After all that;s been said on this topic, Prem leaves the jingoism and unnecessary linkage to national honor aside when he says that 'IF IT IS PROVED BEYOND DOUBT THAT BHAJJI DID SAY IT' then he needs to be punished but 'IN THE ABSENCE OF CLEAR PROOF', this needs to be accorded the disdain it deserves.
The unfortunate reality is that we, as a nation, equate cricket with our concept of national pride and that is the culprit - dont we have things that exemplify our national honor rather than a game? Dont get me wrong - I am a passionate lover of the game- but it is just that. Let's not get carried away and make over-the-top statements just to convince other that our pride is hurt.
Truth of the matter - neither accuser nor accused have an impeccable record/history and it is eminently possible something untoward transpired. Admonish and move on. Childish threats to not play are akin to a kid on the playground throwing a tantrum just because he was given out!
Cricket is a passion, but it should not take over our lives! Moderation is the need of the hour, not jingoism and posturing
RE:At last, some sense in this whole debate
by lalit jha on Jan 09, 2008 01:00 AM Permalink
Perhaps you fail to understand distinction between Sledging and Racism that why you wrote this way. There is also Integrity in question.
Its like my words carry more weight than yours ? How do you prove that in absence of facts and evidence. Don't round someone of his past behaviour on one or two instance.
RE:At last, some sense in this whole debate
by Ashwin Shankar on Jan 09, 2008 01:07 AM Permalink
It is not a question of just this being an incident as part of a game. This does involve a fellow countryman being branded something he hasn't been proven for and thus resulting in his absense from professional life and a balck mark on his personality , his charecter etc etc.. This is a question of standing up for one man who has provided substantial joy in the hearts of many an avid cricket lover. This is a question of standing up for the rights of citizens of the world and the world of sport. And Yessss.. I'd feel the same way if Indians are discriminated against in any walk of life.. or for that matter anyone is descriminated against due to their culture, their skin colour or their origins.
And yes , it does hurt me when Indians behave racist too..but in this case, how can anyone say that Harbhajan was the guilty party
RE:At last, some sense in this whole debate
by Sundar Sankaran on Jan 09, 2008 01:35 AM Permalink
I do not believe you have got the point I tried to make. I am not suggesting that Harbhajan was guilty, proved guilty or deserving of the punishment meted out. All I am objecting to is the WAY in which we want to take offence - let us be objective rather than take personal affront that someone had the 'gall' to accuse us.
Do I support the manner in which this whole thing was handled? No way. Does that equate to unquestioning support of someone just because he is Indian? Sorry, but I cannot be blinded in my support. Facts at hand is what I urge everyone to look at. The standard line of 'Aussies are arrogant' is NOT an excuse for us to put forward in defence of our reaction.
If he is not proven guilty beyond doubt, I will stand up for him regardless of whether he is an Indian or not.
A wee bit out of context but on the subjest of racism - we Indians are quick to complain of harassment but arent we the same people that attach so much importance to color of skin? Funnily, regardless of what our distinctions are, to the outside world, we are different shades of brown and THAT is what we take exception to.
Unfair slur? By all means, object. But objecting just because he is Indian? I dont subsctribe to that.
RE:At last, some sense in this whole debate
by Ashwin Shankar on Jan 09, 2008 01:50 AM Permalink
i do not believe that you've got the point i'm trying to make either.. He is innocent until proven guilty and if they branded him guilty without evidance to substantiate that claim, it is for a reason. How come th Aussies or Brits dont get a ban irrespective of calling others things a lot worse? Callin Jayasurya a "black monkey" did not call for a ban.Showing unsportsman like conduct by claiming catches which werent caught did not invoke a ban which asians and west indians get subjected to.That i believe is true racism, showing biased and double standards based on the colour of the skin
RE:At last, some sense in this whole debate
by lalit jha on Jan 09, 2008 02:00 AM Permalink
The problem is, some people don't care unless their own house is on fire... but some person, seems the case now, don't care even when his house is being put on fire.
LET ME TELL YOU, AT LEAST I AM NOT JUST SUPPORTING BHAJJI BECAUSE HE IS AN INDIAN BUT BECAUSE THE WAY BAN WAS PUT ON HIM WITHOUT EVIDENCE AND THE WAY OUR SENIORS WERE NOT HINDERED AN EAR IN THE PROCESS.
