Computer training can decrease children’s biases. Jeff Inglis, CC BY-ND

My colleagues and I are starting to take a new look at the problem of racial bias by investigating its origins in early childhood. As we learn more about how biases take hold, will we eventually be able to intervene before any biases become permanent?
 

Measuring racial bias

When psychology researchers first began studying racial biases, they simply asked individuals to describe their thoughts and feelings about particular groups of people. A well-known problem with these measures of explicit bias is that people often try to respond to researchers in ways they think are socially appropriate.

The kind of sorting task the Implicit Association Test presents to get at biases participants may not even be aware of. Project Implicit

Starting in the 1990s, researchers began to develop methods to assess implicit bias, which is less conscious and less controllable than explicit bias. The most widely used test is the Implicit Association Test, which lets researchers measure whether individuals have more positive associations with some racial groups than others. However, an important limitation of this test is that it only works well with individuals who are at least six years old – the instructions are too complex for younger children to remember.

Recently, my colleagues and I developed a new way to measure bias, which we call the Implicit Racial Bias Test. This test can be used with children as young as age three, as well as with older children and adults. This test assesses bias in a manner similar to the IAT but with different instructions.

Here’s how a version of the test to detect an implicit bias that favors white people over black people would work: We show participants a series of black and white faces on a touchscreen device. Each photo is accompanied by a cartoon smile on one side of the screen and a cartoon frown on the other.

Example of a screen a child would see. Gail Heyman, CC BY-ND

In one part of the test, we ask participants to touch the cartoon smile as quickly as possible whenever a black face appears, and the cartoon frown as quickly as possible whenever a white face appears. In another part of the test, the instructions are reversed.

The difference in the amount of time it takes to follow one set of instructions versus the other is used to compute the individual’s level of implicit bias. The reasoning is that it takes more time and effort to respond in ways that go against our intuitions.
 

Do young children even have racial biases?

Explicit racial biases have been documented in young children for many years. Researchers know that young children can also show implicit bias at the earliest ages that it has been measured, and often at rates that are comparable to those seen among adults.

Some studies suggest that precursors of racial bias can be detected in infancy. In one such study, researchers measured how long infants looked at faces of their own race or another race that were paired with happy or sad music. They found that 9-month-olds looked longer when the faces of their own race were paired with the happy music, which was different from the pattern of looking times for the other-race faces. This result suggests that the tendency to prefer faces that match one’s own race begins in infancy.

These early patterns of response arise from a basic psychological tendency to like and approach things that seem familiar, and dislike and avoid things that seem unfamiliar. Some researchers think that these tendencies have roots in our evolutionary history because they help people to build alliances within their social groups.

However, these biases can change over time. For example, young black children in Cameroon show an implicit bias in favor of black people versus white people as part of a general tendency to prefer in-group members, who are people who share characteristics with you. But this pattern reverses in adulthood, as individuals are repeatedly exposed to cultural messages indicating that white people have higher social status than black people.
 

A new approach to tackling bias

Researchers have long recognized that racial bias is associated with dehumanization. When people are biased against individuals of other races, they tend to view them as part of an undifferentiated group rather than as specific individuals. Giving adults practice at distinguishing among individuals of other races leads to a reduction in implicit bias, but these effects tend to be quite short-lived.

Children used an app that assessed their implicit racial bias. Li Zhao, CC BY-ND

In our new research, we adapted this individuation approach for use with young children. Using a custom-built training app, young children learn to identify five individuals of another race during a 20-minute session. We found that 5-year-olds who participated showed no implicit racial bias immediately after the training.

Although the effects of a single session were short-lived, an additional 20-minute booster session one week later allowed children to maintain about half of their initial bias reduction for two months. We are currently working on a game-like version of the app for further testing.

Just one step along the way to a more egalitarian society. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
 

Only a starting point

Although our approach suggests a promising new direction for reducing racial bias, it is important to note that this is not a magic bullet. Other aspects of the tendency to dehumanize individuals of different races also need to be investigated, such as people’s diminished level of interest in the mental life of individuals who are outside of their social group. Because well-intended efforts to reduce racial bias can sometimes be ineffective or produce unintended consequences, any new approaches that are developed will need to be rigorously evaluated.

And of course the problem of racial bias is not one that can be solved by addressing the beliefs of individuals alone. Tackling the problem also requires addressing the broader social and economic factors that promote and maintain biased beliefs and behaviors.
 

Gail Heyman, Professor of Psychology, University of California, San Diego
 

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

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I am an Indian Muslim.
I’ve been living in this country for past 1000 years or so,
Yet you consider me an outsider.
.
I have adopted many cultural practices of yours,
Be it in marriages, in costumes, in language or in food.
I’ve even adopted your caste system,
Your Sindoor, Your Mangalsutr, Your rituals,
Yet you feel that your culture faces a threat from me.
.
My dietary habits are same as yours,
Yet you consider me a beef eater, and insolent towards the cow you worship.
Even though the Govt of India is the largest beef exporter of the world.
.
I am an Indian Muslim.
.
I’ve played Holi with you,
Visited Puja pandals with you
Sported the Tilak as well.
Yet you consider me an orthodox proselytizer.
.
My literacy rate is at par with SCs and STs,
My representation in bureaucracy is mere 3%,
Same is the situation in other services,
Be it police, judiciary or the army,
Yet I’ve never demanded any special treatment in recruitment process.
.
I am an Indian Muslim.
.
Polygamy in my community is lower than among tribals and Hindus,
My population growth rate has been declining,
Yet you feel threatened by political demagoguery of “Hum Paanch Hamaare Pachchees”
.
I’ve painted your homes,
Welded your grills,
Tailored your clothes,
Woven your textiles,
Served your culinary tastes.
.
I pull the rickshaws,
Weave your carpets,
Repair your punctures,
Service your vehicles,
Do all menial jobs.
I constitute the largest community living Below Poverty Line,
Yet you consider me an unduly privileged class thriving at the cost of others.
.
The Hajj subsidy given in my name,
Goes to Air India,
Yet you feel that I’ve been pampered by ‘secular’ parties.
.
I’ve borne the brunt of riots,
Orchestrated by virtually every party,
In every nook and corner of the country,
Yet you feel that I’ve been a beneficiary of ‘minority appeasement’.
.
I am an Indian Muslim.
.
I have my own share of faults,
I am not an angel,
Neither am I a devil,
I am as mortal as you,
As vulnerable to vices as you,
As compassionate as you.
.
It pains to give an explanation of misdeeds committed by ruffians in the name of my community.
It pains when I am asked to apologize for inhuman deeds over which I have no role or control.
I am struggling to get out of the clutches of orthodox mullahs,
To clear the image of my community
Painted black by the unscrupulous media.
To live in harmony with you all,
To enjoy the diversity of this land and its culture.
However lack of education and control of orthodox mullahs are an impediment in my way.
.
But you are educated.
How did you fall victim to political demagoguery?
What eroded the trust? The bonhomie we used to share, since ages?
Can’t you see that bigotry today is a worldwide phenomenon?
Engulfing human lives?
Threatening Love and Trust?
What is stopping you from rejecting hate embracing love?
.
I am an Indian Muslim.
And I need you.
And I believe,
You need me too,
As much as I do.
.
Coz I believe –
Peace doesn’t come of its own.
Those who love peace must learn to organize themselves as effectively as those who love bigotry.

Image: Business India
 

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Image credit:  Sahibzada Masooduzzafar

The post My name is Khan: Inter-religious marriages still draw questions in India appeared first on SabrangIndia.

 

अब्बा, एक वक्त मैं अपना बहुत कुछ गंवाने के बाद पूरी तरह परेशान हो गई थी जब मैं लगातार खुद से पूछ रही थी कि मेरे ही पिता क्यों…! उन्हें ही क्यों…! लेकिन यह आपके बताए रास्ते का हासिल है कि वाकयों को उसके बड़े दायरे में देखो और अपनी जिंदगी को भी बड़े फलक पर देखो। मैंने महसूस किया कि मेरी तरह तो हजारों हैं, मर्द, औरतें और बच्चे, जिन्होंने अपने सबसे करीबी और अजीज लोगों को खो दिया और वे भी यही पूछ रहे हैं कि क्यों उन्हें ही..!

बड़ी तादाद में बच्चे अनाथ हो गए और बड़ी तादाद में मां-बाप अपने बच्चों से महरूम हो गए। मैंने यह भी महसूस किया कि मेरी तरह के कुछ लोग गोधरा और कश्मीर में भी हैं। उनकी तकलीफ हमसे जरा भी कम नहीं है। उनका नुकसान हमसे कम नहीं हैं। उनकी मासूमियत भी हमसे कम नहीं है। इसलिए मैं उनसे पूछती हूं जो सत्ता में हैं। उन्होंने उस कत्लेआम को होने दिया था। और फिर समय-समय पर इंसानियत के खिलाफ अपराध होते रहे। और तमाम विनम्रता और संजीदगी के साथ मैं खुदा से पूछती हूं कि क्यों वे नहीं जो नफरत का पाठ पढ़ाते हैं? क्यों वे नहीं, जो सांप्रदायिक असहनशीलता फैलाते हैं? क्यों वे नहीं, जो उसकी बनाई दुनिया के खिलाफ हिंसा का प्रचार करते हैं?

मेरे प्यारे अब्बा, मुझे आपकी बात याद है कि दुनिया में बहुत दुश्मनी है, लेकिन बहुत सुकून, मेलजोल और प्यार भी है। दुनिया में दुख है, तकलीफ है, लेकिन सुख समृद्धि और आगे बढ़ने के रास्ते भी हैं। दुनिया में जंग और बर्बरता है, लेकिन भाईचारा, सुकून और शांति भी है। यह इस बात से तय होता है कि आप कहां से और कैसे इस दुनिया को देखते हैं।
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यह आपकी उम्मीदों और सकारात्मक सोच के साथ तैयार मेरी शख्सियत है कि मैंने देश में प्यार, भाईचारा, सुकून और सांप्रदायिक सौहार्द के हालात को देखना पसंद किया है, चुना है। मैंने यह भरोसा चुना कि गुजरात में हमने जो हिंसा और सांप्रदायिक असहनशीलता देखी, वह महज एक तात्कालिक विचलन थी और उसके गम जल्दी ही गुजर जाएंगे। आपस में बांटने के एजेंडे के साथ नफरत का कारोबार करने वाले हारेंगे और भारत में लोग अपने मजहब और नस्ल, रंग और जाति, सियासी बुनियाद या आदर्श की परवाह किए बिना एक दूसरे के साथ आएंगे, आपके और आपकी तरह के लाखों लोगों के उन सपनों के लिए जो एक, प्रगतिशील, समृद्ध, धर्मनिरपेक्ष और गर्व करने लायक भारत में बसता है।

मेरे प्यारे अब्बा, आपकी दी हुई सबक मुझे यह ताकत देती है कि मैं गुजरात कत्लेआम के दौरान हजारों बेघर हो चुके लोगों, औरतों और बच्चों की मदद के लिए आगे बढ़ूं, जो जिंदगी के बेहद असह्य और तकलीफदेह हालात में जी रहे हैं। मेरे दिल में किसी खास व्यक्ति या समुदाय के लिए कोई कड़वाहट नहीं है। मैं आपके दामाद नाज़िद हुसेन के साथ हूं और अपनी काबिलियत के मुताबिक बेसहारा लोगों की मदद के लिए बहुत बेहतर काम कर रही हूं। हमारे साथ कई लोगों, संस्थाओं और संगठनों की भी मदद है। हम लोगों के पुनर्वास, उनकी सुरक्षा की गारंटी और गुजरात में इंसान सुनिश्चित करने के लिए काम कर रहे हैं।
​
हमें हिम्मत दीजिए अब्बा! और इस देश को भी हौसला दीजिए, जिसके सम्मान के लिए आपने बिना किसी भेदभाव और बिना किसी स्वार्थ के जिंदगी भर काम किया। हमें आशीर्वाद दीजिए और राह दिखाइए, ताकि हम हम आपके दिखाए रास्ते को साफ-साफ देख सकें, उस पर चल सकें। दया और संवेदना का रास्ता, एकता और अखंडता का रास्ता, शांति और सौहार्द का रास्ता, ताकि हम गुजरात की उस त्रासदी को दोहराए जाते नहीं देखें।
​
शुक्रिया… हम आपसे प्यार करते हैं… हम हमेशा आपसे प्यार करेंगे… हम हमेशा आपको याद करेंगे…!

(समाप्त)

अनुवाद- अरविंद शेष

अब्बा, हमें हौसला और हिम्मत देना- 2

अब्बा, हमें हौसला और हिम्मत देना- 1
 
 

The post अब्बा, हमें हौसला और हिम्मत देना- 3 appeared first on SabrangIndia.

आपकी लाइब्रेरी में कानून, साहित्य, दर्शनशास्त्र, इंसानियत, धर्म, राष्ट्रीय एकता और आपकी अपनी कविताओं की हजारों किताबें जो आपने अपनी अगली पीढ़ियों के लिए संभाल के रखी थीं, वे आपको समझने के लिए काफी थीं। वे सब खाक में तब्दील कर दी गईं। आपके दफ्तर में अब गौरैया नहीं हैं, उनके घोंसले जला दिए गए। मुझे याद है कि आपने अपने दफ्तर में गौरैयों को घोंसला बनाने, अंडे देने, उनके चूजों को उड़ान भरना सिखाने के लिए कितनी मेहनत की थी। आप अपने दफ्तर की एक खिड़की हमेशा ही खुला छोड़ देते थे, तब भी, जब हम सब समूचे घर को बंद कर कहीं बाहर गए होते। सिर्फ इसलिए कि गौरैया हमारे घरों में आजादी से आवाजाही कर सकें। जब वे गौरैया घोंसला बनाने के दौरान कुछ गंदगी फैलाती थीं, तो दिन में कई-कई बार आप अपने दफ्तर की सफाई खुशी-खुशी करते थे। जब उन गौरैयों को नन्हे चूजे होते थे, तो आप घर के पंखे चलाने वाले बिजली के स्विच पर टेप लगा देते थे, ताकि गलती से वे चल न जाएं। पंखों से चूजों के घायल होने की बनिस्बत आप गरमी को बर्दाश्त करके काम करना पसंद करते थे। हम आज भी उन गौरैयों को याद करते हैं।

मुझे याद है कि एक युवक कालिया जब अपने पांवों के जख्मों की तकलीफ से तड़प रहा था, तो आप उसे डॉक्टर के पास ले गए और खुद उसके घावों की मरहम-पट्टी की थी। उसने बताया था कि जिस वक्त कोई उसे छूने तक के लिए तैयार नहीं था, तब आपने उसे कुर्सी पर बिठा कर खुद नीचे बैठ उसके पांवों को देख रहे थे और तब वह खुद को शर्मिंदा महसूस कर रहा था। उन सालों के दौरान आपने जिनकी मदद की, उनमें से दर्जनों लोग आपकी रहमदिली और उदारता की याद दिलाते हैं। उनमें से कई यह भी जानते हैं कि कैसे आप उन्हें घरों का रंग-रोगन करने, दरवाजों को पेंट करने, किचेन या टॉयलेट या घर में गैराज को नई शक्ल देने के बारे में बताते थे। यह सब इसलिए नहीं कि वह जरूरी था, बल्कि इसलिए कि आप चाहते थे कि वे अपनी जिंदगी को बेहतर बनाने के लिए खुद कुछ काम करें। वे सभी आपको याद करते हैं।

अब्बा, मैं जानती हूं कि अगर आप चाहते तो अपनी वकालत की प्रैक्टिस और अपने सियासी कॅरियर के जरिए काफी पैसे कमा सकते थे। लेकिन इसके बजाय आपने हमारे हिंदुस्तानी स्वभाव के मुताबिक बिल्कुल सादा रहन-सहन और ऊंचे खयालातों की जिंदगी चुनी। अगर आप चाहते तो एक बहुत ताकतवर और रसूखदार सियासतदां हो सकते थे। लेकिन इसके बजाय आप अपने गुरु और आदर्श महात्मा गांधी के मूल्यों के साथ बने रहे और आपने देश के लोगों के लिए काम करने का रास्ता चुना। सांप्रदायिक एकता और सौहार्द, राष्ट्रीय एकता और इंसानी गरिमा पर आपकी लिखी कविताएं आने वाली पीढ़ियों को रास्ता दिखलाती रहेंगी।

यह आपकी उम्मीदों और सकारात्मक सोच के साथ तैयार मेरी शख्सियत है कि मैंने देश में प्यार, भाईचारा, सुकून और सांप्रदायिक सौहार्द के हालात को देखना पसंद किया है। मैंने यह भरोसा चुना कि गुजरात में हमने जो हिंसा और सांप्रदायिक असहनशीलता देखी, वह महज एक तात्कालिक विचलन थी और उसके गम जल्दी ही गुजर जाएंगे।
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आपने न जाने कितने दिलों को छुआ। ज्यादातर हिंदुओं और मुसलमानों ने साथ आकर आपके लिए दुख जताया। आप शांति के एक दूत थे, इंसानियत और इंसानी गरिमा के पैरोकार थे। खुद को हिंदू मानने वाले चंद भटकाए गए लोगों ने गुजरात और गुलबर्ग सोसाइटी में आपके और हजारों मासूम निर्दोष लोगों के साथ जो किया, उस पर हमारे ज्यादातर हिंदू दोस्तों ने अफसोस और शर्मिंदगी जताई। गुनाह का एहसास और उसका बोझ अपने दिल पर लिए ये दोस्त अक्सर हमारे पास आकर गुजरात कत्लेआम के लिए हमसे माफी मांगते। मगर जैसा आप भी करते, उसी तरह हमने उन्हें कहा कि आप वे नहीं हैं जिन्हें इसके लिए बोझ महसूस करना चाहिए।

यह हिंदुत्व नहीं है। उस कत्लेआम के लिए यह हिंदुत्व जिम्मेदार नहीं और इस पर आरोप नहीं लगाया जाना चाहिए। भटकाए गए कुछ अतिवादी दरअसल चरमपंथी हैं और चरमपंथ के पीछे चलने वालों का अपना ही मजहब होता है। हिंदू दरअसल मासूम, रहमदिल, भगवान से डरने वाले और कानूनों के मुताबिक चलने वाले नागरिक होते हैं, ठीक उन मुसलमानों की तरह जिन्हें उन चरमपंथियों ने गुजरात में निशाना बनाया और मार डाला। हमने यहां और सभी जगहों पर अपने सभी दोस्तों को यही बताया है। हम उन्हें प्यार करते हैं, उनकी और हमारी तहजीब के लिए उनकी नेकनीयती की इज्जत करते हैं। यही तो आपने भी किया था। हम उनके सराकारों को साझा करेंगे और इस समाज और देश में फासीवाद और नफरत का जहर फैलाने वालों के खात्मे के लिए काम करेंगे।

(जारी)……

अब्बा, हमें हौसला और हिम्मत देना- 1

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मैं पूर्व सांसद एहसान जाफरी की बेटी हूं, जिन्हें गोधरा घटना के बाद शुरू हुए गुजरात कत्लेआम के दौरान 28 फरवरी, 2002 को उनके ही घर में बर्बर तरीके से जला कर मारा डाला गया। मेरे लिए आज भी यह यकीन करना मुश्किल है कि अब वे नहीं हैं, उन्हें इस तरह बेवक्त हमसे दूर कर दिया गया, बेहद क्रूरता और बर्बरता के साथ। चूंकि उन्हें जिंदा जला दिया गया और हमें उनका शरीर भी नहीं मिला, तो मैं अब भी उनकी मौत के बारे में नहीं सोचती। गुजरे तमाम दिनों के दौरान मैं भरोसे और नाउम्मीदियों, भाईचारे और इंसानियत में अविश्वास, हमारी विरासत के मूल्यों और ज्ञान के साथ-साथ गुजरात में अधर्म या अनैतिकता और कत्लेआम के सरेआम नाच के बीच बेतहाशा झूलती रही। इस बीच मैंने अपनी जड़ों और मजहब का सामना किया। मगर मेरे पिता से मिले सबक और मेरे परिवार को मिली ताकत का शुक्रिया कि मैंने फिर से अपना भरोसा और संतुलन हासिल किया है। बहुत थोड़ा ही सही, मैं अपने दुख से उबर सकी हूं।
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बहुत थोड़ा, क्योंकि आज भी मैं अपने जज्बातों पर काबू रखने में नाकाम हो जाती हूं, जब मैं यह सब सोचने लगती हूं कि तलवार से कैसे उन्हें चीर डाला गया, वह आग जिसमें उन्हें जिंदा जला दिया गया, वे लोग जिन्होंने उन्हें मार डाला। लेकिन अब मैं आपके साथ अपने पिता की उन यादों को साझा कर सकती हूं कि वे मेरे लिए क्या थे, अपने परिवार, देश के लिए उन्होंने क्या-क्या सहा और कैसे हम सबको उन्होंने फख्र करने लायक बनाया।
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वे मेरे हीरो थे। जिस पल भी मैं आंखें बंद करती हूं, मेरे बचपन के दिनों से लेकर मेरी शादी और विदेश जाने तक की मेरी जिंदगी के तमाम दौर किसी रील की तरह बार-बार दौड़ने लगते हैं। उस जिंदगी में वे हर पल मेरे साथ थे, और अब जब मैं यह चिट्ठी लिख रही हूं, वे मेरी हिम्मत और हौसले की शक्ल में मेरे साथ हैं।
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मेरे प्यारे अब्बा, मैं आपसे बहुत प्यार करती हूं। हम सब आपसे प्यार करते हैं। हम सब आपको बहुत याद करते हैं। हम सब आपकी प्रतिबद्धता, आपके भरोसे, आपकी हिम्मत, आपके मूल्यों और त्याग के लिए आपका शुक्रिया अदा करते हैं। आपने हमें निस्वार्थी बनना और केवल खुद के बारे में नहीं सोचना सिखाया। अम्मी उस वाकये को याद करते हुए कभी नहीं थकतीं जब आप अपने पुराने घर के एक कमरे में सो रहे थे, तो एक लालटेन बिस्तर पर गिर गया था और बिस्तर में आग लग गई थी। उसी बिस्तर पर आप और अम्मी एक ओर सो रहे थे। अचानक महसूस होने पर आप जैसे ही जगे और आपने आग देखा, तो तुरंत बिस्तर पर से भागने के बजाय आपने अम्मी को जगा कर बचने के लिए कहा। लेकिन जब वे जगीं और आग देखा, तो तुरंत ही दरवाजे की ओर भागीं। उन्हें यह ध्यान नहीं रहा कि आप कहां थे और उन्हें क्या कहने की कोशिश कर रहे थे। अब इसके चालीस साल से ज्यादा गुजर चुके हैं, लेकिन अब भी वे उस वाकये को याद करती हैं और अफसोस से भर जाती हैं कि आग देख कर दरवाजे की ओर भागते हुए उन्होंने आपका हाथ क्यों नहीं पकड़ा।
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लेकिन अट्ठाईस फरवरी को उस वक्त वे घर में ऊपर थीं, जब आप पर बर्बरता ढायी गई और जिंदा जला दिया गया। आप तब उन सैकड़ों मर्दों, औरतों और बच्चों को बचाने की कोशिश कर रहे थे, जिन्होंने हिंसक और कातिल भीड़ से जान बचाने के लिए आपके घर में पनाह ली हुई थी। वह अफसोस अब उनके लिए बर्दाश्त करने के काबिल नहीं है। उन्होंने देखा कि कैसे एक अलग हालात में चालीस साल पहले का वह वाकया फिर से सामने आ गया।          (जारी)…..

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I am the daughter of the former Member of Parliament, Ehsan  Jaffri, who was brutalised, burnt  in his own house and killed on February 28 during the Gujarat violence that took place in the wake of the Godhra incident. It was hard for me even to believe that he is no more, that he was taken away so untimely and with such cruelty and brutality. As he was burnt and we did not find his body, there is no closure for me on his death. During the past 5 months I have swung wildly between the extremes of faith and hopelessness, brotherhood and utter disbelief in humanity, our ancient values and wisdom, and the displayed dance of immorality and violence in Gujarat. Over this time, I even confronted my roots and religion. But thanks to the power of my father’s teachings and the support of my family, I have now regained my balance, overcome my grief, even if only partially.

Partially, because I still fail to control my emotions while thinking about the sword that ripped him, the fire that burnt him, the people who killed him. But I can now share with you my memories of my father, what he was to me, what he endured in the services to his family, his country, and how proud he has made us all.

He was my hero. The moment I close my eyes the entire period of my life from my early childhood to the day I got married and left my family in India, plays back. Repeatedly. He was with me every moment of that life and he is with me, in spirit, now as I write this letter.

My dear Abba, I love you. We all love you. We all miss you. We thank you for your devotion, your faith, your courage, your values, your sacrifice. You have taught us to be selfless and not put ourselves first. Ammi is never tired of recounting the incident when in the bedroom of your old house while you were sleeping, the small kerosene lamp on the side of the bed fell off and the curtain caught fire. You were sleeping on the side of the fire and Ammi was next to you. As the heat woke you up and you saw the fire, instead of jumping out of the bed immediately, you first woke Ammi up and asked her to get to safety. But when she woke up and saw the fire, she thinks she quickly jumped out of bed and ran to the door without even knowing where you were or what you were trying to tell her. It is more than 40 years since, but she still remembers and regrets that incident and feels guilty of putting herself first that day and not grabbing your hand as she ran to the door.
In the wake of what happened on February 28, as she was upstairs in the house while you were being brutalised and burnt in your efforts to save the lives and honour of over a hundred men, women and children who had gathered in your house seeking protection from the violent mob, the guilt has become unbearable for her. She sees that 40 year old incident replayed yet again if under different circumstances and with not so bearable consequences.

Thousands of books in your library, the books on law, literature, philosophy, humanity, religion, national unity and your own poems articulating your understanding of all that, have turned into ashes – the treasure you had safeguarded and saved for your children and grandchildren. The sparrows in your office are no more — their nests burnt. I remember how you used to encourage and assist the sparrows to make their nest in your office, lay eggs, rear their chicks and teach them to fly. You would keep one office window open all the time, even when we went out and locked up the entire house. Only so that the sparrows could get in and out freely. Several times a day you would happily clean the mess the sparrows made in your office in the process of making their nests. When the sparrows had little chicks, you would put a tape on the fan switch never allowing it to be turned on even by mistake. You would work in the heat rather than risk injuring the chicks by the fan blade. We also miss those sparrows.

Kaliya, the young boy who had foot infection, cries and recalls how you took him to the doctor and used to personally dress and bandage his wounds. He also talks of how he, whom no one else would even touch, used to feel embarrassed to sit on the chair while you would sit down and tend to his feet. Dozens of those whom you helped over the years also come and reminisce about your kindness and generosity. Many of them also know how you asked them to white–wash the house, paint the doors, or remodel the toilets, kitchen, or garage in our house, not because that was needed, but because you wanted them to work and make a living for themselves. They all miss you.
Abba, I know if you wanted, you would have earned a lot of money through your practice of law or your political career. But instead, consistent with our ethos, the Indian ethos, you chose to lead a life of simple living and high thinking. If you wanted, you could have become a very powerful and pragmatic politician. But instead, consistent with the values of your mentor and ideal Mahatma Gandhi, you chose to serve the people of our country. Your poems on communal unity, national integrity and human dignity will continue to guide generations.

Thanks to your optimism and my upbringing with a positive outlook, I choose to see love, brotherhood, peace and communal harmony in India. I choose to believe the violence and communal intolerance we saw in Gujarat was only an aberration that will soon pass.

You have touched many hearts. A majority of Hindus and Muslims have come together in mourning you. You were an apostle of peace and an advocate of humanity and human dignity. Most of our Hindu friends express regret and shame over what a few misguided radicals who believed they were Hindus did to you and to the thousands of other innocent people in Gulberg society and in Gujarat. Bearing a feeling of guilt, these friends often come and apologise to us for the Gujarat violence. But we tell them, as you would have, that it is not they who must feel guilty.

It is not Hinduism that is responsible for the carnage and should not be blamed. The misguided radicals were extremists, followers of extremism, which is a religion in itself. Hindus are as innocent, as kind, as compassionate, as God–fearing and law-abiding citizens as those Muslims who were made targets and killed in Gujarat by those extremists. We tell this to all our friends, here and everywhere. We love them, respect them and respect their sincerity and faith in our values just as you did. We share their concern and resolve to work together to eliminate the monster of fascism injecting and spreading the poison of hate in our society, our country.
Abba, there was a time when I was totally overwhelmed with my loss, when I repeatedly kept asking myself, why my father? Why him? But thanks to your teachings, the teachings of always seeing the bigger picture of events and the bigger picture of our lives, I have recognised that there are thousands of others like me – men, women and children – who have lost their near and dear ones and who are also asking why them? Scores of children have become orphans and scores of parents have become childless. I also recognise that some of the likes of me are in Godhra and in Kashmir. Their pain is no less than mine. Their loss is no less than mine. Their innocence is no less than mine. So I ask of those in power who have carried out this carnage and who from time to time commit such crimes against humanity, why us? And with all humility, humbleness and a sincere heart I ask God, Why not those who preach hatred? Why not those who spread communal intolerance? Why not those who propagate violence against His creation?

My dear Abba, I remember you telling me there is animosity in the world, but there is also peace, harmony and love. There is pain and misery in the world, but there is also happiness, progress and prosperity. There is fighting and brutality in the world, but there is also brotherhood, peace and tranquillity. It also depends upon where and how you look at the world. Thanks to your optimism and my upbringing with a positive outlook, I choose to see love, brotherhood, peace and communal harmony in India. I choose to believe the violence and communal intolerance we saw in Gujarat was only an aberration that will soon pass. The hate–mongers with a divisive agenda will be defeated and the people in India will come together, regardless of their religion or race, regardless of their colour or caste, regardless of their political orientation or ideology, to realise your dream and the dream of millions of others like you — that of a united, progressive, prosperous, secular and proud India.

My dear Abba, thinking about you and your teachings revitalises my resolve to go out and help thousands of those homeless men, women and children produced in the wake of the Gujarat massacre who have been suffering what is insufferable, who have been enduring, what is unendurable. I am not bitter against any individual, or community. Following in your footsteps, I with your son–in–law, Najid Hussain am working to the best of my capacity and capability, to help these destitute people. We have help from several individuals, institutions and organisations. We are working to provide those people rehabilitation, guarantee their safety and security and work to ensure justice in Gujarat.

Bless us Abba. And bless the country you served all your life with distinction, honour, and a selfless devotion. Bless us and guide us so that we can clearly see and tread the path you showed us — the path of kindness and compassion, of unity and integrity, of peace and harmony – so that we never have to see Gujarat repeated ever again. Thank you. We love you. We will always love you. We also miss you.  

Archived from Communalism Combat, September 2002, Anniversary Issue (9th), Year 9  No. 80, Bless us, Abba!            

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Dalit Students of the Indian Instiute of Mass Communication, New Delhi have registered strong outrage and protest against fellow students who have allegedly  launched an especially vicious hate and abusive campaign against them on social media. In a written communication dated February 1, 2016 they have requested sensitisation classes to avoid spreading “ill will” against students belonging to Scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribe community on the Campus failing which they would be compelled to take legal action.
 
It is shocking that this sort of abuse has been resorted to by an Institute that will produce tomorrow’s journalists, television honchos, advertisement and public relations personnel apart from film makers!
 
The communication has been addressed to the Liason Officer, SC/ST Cell of the Institute.

The post on social media platform – Facebook on the January 18, 2016, “is derogatory and demeaning to the SC and ST students studying in IIMC. It clearly promotes ill will and hurts sentiments of the undersigned students.” There are, on paper, statutory safeguards under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.
 
Students have attached screen shots of their comments on the post which are reproduced below. The usage of Hindi words such as “Randi Rona” by the alleged offenders, shows contempt for the solidarity shown to a brother Dalit student, Malai Khana” on the matter of affirmative action towards social justice and the promotion of equity etc. And these are only some examples of the kind of statements which make the students feel that they are being look down upon.
 
Sabrangindia is in possession of a copy of the complaint. Dalit and Adivasi students have said that they do not want any punitive action “except a public apology and undertaking against the person writing or spreading such messages.” The follow up letter urges that,” we would beg to request a slot in the academic timetable to be allocated for sensitizing of all the students by experts in the field of Caste/Tribe reality and affirmative action, to promote amicability and inclusivity on campus. This initiative would make us feel human and dignified.”
 
Copies of the complaint have been also been addressed to Sunil Arora, IAS, Chairman, IIMC, Anurag Mishra, IIS, OSD, IIMC, All Dept. Heads and Course Coordinators , Ministry of Social Justice, Govt of India  and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt of India.
 
In a follow-up communication the students have also appreciated the positive response from the authorities. Students have further drawn attention to certain incidents that have occurred on campus aggravating discontent amidst the Dalit and Adivasi student post the petition filing. These are:

Case 1: 
Social media are now flooded with hashtags (#) of supporting the perpetrator and they say abusing and derogatory remarks made are freedom of speech and expression. (Annexure 1)

Case 2:
 In the campus there is an air of worry that one course is instrumental in trying to raise voice against the issue and it is juvenile on the part of that specific course. (Annexure 2)

Case 3: 
Comments are being passed and remarks made loud when the students pass through the corridors in the college and hostels.
 
Students have urged proactive action by the faculty to ensure harmony and amicability on campus failing which they would be forced to take legal recourse against their will. Dalit and Adivasi students are simply not able to focus on their studies.

Annexure 1 –Signature of students

Annexure 2

The post Cast Out Caste: Allegations of Abusive Behaviour among Mass Communication students in Delhi appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Propaganda is the wheel by which the government steers the bus of a nation; typically driving it into war or off the cliff of humanity. It is amazing to see how many people who are otherwise rational human beings will blindly follow the herd on the matter of how subhuman a perceived national enemy is.

The western media wonderfully paints Islam as a death cult bent on world domination. Over and over again the American populace is shown footage of the atrocities committed by fanatics or of Arab men burning American flags. The problem, of course, is that this isn’t remotely representative of the Islamic population of the world. Are there Muslims who employ terrorism? Of course. Are there Christians who employ terrorism? Of course. There are even Buddhists who employ terrorism.

Some general facts about Islam might help break the noose of wartime propaganda that rests around America’s neck. Below are a list of statements this journalist has seen in the last week on social media, followed by the data to put that statement in perspective.

“All [or most] Muslims are terrorists.”
There are 1.6 billion Muslims in the world. The much-discussed ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) organization, which has been described as the “richest terrorist group in the world” can only field between 7,000 and 15,000 troops in its battle to create a fundamentalist homeland. Even taking the highest estimate of their troop strength means that fewer than 1 out of every 106,000 Muslims from all over the world are actually willing to take up arms and fight for the fundamentalist dream. The Iraqi army, however, can field 250,000 soldiers to fight against that fundamentalist vision. That figure does not include irregular forces allied to the Iraqi army. The premise that all Muslims are terrorists falls flat by a mere study of the numbers. It isn’t a majority of Muslims. It isn’t even 1% of Muslims.

“Muslims want Sharia law.”
While many Muslims believe in Sharia law, what is considered Sharia law is not universal. In Lebanon, which has been considered a hotbed of Islamic terrorism ever since the bombing of the US Embassy in Beirut, 38% of Muslims don’t even believe it is the Word of God. Among those that do believe it to be the direct Word of God, only 29% believe in making it the legal system for the country, and a majority of Lebanese Muslims don’t believe Sharia law should apply to non-Muslims.  Even among those that believe whole-heartedly in Sharia law, they don’t necessarily believe in some of the more violent aspects. The crime of adultery is punishable by stoning under some forms of Sharia law. Some quick and simple math shows that in Lebanon, less than 3% of Muslims believe that punishment should be applied to the population at large. Meanwhile in America’s heartland, a political candidate has advocated or silently endorsed the idea of stoning homosexuals.  The vast majority of Muslims believe that Sharia law should be used to settle family or property disputes among Muslims.

Some countries have higher rates of belief in using Sharia law, and some have lower. Lebanon was chosen because it falls in the middle as far as averages go.

“They beat their women.”
First, the very phase “their women” suggests that the individual might fall close to the more radical elements of Islam in regards to the belief that women are property. Yes, some Muslim men beat “their women.” In the United States 25% of women will be beaten by “their men” in their lifetime. This is not an Islamic issue, this is an issue rising from the idea that women are property and somehow belong to the men. If this is justification for war, the United States might consider invading Belfast, where 60 cases of domestic violence are reported daily.

“They are stuck in the Stone Age, and they want to stay there.”
This statement marginalizes the thousands of Muslim men and women who sit in prison for attempting to change their government and those that died in the attempt. Political prisoners throughout the Arab world sit rotting away for attempting to bring about change in their nations. They are Muslims. Four Saudi Princesses are currently being starved to death by the King for speaking out in favor of women’s rights. Countless journalists and bloggers sit behind bars for questioning their governments. The US government continually props up these brutal dictatorships with multi-million dollar arms deals and keeps the power in the hands of those that don’t want change.

“Muhammad was a pedophile and his wife was only 6 (or 7).”
Most historians agree that Aisha and Muhammad were married after she reached puberty. They place her age, on average, around 13 years old at the time of marriage, though she may have been betrothed to him much earlier. Americans need to keep in mind that while they might not have heard of Islam prior to September 11th, Muhammad lived in the early 600s A.D. It might surprise them to learn that marriage at such an early age was extremely common not only in the Arab world, but the Western world as well. King John of England married a 12-year-old around 1198. Romeo’s love, Juliet, was only 13. No subset of people is more hated in the West than pedophiles. An attempt to cast the founder of the perceived enemy as a pedophile would certainly benefit the war effort.

“Muslims take child brides and rape children.”
Does it occur in the Muslim world? Sure. It occurs in the United States as well, typically deep in America’s heartland. The Catholic Church is well-known for its abuse of the youth. Again this is a worldwide issue, not an Islamic one. There is not a single Middle Eastern country listed among the top 20 nations with a high prevalence of child brides.

Conclusion:
Most of the information that is spread via social media is simply not accurate. It only serves to plant the idea in the American psyche that somehow the United States must save the Muslims from themselves. The goal of this propaganda is to make Americans believe that Muslims are somehow lesser people. After all, it’s easier to condemn people to die in air strikes if they aren’t really human. Before clicking the share or retweet button on an inflammatory article, try to determine if the information being presented is an accurate portrayal of the Muslim world, or if you are simply furthering the government’s march towards war.

The Islamic world is not without its problems. The struggle for equal rights for women and homosexuals continues to meet roadblock after roadblock on the streets of Amman, Damascus, Riyadh, and Tehran; however, if the United States seeks to use this as justification for intervention, maybe it should invade Mississippi or Arkansas.

(Courtesy: http://theantimedia.org/)
 

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