Diversity can be a boon or a bane. T&T ranks as one of
the most diverse countries in the world. Small we may be,
but we do have an excellent opportunity to influence the world,
one that is seeking to come to terms with cultural, religious
and ethnic diversity. That is if we manage our own diversity
well.
One manifestation of this plurality is our Indian heritage.
Every year, a month of activities are held, culminating in
the Indian Arrival Day celebrations on May 30. The purpose
being to celebrate, reflect and acknowledge the historical
occasion of the arrival of indentured labourers to these shores.
For the past few years, a very small minority has been referring
to the holiday as Arrival Day instead of Indian Arrival Day.
The reason advanced goes like this: all the various ethnic
groups also arrived here and thus this day should be a celebration
of all peoples and hence no need for the “Indian”
part in it.
This argument needs to be examined and indeed if it does possess
any merit arriving out of logic, consistency, equality and
good sense, then it ought be considered seriously. If not,
then let us not engage is diatribe that does injustice to
the house of diversity.
The arrival of indentured labourers to Trinidad, which formed
part of a wider movement of labour by Europeans to their colonies,
is significant historically in that it changed the culture,
demography and economy of the country. Their descendants form
more than 40 per cent of the population and continue to contribute
to all sectors of the national community.
In a recent Newsweek column, it was noted that the vast majority
of the US population are descendants of immigrants and therefore
why try to exclude those who came a bit later?
The Hispanic immigrants to the US themselves indicated, in
their demonstrations, that they do pay taxes and contribute
to the economy. They and their culture deserve respect and
equality.
It is interesting to note that they have composed the national
anthem of the US in Spanish. And even if the sitting President
did not approve of it, it was actually recorded and sung by
Hispanic Americans.
I would love to hear our own national anthem composed and
sung in Hindi. A challenge to Hindi lyricists. Why don’t
you do that instead of the nonsensical chutney creations that
hit the airwaves and offend sensibility?
Of course I do expect a warmer reception to it here than that
accorded the other one in the other place.
Is the word “Indian” offensive? Does the use of
it lead to divisiveness? If that were indeed the case then
we would have to change the name of the West Indian cricket
team. What will we call it? The Cricket Players who are children
of those who arrived?
And of course we can’t refer to ourselves as West Indians!
What will we call ourselves? “Caribbeanians” who
subscribe to “Caribbeanease” culture?
But wait. The Caribs were classified as Amerindians. Good
grief. That bad word again. We would have to reclassify them
as “Ameriarrivees.”
Oh and by the way, what would be the rationale for celebrating
the holiday on May 30? See, going down that route is going
to be not only counterproductive and cumbersome but also divisive.
The acknowledging and celebrating of the arrival of East Indians
to this part of the world do not in any way detract from or
de-emphasise the culture or contributions of other ethnic
groups and cultures. To rename the holiday or to refer to
it incorrectly however shows great disregard for and disrespect
to Indo-Trinidadians.
If indeed the use of ethnic terms are to be avoided because
they cause divisions, then it is only reasonable to expect
that the same would be applied to religious terms, especially
in respect of national holidays, for religion has been and
can be the cause of great divisiveness and strife. Surely
by the same argument we would have to rename them all to make
sure that none is highlighted.
Cultural and ethnic affinity is natural and in itself is not
bad. What is bad is the actualisation of the feeling of superiority
or other “God-endowed rights.” Diversity is a beautiful
picture to behold. Diversity and plurality are like a colour
picture. Coloured pictures, every one would agree, are more
pleasing to the eye than black and white ones.
We here in this country have a magnificent opportunity to
become a really great nation by harnessing the different aptitudes,
talents and skills of all our people. Each culture has peculiar
attributes that can all contribute to the development of the
nation.
For that to happen, all must feel that they belong. That requires
each grouping to acknowledge and respect each other, and for
equality of treatment and opportunity for all. The choice
is ours.
We can put our talents to create or we can use them to divide
and destroy. We are a bud about to blossom into a breathtaking
kaleidoscopic flower or a boiling plurality about to explode.
Which is it going to be?
Prakash Persad is chairman of Swaha Inc
