I'm not condoning this behavior, but simply providing an explanation to foster better understanding instead of resorting to mere ranting.The status of Indians in post-independent Trinidad and Tobago is comparable to that of Africans in the United States. In post-independent Trinidad, the African community faced a situation similar to what whites experienced in America. They were subjected to systematic racism, and their culture was marginalized, while the culture of the dominant group was celebrated as the true Trinidadian identity. Hindu cultures, on the other hand, were often deemed foreign and not fully accepted. Eric Williams didn't provide schools for the Hindus, Bhadase built schools with his money that the Government called cow sheds. The Canadian Missionaries would come to the Hindus aid by building secondary schools.
The whites in America engaged in a similar practice of shaming and prohibiting African culture. However, it is interesting to observe that when a black person in America raises their voice and mistreats an innocent white person without any provocation, it often goes unnoticed. On the other hand, if an Indo-Trinidadian makes a comment towards an Afro-Trinidadian, it seems to ignite a firestorm of controversy without anyone taking the time to delve into the historical context of Trinidad and make an effort to comprehend the situation. Once again, I am not condoning racism. Moving beyond divisive racial issues and uniting in our efforts to create a more just and equitable future for future generations is imperative, ensuring that no one bears the burden of such thoughts. All individuals in Trinidad and Tobago must embrace genuine equality, recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds of African and Indian heritage as integral parts of the Trini identity. Documentaries illuminate the widespread racism that Indo-Caribbeans face. In T&T, the Indians hold the majority of the economic wealth, following the one percent Syrians and Lebanese.
A brief synopsis of Indians with Racism in T&T.
In a brief history of Trinidad and Tobago Indians, Emir discusses caste, unaware that Hindus in the Caribbean do not practice caste discrimination today. Hindus acknowledge that different occupations and hierarchical levels structure every society. Instead of making comparisons, they draw parallels between the various Varnas and different parts of the body. They emphasize the importance of each part in order for the body, and by extension, society, to function effectively. Turkic and European invaders employed caste discrimination as a tactic to maintain control and sow division. Caste discrimination was a significant issue in post-independent India, but it is gradually diminishing and primarily persists in rural areas. Thus, it is clear that those who claim that discrimination is inherent to Indian culture are simply misinformed. Caste-based discrimination was actually introduced by invaders dating back to BCE, and it played a significant role in the emergence of Buddhism. Indians practice a variety of religions, including Hinduism and Islam, with a smaller number adhering to other faiths.
In the days of indentureship, many Africans viewed Indians and Chinese as a potential threat and subjected them to harsh treatment. This was the outcome of the British colonial strategy of division and rule.
In this land, both major races participated in the struggle for independence, from England. Eric Williams steered the PNM towards a focus on race and religion, which resulted in the African-Creole community dominating the party. The British were supportive of this move.
Propaganda was widespread during the initial election for the legislative assembly, urging voters to avoid supporting individuals such as Chanka Maharaj and Bhadase Sagan Maraj due to their religious beliefs. The British influenced Africans to believe that Indians could never fully embrace Trinidadian identity due to their distinct religion and culture. Africans treated Indians severely, with the first Prime Minister, Eric Williams, going so far as to label Indians as a hostile and uncooperative minority. My Grandfather with foresight would eventually leave for Canada and started a business, he was a goldsmith.
The British employed similar tactics in all their colonies, such as Guyana, Mauritius, Fiji, Singapore, and South Africa.
They wrongly blamed the Indians and allowed everyone to mistreat them. Thus, Indians, like Nalini, had a cultural background where they felt the need to prioritize their own interests, believing that the PNM and blacks would not provide any assistance. They had grown weary of unjust treatment and an imbalanced system, and many held strong opinions regarding Africans. Now I'm not condoning this behavior, but simply providing an explanation to foster better understanding instead of resorting to mere ranting.The status of Indians in post-independent Trinidad and Tobago is comparable to that of Africans in the United States. In post-independent Trinidad, the African community faced a situation similar to what whites experienced in America. They were subjected to systematic racism, and their culture was marginalized, while the culture of the dominant group was celebrated as the true Trinidadian identity. Hindu cultures, on the other hand, were often deemed foreign and not fully accepted. Eric Williams didn't provide schools for the Hindus, Bhadase built schools with his money that the Government called cow sheds. The Canadian Missionaries would come to the Hindus aid by building secondary schools.
The whites in America engaged in a similar practice of shaming and prohibiting African culture. However, it is interesting to observe that when a black person in America raises their voice and mistreats an innocent white person without any provocation, it often goes unnoticed. On the other hand, if an Indo-Trinidadian makes a comment towards an Afro-Trinidadian, it seems to ignite a firestorm of controversy without anyone taking the time to delve into the historical context of Trinidad and make an effort to comprehend the situation. Once again, I am not condoning racism. Moving beyond divisive racial issues and uniting in our efforts to create a more just and equitable future for future generations is imperative, ensuring that no one bears the burden of such thoughts. All individuals in Trinidad and Tobago must embrace genuine equality, recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds of African and Indian heritage as integral parts of the Trini identity. Documentaries illuminate the widespread racism that Indo-Caribbeans face. In T&T, the Indians hold the majority of the economic wealth, following the one percent Syrians and Lebanese.
A brief synopsis of Indians with Racism in T&T.
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