White Still Rules In India

Saturday’s newspapers carried a report about Liz Hurley and Arun Nayyar’s foreign bodyguards roughing up media personnel, who were present to report on the couple’s nuptial celebrations in Jodhpur. This is not the first incident of its kind in India, nor will it be the last one. A similar fracas erupted a few months ago involving the bodyguards of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, during their visit to India. Boorish and arrogant behaviour by foreigners of this ilk seems to have become the norm in this country. What is even more demeaning is that it is tacitly accepted.

Indians are probably the most tolerant peoples in the world in this respect. I cannot think of any other country where foreign guests would be allowed to lord it over the locals with such impunity. No American or European would dare to behave in a similar fashion in Saudi Arabia, for example, even though they probably regard the "natives" with equal contempt. Nor would Britishers display such a cavalier attitude in any other of their former colonies.

We Indians, however, are a peculiar bunch. Even 60 years after gaining independence from Britain, white skin is still treated with awe and reverence. In upscale restaurants, whites are fawned upon and given preferential treatment. Corporates are not much better. If a Western consultant is invited over for a meeting, it is presumed that nothing less than five star accommodations will do for him – and placing a luxury car, with chauffer, at his disposal is almost mandatory. Expatriates routinely receive a "hardship allowance" – over and above their salaries – when posted in India. Some hardship! These privileged folk live in a style they are definitely not accustomed to back home (which would probably be a modest house in the suburbs.) Here, they are provided rent-free sprawling bungalows in upscale neighbourhoods; and full time cooks, gardeners and odd job men. In addition, some get twice yearly company-paid trips back home; or to a resort in Thailand or Malaysia – rest and recreation, you see, to compensate for all the "hardships" they endure in India. Children of American expatriates and consular staff attend exclusive American schools, with American teachers – presumably to avoid contamination from the local kids.

The other side of the coin, of course, is that foreigners get routinely ripped off by local merchants, cab drivers and the like – and they have to pay considerable more than the locals to get admission to museums and historical monuments. But I hardly think India is unique in this regard.

Surprisingly, the white skin fetish is not restricted to attitude towards foreigners. Even among Indians themselves, fairness is a prized commodity. Fairness creams of dubious efficacy sell like hot cakes; and fair brides command a premium in the marriage market. If you want to be accepted in the upper rung of society, it is mandatory to speak crisp, upper-crust English and display a penchant for Western luxury goods. I am not sure if the devil really wears Prada, but the "beautiful people" in India do, almost exclusively.

Changes are beginning to be perceived on the horizon, however. As India emerges as an economic powerhouse; and more and more Indians have access to greater disposal income, the ugly Indian – taking a cue from the ugly American – is starting to assert himself. Upper class Indians who, traditionally, act arrogant and condescending towards their less fortunate compatriots, are discovering that this attitude works even in more "civilized" countries. Put down a large enough tip and even white skinned flunkies will bow obsequiously. The almighty rupee is fast catching up with the almighty dollar as the weapon of choice. Indians are staring to discover the universal truth – it’s all about money, honey.

My fellow Indians; get hip to the new reality. White isn’t necessarily might; and brown doesn’t make you a clown. If you want to make a wave, arrive on the scene; don’t act like a slave, just flash that green.