So, what is the reality of the Empire? Shashi Tharoor says British Schools do not cover enough about the negative aspects of Empire. His point is eloquently made – the British have amnesia about Empire; that India was the richest nation in the world when the British arrived and the poorest when they left, and now since they left it is as large economically already.
And of course, he is right. But my God the vitriol from British Indians just because the messenger is from a different political party to one they agree with. It’s like the Republicans and Democrats in the UK or Labour and Labour in the UK.
As for the Viceroy’s House – there was damning condemnation by Fatima Bhutto of the film that it romanticed the Empire. That it is the product of a colonial mind. Basically, it is everything Tharoor says in wrong about the portrayal of the Empire.
Of course many of you will say, ‘move on’, so what? Well without a history of who you are, where you come from how can you appreciate who you actually are?
I think Bhutto is too critical of the Viceroy’s House – it is made by the woman who did it ‘Bend it Like Bekham’ not by Richard Attenborough.
Speaking of which, my wife had never seen the film Gandhi. It’s an easier way to learn about the Empire than most. Bhutto also had some comical complaints – that all the rioters seemed to be Muslims in the movie. Plus ca change, the French would say!
One thing is for sure, we are a tribal people, whether Congress or BJP, Republican, Democrat. The sign of the age seems to be that whatever any one says, your preconceptions will determine what you see and hear. It’s almost pointless talking on social media. Wait…I think it actually is.
So lessons learnt – make your kids watch Gandhi. Second lesson, spend less time on social media. Third lesson, never pick a fight with someone on social media (don’t worry I didn’t). Fourth – politics is tribal – and getting worse. If you think you are one of the good guys, go and do something quietly good. Leave the dogs to the back yard. When they tire, the normal people will return.
