Comments on: Nothing is black and white

By: Vijay

Vijay — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:50:17 +0000

Hi Tasneem ,

That Was a very Interesting Incident.
I wonder How u will feel If u ever happen to be part of a crowd watching a Manchester United vs Arsenal Game..the abuses that float in the air during such events makes you feel like this world is devoid of humanity and a bunch of heartless animals are watchin the game where the abuses cross the lines of nationality,colour,Looks( I know..for all our manhood we wouldn’t mind falling to that level too) and every little aspect of the opponent that can be ridiculed.
The point is after the match we forget all that and that the end of the day it was a nice energetic,Aggressive,Sparkling Duel and we were proud to part of the proceedings.No offence taken and none given.
I think you might be Overthinking the whole Deal.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:10:23 +0000

Very pertinent point, not raised by anyone else here. We tend to bolster our warped view of somebody by attributing negativity to the free choices they make, whether in the way of companions or food or behaviour. That in itself may not be racist, but it’s known as policitically incorrect these days.

By: Atul

Atul — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:31:07 +0000

Its nothing to do with Racism, its do with the sporting spirit.

Last T20 world cup I was a guest with an Indian family settled in England, and a couple of families (Brit and non Brit) decided to get together at their house for “drinks and some tuck” and watch the India vs England match.

The general bonhomie began to wane as the match progressed, and when Yuvi hit those six sixers, it was our sense of hospitality that prevented us from jumping on the sofa and screaming.

The Brits sensed our discomfort, and started clapping and cheering India, and suddenly it was fun again. They were disappointed at the loss, but then they had come be with us, and enjoy our company along with the match

We just need to be good sports. Thats all

By: saurav

saurav — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:22:06 +0000

Can dish it but can’t take it….wow, that sounds suspiciously like the Aussies…I guess we are well on our way to replacing them. Something’s really changed post Sydney 2008.

By: Medha

Medha — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:18:34 +0000

That’s what i am saying.
It looks like we Indians couldn’t handle the fact that three british women, who were sitting in OUR premises -in a restaurant filled with indians, had the nerve to cheer for their country right in front of our faces.

I really do believe that the bad behaviour was from our side, and not from theirs. I don’t quite blame the english women for reacting the way they did.

Although this is what I think and what I gather from your article.
Like you said, maybe it is one of those ‘you should’ve been there’ kinda situations.

By: Lyandra Dsouza

Lyandra Dsouza — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:37:55 +0000

Also, I fail to see what kind of difference it makes what kind of men they were with, what they drank or rather guzzled and how loud they were.

By: Lyandra Dsouza

Lyandra Dsouza — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:36:38 +0000

I think the entire issue has been blown out of proportion. Emotions run high whenever teams are playing. It’s expected and accepted. It’s the same kinda rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona. But of course there are people cheering for rival teams. That’s what makes it fun.

And why shouldn’t they cheer for their country? Just because they’re in India is no excuse for hurting the religious sentiments. If you had said they indulged in something like excessive public display of affections, but I see nothing wrong in them cheering for their country. Wouldn’t you have cheered for India if you were in the stadium there despite being surrounded by Brits.

Also, you seem to take offence at the fact that they dissed your country, but what about the England sucks chant. Why shouldn’t they take offence? Or are we Indians the only one who have pride in our country and feel wounded when we perceive an offence?

Things like this happen during matches. And the entire approach towards them seems rather jingoistic to me. An exercise to prove patriotism if you will, just as you have the right to cheer for India, it’s their choice to cheer for whom they will.

By: abc

abc — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:12:05 +0000

Racism has been existed throughout human history.I agree there is fine line between racism and pariotism.You cannot controlled your mind if someone provokes u.So tasneem, it was just your anger which just comes out to support your country,so if u feel at somepoint of time u being racist towards then take it in positive way because u have not done intentionally. Its just all about perception of others or yours/

so bindas ,cheers for your country in next champions trophy sep-2009.

We indians are going to come back with big bang and dhoni will give u chance to point fingers at english

By: Racism redefined « Lost on the street

Racism redefined « Lost on the street — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:51:46 +0000

[...] Click here to read how the entire nation has been hurt/insulted/abused by three woman,when they rooted for their country in a silly T20 cricket match, which let me remind you, is not even half as good as the original fifty-over match:-) [...]

By: Nutsure

Nutsure — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:48:17 +0000

I don’t see anything racist in the episode. If you accept the premises then it’s OK. If you don’t accept the premises. then anything and everything remotely similar to human voice would sound racist. We lost fair and square. No excuses. We also made a lot of noise before the tournaments. Emotions multiplied many many times are involved in football. Watch any English Premier or European club matches. Be prepared for rioting and blood bath. Countries have gone to war on football. We are not one of those banana republics or are we?