Persaud misunderstands the concept of racism

Feb 14, 2014 Letters

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Dear Editor,
I would have preferred not to respond to the asinine comments in Mr. Mike Persaud’s missive (KN Feb 12) but his misunderstanding and definition of basic concepts like racism and racist ideology would have gone uncorrected, misleading readers. In the Guyana context, when one (particularly an Indian) advocates for benefits on behalf of one’s group or against injustice perpetrated against one’s group, one is labeled a racist or supremacist, driving many into silence or sotto voce. Commentators, politicians, and readers need to move away from such a practice. People should openly espouse their views against racial practices and demand equality in all spheres of life.
Persaud adamantly believes that “a racist ideology” is when one suggests reconciliation between and among persons (in conflict primarily over political matters) of the same ethnicity or when an individual advocates on behalf of one’s group or when one struggles against racist practices (injustice) perpetrated on one’s race. In other words, if an African advocates on behalf of Africans, he is a racist. If an Indian advocates on behalf of Indians, he is a racist. That is a misunderstanding of the term.
Using Persaud’s definition, eminent figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, etc. would be considered as racists for advocating for equality for and injustices (Jim crow, denial of right to vote, segregation, etc.).  Mandela would also be considered as a racist for demanding equality for his people. Gandhi would be a racist for championing the rights of Indians against the Whites. Dr. Jagan would be racist for fighting for sugar workers against the exploitative British and the African PNC.
There is no exact, scientific definition of racism and sociologists disagree about what constitutes racism. In general, it relates to practices or beliefs of prejudice and or discrimination against people of another race. I never espouse or advocate such practices. On the other hand, one can conclude that Persaud’s comments are in the main anti-Indian. The feeling by Whites that non-Whites are inferior is an example of racism. Colonialism was viewed by some historians as racism. The White Man’s Burden was/is viewed as racist ideology. Slavery and indentureship were viewed as racist economic systems. The mis-treatment of Black Americans by Whites or of non-Whites in South Africa or of non-Whites in Guyana by the British, etc. are considered as acts of racism.  Contrary to what Persaud believes, advocating for one’s ethnic group is not racism. In the US, ethnic leaders or spokespersons routinely advocate for their group and as anthropologists and sociologists have noted it is a normal practice in every society. If as Persaud stubbornly believes that advocating against racism faced by Indians is considered as racism, and if advocating for racial equality is defined as racism, I wear the badge with honor joining the ranks of Gandhi, Mandela, King, Jackson, etc.
Persaud cited Mr. Tony Veira as “criticizing me for racist strategies”. I did not read the criticism and as such cannot comment on it. However, I can relate the following as fact: I conducted numerous anthropological and sociological field research projects in Guyana over the years. One such research pertained to the evolution of TV broadcasts. From my interviews with Indians, and from a very lengthy interview with TV pioneer Dr. C.N Sharma some years ago, I discerned that Veira was adamantly opposed to airing anything pertaining to Indians on his TV station. Stories were told of Indians approaching Veira to broadcast Indian movies (Bollywood), religious programs (Hindu and Muslim) and local Indian performances (cultural variety concerts, Diwali, Phagwah, Indian Arrival celebrations, Ram Naumi, Eid, Shiv Raatri, etc.), etc and he adamantly stated no. One interviewer told me that Veira stated: “Never on my station” – a reference to Indian programs. People also told me they went to Rex TV and got the same response. I leave it up to Persaud to determine whether those practices fall under his definition of racism and for readers to judge who are the real racists in our society. When next Persaud visits Guyana, he can pay a courtesy call to Sharma to get an understanding of the extent of media (TV, radio, newsprint) discrimination before Sharma established his station. Sharma (and his wife are pioneers of Indian TV programs) alluded to it in an interview published in KN Oct 21, 2012. Ironically, it was Veira who after he sold his TV station who appeared on Sharma TV and who sought to buy time (stand to be corrected) to air his views on socio-politico issues got the Sharma in trouble by making an allegation against Bishop Juan Edghill. I also note Veira’s continuous assailing of Indian managers of the sugar industry. I cannot say if Veira feels Indians are unfit to run sugar.  But Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramoutar, etc. made several references to those who looked down upon Indian people and Indian culture.
Persaud’s understanding of Guyanese politics is very limited, naïve, and deeply flawed. His suggestion for Sam Hinds or David Granger to lead the PPP is nonsensical explaining why SN did not carry his missive. His ideas are rather simplistic and not worthy of a response. I wish him tons of luck to make Sam or Granger the leader of the PPP.
On the issue of “race purity”, Persaud described Moses Nagamootoo and Ralph Ramkarran as individuals who trans-race – meaning they are not viewed as people who are influenced by racial considerations.  That being the case, I cannot fathom what logic was utilized in Persaud concluding that a suggestion that Moses and Ralph reconcile with the PPP leadership is considered as advocating for “racially pure politics”. Aren’t they “trans-racial”?
Persaud would do himself a favor not to comment on issues he is not familiar with – he contradicts himself. He is clueless about the ground reality of politics in Guyana and is a very confused chap. I can assure Persaud I go there regularly and interact with Guyanese of all ethnicities all the time and as such I have my finger on the pulse in Guyana.
Vishnu Bisram

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