The recent racism row sparked off by the Harbhajan Singh - Symmonds episode got many to ponder about the racist attitude of we Indians. For most this came as a surprise that we are unbelievably the most horrible racists. This is not a recent happening but has been there down the ages. Our forefathers divided us all in many ways and the division continues to this day. We have been calling people by their profession since long but after being educated many did not take the jobs of their ancestors and then only it became hurtful to them to be called a harijan (a more derorgatory word B***i that was not so offending to them earlier). Now the dalits do not mind being called a dalit but they would not like to be called a harijan or a chamar even if they are doing the job they had been doing since centuries. A harijan's son is employed as a clerk some place then he certainly should not be called a harijan but people will call him a harijan's son. That definietly hurts. But people have that tendency to associate the caste, colour of skin, looks or even disablility to call them. This practice has been there and is still prevalent amongst most of us.

Bollywood had mimicked the accent of south Indians Hindi, Bengali Hindi and have even acted their mannerisms. All are aware of the sikhs jokes and the recently aired "Laughter Challenge" shows. The thing is we should not be concerned about such matters and try to minimise this practice. A suggestion is given by the 'IDEA' mobile ad wherein it is advised to use the mobile numbers instead of names. It is not just laughable but a serious thought is required on that. Instead of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bengal states if some number is assigned, then there may not be situations of the likes developed in Mumbai recently. Doing away with castes and surnames in the application forms may be a step in the right direction.