When we talk about the U.S., we tend to think of it in terms of equality for all, great freedom and a tolerance towards every religion. The appalling violence in Charlottesville belies these. What we witnessed in the U.S. is akin to some of the social turmoil in India. While the root cause of the violence in the U.S. is linked to white supremacy, the factors here are religious jingoism and parochialism. The parallels do not end here. The leaders of both nations share a somewhat similar stance as far as the minorities are concerned. Both leaders share an extreme ideology and come up with exaggerated rhetoric laden with fancy promises. They have also failed to be vigilant and take the required steps needed to stem extreme tendencies in their respective countries. The notions of bigotry, racism, hatred, fascism, parochialism and communalism are antithetical to equity and are evils which pose a strong threat to a well-functioning democracy.
Deepti Jain,
New Delhi