Read on Twitter
Rant: As a madhesi, I can confirm Sandip Chhetri does adore our community and has no prejudices (he grew up in Birgunj, iirc). I can understand people enjoying the humor in what the flop (our family did too). But when you look deeply, this isn't about that. We're ignorant.
It's about perpetuation of shallow and problematic stereotypes for clout and profit to people who are not madhesis. It's about a history of societal repercussions being glossed over when madhesis are being portrayed in the media. (2/?)
The reason why such shows and movies exist is because ideas like that are given a pass, because people involved can't be arsed about the existing racism this normalizes. (3/?)
Because of this potrayal as naïve, low-intellect, comic relief characters with thick accent, we're still mocked for the way we look, for the way we speak and our culture. Heck, even madhesi actors are tired of playing this role. This really doesn't come down to one individual 4/?
The entire industry is complicit. How often do these stars even talk about the plight of rural terai, of madhesi dalits, of the discrimination and bullying we go through? We're always ostracized in some shape or form. Cancel the show, hold them accountable. (5/?)
Our existence is not to amuse anyone. Watching stuff is fun, but it's the reality beyond the screen that stings. And unless you address that, it really isn't fair. Unless you challenge that regressive way of thinking, it'll all remain the same. This is a start, but much needed.
