Let’s remove our prejudices

PRAWASH GAUTAM

AUG 29 -
On many occasions, I have seen women using derogatory terms while bargaining over vegetable prices with vendors from the Tarai, and teenagers bullying “panipuri wallahs” to get more than what they had paid for. And I can say with certainty that there are many who share similar experiences.

If such behaviour is a reflection of their attitudes, how should we characterise their general attitudes towards people from Madhes? I would refrain from dismissing such behaviours as being insignificant or just coincidental because I have rarely seen anyone arguing over prices with a vegetable vendor of hilly origin, let alone using bad language.

In April 2007, Madhesis took to the streets revolting against the state for discrimination against them. Watching the scenes of violence and demonstration on TV, hardly any of the women who have verbally abused vegetable vendors might have felt that they were somehow responsible for the rioting.

In fact, the movement was exactly against such discriminatory attitudes which are rampant at the grassroots level, and has been systematically adopted by the state for a long time. After all, exclusion, discrimination or marginalisation of any group at the macro level is a reflection of the same at the micro or individual level.

Nepal is in the process of conflict transformation and building a just society. Diverse groups in Nepal are seeking equal opportunities and recognition of their culture and identity. Addressing these voices is among the core components of this process. Building inter-group relations is an important part of this process of building an egalitarian Nepali society. And getting rid of our discriminatory attitudes is the first step.

But it is not fear of protest or reprisal that should motivate us to respect and consider others. The motivation should come from the realisation of the common fabric of humanity and Nepali nationhood that binds us.

The promise of People’s Movement II of a democratic federal republic where diverse groups of Nepal have access to and representation in political, economic and socio-cultural spheres has raised the hopes of many. But this has also initiated debates and created divisions among the populace on, for example, the issue of federalism based on ethnicity. However, fulfilment of this promise remains in limbo as uncertainty reigns over the writing of a new constitution, state restructuring and institutionalisation of a democratic society.

Therefore, one cannot deny the possibility of socio-cultural and political chaos ensuing in Nepal. In such a situation, such individual attitudes could be triggers to inter-group tensions. Hence, a change in our social views and relations is strongly needed because of the fragile and uncertain political transition of the country. After all, amid uncertainty about Nepal’s political future, the process towards a stable and harmonious society should come from individuals and communities.


Posted on: 2011-08-30 09:46

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