I don’t get this: why do the Aussies find the monkey barb to be racist and offensive? I have tried to understand this from every angle, and don’t get it. The animal is much revered in India (some quick googling by Ponting will tell him that). We all descended from the apes, so where’s the racism? I have skimmed through Aussie folklore and find no reference to monkey curse or any such thing. At its worst, it’s a naughty jibe, nothing you can’t sort out over some chilled Foster’s. I guess the Oz team simply wanted to fix the combustible Sardar (they like Indians to be meek always), and once they got the handle, they moved on him.
Incidentally, my friend Satish from Mid Day seems to have got it right: What the kangaroos heard as ‘MONKEY!’ was actually Bhajji shrieking “MAA KI!” Hmm. This tour is really getting interesting by the hour.
9 comments:
Hi Anil,
It's just that they (these Aussies)are unable to face Baiji's spell, and are sure of loosing the series, so they have to get him out of the way.
If they are truly the world champs. They would never fuss about these minor snaps on the field, as they are the ones who introduced sledging, to intimidate the oponents and win games.
As far as taking up Andrew Symonds case. It's a big farce. In practice the Aussies treat the Abos (Andrew's kit and kin, the original sons of the soil) with contempt. You will find just a handful (one can count them on one's fingers) of Andrews kind in
decent positions. The rest live a life worse than monkeys, and the whites care a damn.
Whom are they trying to bluff.
It's time the BCCI steps in and puts these guys in their place.
Tell them like it is, speak their language. Rest assured they will blink.
Regret with charcters like them and the Umpires who messed up on a number of dismissals favouring the guys from down under, Cricket is no more a GENTLEMAN'S Game.
Hello. This post is likeable, and your blog is very interesting, congratulations :-). I will add in my blogroll =). If possible gives a last there on my site, it is about the CresceNet, I hope you enjoy. The address is http://www.provedorcrescenet.com . A hug.
A quick googling will also tell them that Teri Maa Ki is suppose to be worst abuse
Rita Maker
Had written on the same on my blog:
http://love-marks.blogspot.com/
And a friend had this to say: "I have travelled to Aussieland and to the place where the Aboriginals live. The term 'monkey' actually is considered racist there cos thats how the migrants used to taunt them. This is as hurtful for them as calling someone in Middleast 'Pig'. So the term 'monkey' wont have been a racial slur for Ponting but it is for Symonds, who is an aboriginal."
Hmm....interesting point of view!
But the poor damned monkeys, I say!
hi lovemarks,
that is a great observation and insight. what we still need to consider is this: there is no chance in hell good ol bhajji has read up australian history. it's therefore the intent that's important out here. and trust good ol symonds to see things that ways.
what a mess!
anil
Hi Anil
I enjoy reading your blog and agree with most of your views, but not on this matter. I believe that any sport must be played with passion and aggression on the field, but there should be no bad blood. Sledging is common in cricket, and I see no reason why it should be banned, but there is definitely a line that cannot be crossed. A racist slur falls into this category. In this case, the fact that the supposed comment is directed towards Symonds, an aboriginal, is of utmost importance. It is a sad fact that sportsmen of color all over the world have been taunted by racist, bigoted people by being equated to monkeys (throwing bananas on the field, monkey calls and gestures etc. have been seen on many instances). Similar instances were witnessed in Vadodara and Mumbai just recently. So, if Bhajji did call Symonds a monkey, to defend this by saying that he wasn't aware of the racist overtones of the comment is ridiculous. As an international ambassador of his country and the game, Bhajji cannot be so ignorant, especially so considering how Symonds was harassed just recently by fans in India. This is not to presume that Bhajji is guilty, as I believe that it is most likely that he used the words Teri Maa Ki instead! The officiating in the Second Test was horrendous, and a fair and transparent inquiry must be conducted into the matter. Following this if Bhajji is found innocent, the matter must be ended. However, if he is found guilty, he must be severely reprimanded.
Cheers
Ajay
hi ajay,
all's well that ends well. my only question is this: is it okay to abuse one's mother but not okay to pass a racial slur? hmmm.
Hi Anil
I came across a very interesting article dealing with the same issue. You can read it at:
http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/334413.html
This simply proves that politicians and actors are not the only ones who are despirate for free publicity.....
Post a Comment