By Mawphniang Napoleon
The powerful testimony (SPECIAL ARTICLE – Irrational passions; the politics of othering & unwarranted killings (ST March 29, 2024) by Patricia Mukhim has struck a deep chord within me, reverberating through the fabric of my being as a concerned resident of our beloved Meghalaya. Her uncompromising words lay bare the raw wounds inflicted by the insidious force of ‘othering’ – a malignant ideology that has taken root and spread like an aggressive cancer through the veins of our society.
As Mukhim recounts with searing honesty, the senseless killings at Ichamati and the systemic failure of justice to prevail serve as tragic reminders of how far we have strayed from the path of compassion and human decency. The very notion of ‘othering’ – the act of dehumanizing and ascribing negative traits to those deemed ‘outsiders’ – is an affront to the fundamental tenets of our shared humanity. When we allow this ‘us versus them’ mentality to take hold, we not only diminish the inherent worth of our fellow beings but also chip away at the very foundations upon which a just and harmonious society must stand.
The annals of human history are replete with harrowing examples of the devastation wrought by such divisive ideologies. From the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust, where millions of Jews and other minorities were systematically dehumanized and exterminated by the Nazi regime, to the genocide in Rwanda, where the Hutu majority turned on their Tutsi countrymen with unimaginable brutality, the blood-stained pages of our past bear witness to the tragic consequences of allowing the cancer of ‘othering’ to fester unchecked.
Closer home, the ethnic conflicts that have plagued states like Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur for decades serve as grim reminders of the toll exacted when we succumb to the seductive whispers of those who seek to sow the seeds of discord. The displacement of thousands, the loss of innocent lives, and the shattering of countless dreams – these are the bitter fruits borne by the tree of division and mistrust.
Yet, even in the face of such stark historical lessons, we in Meghalaya seem to have fallen prey to the poisonous rhetoric peddled by opportunistic politicians and vested interests. The narrative of ‘protecting the tribals against the wily non-tribal’ has become a well-worn tactic, exploited to garner votes and consolidate power. But at what cost do we perpetuate this dangerous myth?
The very premise of ‘othering’ the non-tribal residents of our state – individuals and families who have called Meghalaya home for generations, contributing their sweat, toil, and talents to the development and progress of our shared homeland – is a grievous injustice. To label them as ‘outsiders’ or ‘threats’ is not only a willful denial of their deep-rooted ties to this land but also a betrayal of the rich tapestry of diversity that has always been the hallmark of our region. We need only turn the pages of history to find shining examples of how the embrace of diversity has enriched and strengthened societies across the globe. The United States, a nation forged by immigrants from every corner of the world, stands as a testament to the power of unity in diversity. The incredible accomplishments and contributions of individuals from myriad backgrounds have propelled that nation to the forefront of innovation, progress, and global influence.
Closer home, the vibrant cultures and traditions of the North-Eastern states themselves are a living embodiment of the beauty that arises when we celebrate our differences rather than fear them. The intricate weave of diverse ethnic groups, each with their unique customs, languages, and ways of life, has created a tapestry of unparalleled richness and vibrancy. It is this very diversity that has made our region a jewel in the crown of India’s cultural heritage.
Yet, tragically, we seem to have lost sight of this fundamental truth, allowing the poison of ‘othering’ to seep into our collective consciousness. The dehumanizing language used to describe our non-tribal brethren, such as the degrading term ‘poi-ei’ mentioned by Mukhim, is a stark reminder of how far we have strayed from the path of compassion and inclusivity.
It is a bitter irony that even the teachings of Christianity, which espouse the virtues of treating others as we would have them treat us, seem to have had little impact on our collective behaviors. How can we reconcile the tenets of this faith with the very act of ‘othering’ and dehumanizing our fellow human beings? Is this not a betrayal of the fundamental principles of love, empathy, and respect for the inherent dignity of all people?
The time has come for us to engage in some deep soul-searching and confront the ugly realities that have taken root within our communities. We must ask ourselves: What kind of society do we aspire to build? Do we wish to create a haven of harmony, where diversity is celebrated and every individual is afforded the opportunity to contribute to the betterment of our state? Or do we resign ourselves to a future of division, mistrust, and stagnation, where the politics of ‘othering’ hold sway, and the dreams of our children are shackled by the weight of prejudice and narrow-mindedness?
Breaking free from the divisions of our past will not be easy, but it’s a journey we must undertake. It requires sustained effort, confronting harsh truths, and challenging deep-seated biases head-on. We have to engage in difficult conversations, listening openly to the stories and perspectives of those who have endured being treated as “others.”
The writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said it well: “The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” For too long, the narrative around our non-tribal brothers and sisters has reduced them to a single, incomplete story – painting them as outsiders, threats to our way of life. We must reject this narrow view and seek to understand the nuances, complexities, and rich tapestry of experiences that make up our diverse communities.
Through open and honest dialogue, we can begin dismantling the walls of ignorance and mistrust dividing us. We need spaces where people from all backgrounds can share their stories and engage respectfully. It’s in these spaces that true understanding can take root and empathy and compassion can be sown.
But words alone won’t cut it. We must demand accountability from leaders and institutions upholding the law. The repeated failure to bring perpetrators of senseless violence to justice is a stain on our conscience. We must raise our voices together, demanding justice for victims and protection for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Education shapes the hearts and minds of future generations, so it’s our sacred duty to instill values of empathy, critical thinking, and appreciation for diversity in our children. Exposing them to different cultures’ stories, histories and perspectives can nurture an inclusive mindset rejecting harmful “othering” narratives.
Literature, art and cultural expression are powerful tools for fostering understanding and empathy. Imagine a young mind immersed in Toni Morrison’s novels illuminating the harsh realities of racism and oppression faced by African Americans. Or the impact of engaging with vibrant indigenous art and storytelling traditions persisting despite centuries of marginalization. These broaden our horizons but also appreciation for the resilience, strength and humanity of the “othered.”
Our efforts must extend beyond borders, as the struggle against “othering” is a global imperative demanding collective action. We need only look at the plight of the Rohingyas in Myanmar, conflicts fueled by ethnic and religious tensions, or systemic racism persisting in developed nations. We have a moral obligation to stand in solidarity with those facing injustice, lending our voices to the call for equality and human dignity worldwide.
We must draw inspiration from those dedicating their lives to justice and human rights – Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela. Their legacies remind us that through non-violence, compassion and unwavering commitment, we can ultimately triumph over division and hatred. Their teachings show the path to an inclusive society requires confronting our own biases, challenging perpetuating systems, and steadfast belief in the dignity of all humans.
Emboldened by the many individuals and groups globally promoting inclusivity, celebrating diversity and dismantling dividing barriers, we are not alone. By forging alliances and collaborative efforts, we amplify our collective impact towards positive change.
It’s through this sustained, collective commitment that we can heal wounds inflicted by “othering” and lay foundations for a society embracing the rich tapestry of our shared humanity.
(The writer is an Advocate and Trade Unionist)