Racism is a term most commonly associated with hatred, violence, and discrimination based on race. In Western countries like the United States and Europe, racism has a long history tied to slavery, segregation, and systemic oppression of certain racial groups. However, when it comes to India, the idea of racism is quite different. The way people talk about race or caste in India often doesn’t have the same harsh connotations as in Western countries. In fact, the term “racism” as we know it might not even apply the same way in the Indian context.
The Difference Between Western Racism and Indian Social Norms
In Western countries, racism is often connected to a history of intense hate and violence. For example, Black people in the U.S. have faced centuries of discrimination, segregation, and violence at the hands of white communities. These harmful attitudes have been institutionalized in laws and practices, leading to deep-rooted social and economic inequalities. Racism in the West is a systemic problem, deeply tied to power, history, and oppression.
In India, however, people sometimes make fun of each other based on skin color, like calling someone “Kalua” (which means “black”). This might seem similar to racism at first glance, but it’s not rooted in hate or violence. In many cases, these comments are made in a joking manner, without any ill intentions or any attempt to harm the person being teased. It’s just part of the everyday social fabric. People in India often laugh about physical differences like dark skin, but this kind of “racism” doesn’t carry the same weight as the deep-seated hate that often defines racism in Western societies.
The Role of Caste in India: Not the Same as Racism
Another common misunderstanding comes when people confuse caste discrimination with racism. India has a complex social structure known as the caste system, which divides people into different social groups. These groups were historically based on occupation, and over time, became tied to social status and privilege. People often prefer to marry or associate with those from the same caste because of shared traditions, customs, and practices.
However, caste-based discrimination isn’t the same as Western racism. While caste discrimination can involve exclusion, inequality, and bias, it doesn’t typically come from a place of hate. It’s not about one group wanting to harm or oppress another group in the way racism works in the West. Instead, it’s about social comfort and familiarity. People tend to feel more at ease with others who share similar customs and lifestyles, not because they believe their caste is inherently superior, but because their customs align more closely.
Caste Discrimination is Still a Problem, But It’s Not About Hate
It’s true that caste discrimination exists in India, and it has serious consequences for social mobility, education, and access to resources. But the kind of hatred and violence that characterizes racism in the West is not the same in India. In many cases, caste-based prejudice is more about social hierarchy and status rather than outright hate or violence. While caste discrimination can be harmful and needs to be addressed, it’s a cultural issue that has different roots compared to the racial hatred that fuels Western racism.
Why Western Racism Shouldn’t Be Pushed onto India
When Western media or people outside of India try to apply the same definitions of racism to the Indian context, it can lead to misunderstandings. They may focus on the teasing about skin color or caste discrimination and label it as racism, without understanding the cultural differences.
This can be frustrating for many Indians, because it feels like their social customs are being unfairly criticized through a foreign lens. It’s important to recognize that every society has its own way of dealing with social divisions, and applying Western standards to India can sometimes miss the point. Caste discrimination may need reform, but it’s not the same as the racial hatred that has caused violence and suffering in Western history.
Conclusion
Racism, as we understand it in the Western context, is tied to a history of hate, violence, and oppression. In India, while caste discrimination and teasing based on skin color exist, they don’t carry the same weight of systemic hate or violence. These issues are more about social comfort and customs rather than hate-driven power struggles. Instead of applying a Western template to Indian society, it’s important to understand these cultural differences and address caste-based inequalities with a solution that fits the Indian context. After all, racism and casteism are both issues that need attention, but they require different approaches to solve.