Going through several MSM articles, blog-posts, newsgroup rants etc over the recent cricket-related brouhaha, one underlying theme emerged: most people in the ‘western countries’ like England or Australia view Indians as constant whiners. They also think Indian are hypocrites because we are always complaining about racism against us, while trying to champion Harbhajan against a racist accusation.
Of course with all the rhetoric going around, it is tough to get in the word edgewise that most Indians are not trying to defend Harbhajan’s action per se, but defending his right to a proper and fair trial. Also, we can argue all night about the western hypocrisy and about how they are unable to reconcile with a changing world and an emerging, self-confident India.
But eventually there is some truth to the suggestion of whining Indians. Indians have a penchant of shouting racism, colonialism etc. and complain about our National Pride being hurt and insulted at the mere drop of a hat. Unfortunately, while the Indian media has found that whipping up hysterical nationalism in this manner sells well, quite a few personal and group bloggers – not naming names – also carry this out to the extreme. As has been more eloquently argued before (or briefly ranted about here), this cry-wolf syndrome hurts us in the long term. The old saying of ‘pick battles small enough to win, but big enough to matter’ may sound corny, but is absolutely true.
In other good news, finally some cricket is being played.
Watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx6BGTUkczE
And read the comments as well. So vitriolic, it could give you ulcers.
BTW.. you should definitely name the personal and group bloggers (leave the r.s.c posters aside)
The way you quoted that saying, it looks like you consider this incident to be either too large to win or too small to matter. So, which one is it? And why? (word limit: 150; marks: 10)
Vivek: @the video – Whoa !! but i did see the Dravid incident for the first time (missed it live). not sure how the Aussies can keep defending that the gilly did not know about the edge. and how did Bucknor think that was an edge (and what happened to Bucknor’s slow raise of the hands – that was a quick move).
If you have followed previous blog posts and the LoB’s post, you’ll know who I am talking about.
Harbhajan’s defense is important enough (and winnable enough) to fight for. But I still dont agree with the way we went about it.
So true about the way we take offense at the slightest thing. And even with the Bhajji thing, why was there need to burn effigy? I mean really cant we make a complain without the frenzied crowds chanting and burning things.
Down with cricket!
Down!
Down!
Also a little troubling is how loosely the word racism is being thrown around. Brahmins against Dalits, Whites against Blacks, Browns against Blacks, Aryans against Dravidians, Indian parents loving their fair-skinned daughter more than her wheatish sister — everyone is a racist.
About the cricket that is being played.. what do you think about Yuvraj’s place in the side? I think he has cemented it now.. outside the team, that is.
And Sehwag made just enough to raise our collective hopes.. only to crash them yet again.
*Sigh* to think that this side would be facing the Australians at Perth soon..
@Sakshi: Its the Association of Effigy Makers thats behind this. No doubt. I can give them a call ask them to send you effigies of ‘cricket’.
@dipanjan: It is indeed an issue. In case of
@Vivek: Heh@Yuvi. Pretty pathetic. I still think they should include Sehwag. As I had mentioned before, a few edges here and there – you’ve got yourself 20-30 runs. NOt ideal from an opener, but better than nothing.
[...] anyone accuse me of narrow nationalism or double standards on crying-wolf etc, the reason this article pissed me off was the total lack of logic or reasonable arguments. I [...]