Everyday Instances of Racism
The Siddis are descendants of Bantus from east and central Africa, and were initially carried to India, many as slaves, masons, blacksmiths, foot soldiers etc. by Arab merchants in the 7th century. This historic discrimination forced the populations to flee from the bondage into the forests and to live in isolation. The current population, recorded to be between 40,000-50,000 Siddis (residing mainly in the states of Gujarat and Katnataka) face racial discrimination to this day. Their settlements are mainly restricted to the forests, and parts of smaller towns and villages, limiting their access to resources and information from the larger society and other educational and job opportunities.
However, attempts to expand this social circle have been made from both sides. Siddis have integrated into the Indian society and work daily jobs in places beyond their hometowns (eg. Bombay) where they fight battles against common bias and racism on a daily basis. Many individuals and families face regular challenges in cities and towns where they find it extremely difficult to get accepted into common jobs, and finding housing due to their physical African traits. Several of them encounter unending arrays of racial slurs, and are denied equal opportunities and resources in everyday life.
Although they legally identify as permanent Indian citizens, our society still holds prejudices against dark complexion, caste difference and varying physical characteristics of the community. There is a desperate need to raise awareness about the Siddi community, highlighting the fact that they exist and that they are our people.
Resources:
● https://thelogicalindian.com/my-social-responsibility/indo-african-siddi-community-of-in dia/
● http://www.focusongeography.org/publications/articles/siddi/index.html ● 101 India’s YouTube videos for reference.
It was a good brief description of the plight of Siddis in India. I find them quite opposite to Jews in India since Jews enjoy equality and they still want to go to Israel whereas Siddis thrive and love to stay in India but they are facing revulsions from netizens.
ReplyDeleteIndia, with all it claims to be diverse, still cannot find it in its hearts to welcome the Siddis into our nation. This is in stark contrast to the Jews and particularly the Parsis, who have been exalted as members of the Indian nation. It is a question we must ask ourselves, being conditioned by admirable ideas like equality, liberty etc., can we still not look past the social construct of race and treat with respect people who have gone through the same struggle to call India today a free and fair country?
ReplyDeleteDescription is a bit vague. What kinds of discrimination (examples or evidence for this: videos, personal stories)? Which forested areas are they restricted to?
ReplyDelete