Am I a Macaca?

Senator George Allen has given people like me a new name. I am a naturalised US citizen of Indian origin. I should feel upset with this characterization. But, I like to take it lightly. Here are some interesting reasons. While Macaca is a species of monkey, the Indian mythology reveres the monkey. Anjaneya (other names include Hanuman, Angad, etc) was a desciple of Lord Rama and helped him in his battle of Sri Lanka (read the epic Ramayanam for more information). So, I should thank Senator Allen for showing such keen knowledge of Indian mythology and the resulting reverence!

If I were to look at the remark as insensitive, racists, or whatever negative feeling, then I must feel angry. I can then recall various other instances of such overt and not so overt attempts to marginalize me and my race. Though I feel upset I would like to let this news stay around long enough so that the good people of Georgia knows who is capable of common sense.

I leave it at that.

Last update: 8/15/2006; 3:16:11 PM.