Racism Archives

Immigrants Won the World Cup, But Ozil’s Retirement Reminds Us that Racism Isn’t Defeated

Mesut Ozil once said he had two hearts, one German and one Turkish. But regardless of his fame, he can’t transcend the stereotype of being a German only when he is useful to Germany. After a World Cup that was lauded for belonging to immigrants, Ozil’s retirement statement throws up a new question: Is it possible for immigrants to belong?

Kahini Iyer July 22, 2016

Pop Culture

Revisiting F.R.I.E.N.D.S: The One Where We Defend the Sitcom

Even as the sitcom makes a comeback, F.R.I.E.N.D.S is the subject of our generation's biggest polarising pop-culture debates. The criticism of the sitcom accuses it of being sexist, unfunny, and even bland. But I often wonder if using a 2020s lens to critique a TV show that is not from this time, a valid critique of it.

Priyanka Aidasani July 15, 2016

POV

“Tu Kala Hai!”: What’s Our Obsession with Fair Skin?

I occupy super-woke circles and work in a liberal office where I get periodic reminders to check my privilege. But years of higher education have not been able to entirely erase the prejudices and biases over fair and dark skin that I grew up with.

Aryan Malhotra June 28, 2016

POV

No, I’m Not Made in China

I am sick of telling people that they don’t have to lock up their pet dogs in the storeroom when I go over to their house.

Abheek Sinha June 21, 2016

POV

The Truth in Black & White

Don’t worry, black people! This is how we treat everyone who is not a savarna Indian male.

Bhanuj Kappal June 10, 2016

Pop Culture

Arré Recommends: Films About Racism Can Also Be Eye-Openers About Oppression in India

Here’s a watchlist of five movies and shows to get started on the subject of race and Black Lives Matter. Here's hoping that watching these will open our eyes to the systemic oppression of our own people that we tolerate in India every day.

Poulomi Das May 8, 2016

Pop Culture

Koffee With Karan: Hardik Pandya Isn’t a “Brat”, He is an Outright Misogynist

There’s no denying that the old relationship between cricket and courteousness had become archaic. But after the latest Koffee with Karan episode, which featured Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul on the couch, it might have finally died for good.

Kahini Iyer April 7, 2016

Pop Culture

There’s an Indian Flavour to Get Out’s Everyday Racism

The casual racism and stereotyping in the Oscar-winning Get Out is part of everyday India. We assume Christians are alcoholics, Gujjus are food Nazis, Bengalis are over-sensitive, and Marwaris are kanjoos.

Dushyant Shekhawat March 14, 2016

Pop Culture

Green Book Review: A Road Trip Film Low on Racial Drama, High on Buddy Comedy

Green Book takes a muddled viewpoint of racism. But together, Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen bring to screen an unforgettable chemistry that’s poignant, rousing, and which single-handedly enlivens the broad strokes of the film’s script.

Poulomi Das March 10, 2016