Stop ‘bowing’ before former masters

THE ongoing bad business of asking black parliamentarians to put their masks on while not insisting the white counterparts follow suit, refers.

Thousands of years of aggressive colonialism throughout the world, by strangely, exclusively white (read: “European-British”) adventurers is most likely the root of this patronising problem.

It’s not behaviour that is specific to our own country. Most of the “original” indigenous people, without realising it, still bow down to their former masters.

For example white American, British and Australian tourists visiting India still continue to be treated more royally than any of the darker races arriving from the same countries, also as tourists.

Nearer home, we all, especially the older generation, fall victim. Whites also seem to enjoy this reverence, but nowadays try to keep a straight face.

With or without Covid-19 precautions, I have a sign at my door that says: “No shoes please!” Any “nonwhite” guest or artisan that needs to enter does not usually need a reminder.

A few white people comply. Most other whites ignore the sign. That’s all in order but the shocker is when many of us Indians, including myself, find ourselves saying “Don’t worry, it’s okay”, and later, hate ourselves for falling into this trap.

Even at corporate levels, suggestions made by “non-whites” are taken with a pinch of salt, as compared to some nifty ideas from white people.

It’s also much easier for “nonwhites” to take instructions from white superiors. Only because of one reason: “It’s traditional”.

As some smart alec, who was also white, once said: “The fault lies not in our stars but in ourselves that we are underlings!” EBRAHIM “EBKOYBIE” ESSA | Durban