Can someone explain this to me? Is it racist?

[sibelian]

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I've only just seen this (posted on Youtube Sept 2011) and I have NO idea what to make of it.

I think it's racist. But she's complaining about sexism! Should I be concerned that she's complaining about sexism (totally her right) but being racist in the process? Is she "ALLOWED" to make such generalisations because of her own skin colour?

There seem to be a number of these videos on Youtube and I had no idea they were there.

I suppose it serves me right for following up Youtube video recommendations.

I just think it's weird. I have no idea how to react to it.

PS - just in case - I'm not trying to be inflammatory!

[Schema Thing]

1. you may not be trying to be inflammatory...

.... but she is.


I'd say no, you do not need to be concerned. She's "allowed" because this is a free country.


I would like to help her be more consistently (and beautifully I might add) brown by turning off the auto color feature of her video camera. Her editing skills are above average for this sort of you-tube-response type thing though.

[Liquorice]

3. I watched the whole thing. It's a comedy routine.

I've seen routines just like this done by men many times before. This is the first one I've ever seen by a woman.

[sibelian]

4. okay...

...

I suppose I just don't get it.

[southernyankeebelle]

5. I think she is being funny but in a serious way. I think she is pointing out defects in people.

I not totally sure but maybe.

[Vehl]

6. here is a brown guy's opinion :P

First of all, I have to say that some of the posters were correct in classifying this as comedy skit..and imo it sure is one of those. Youtube has a bunch of stuff like this...covering pretty much all the ethnicities.

As for most of her pet peeves...well what can I say...I really am not into the gangster-wannabe culture she is talking/complaining about...and would not be surprised to see 99.9% of Desi (Desi = people from the Indian subcontinent, living abroad) guys not falling into that category either.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desi

She did use a couple of stereotypes which I did not find overly funny(accent...etc), but then again most comedians use some form of stereotyping..so its cool. However it has to be said that not all those who come here from the subcontinent have the stereotypical accent....and even if they do it could easily be excused, given the fact that they probably know at least about 4 other languages!

In Desi circles she would be known as an ABCD (American Born Confused Desi), a title used for those who are somewhat confused about their identity. Often its only used in a comedic , and not in a derogatory sense.


having said that, I believe I should explain some of her "complaints".


Complaint 1:
" Desi guys do not readily introduce the girl's they are dating/hanging out with to their parents."
Complaint 2:
"if they do introduce you, their parents would be shocked if you do not marry the guy"

Answer.
Hyperbole aside, there is a very good reason for this. In Desi Culture a lot of emphasis is placed on marrying the first person whom you fall in love with. Thus, unless the girl(like the one who made the video) is really willing to marry the guy...most of the Desi guys will not introduce the girl to his parents, and vice versa. introducing a girl/guy to a parent is, in that culture akin to officially announcing they are engaged. Is this rule set in stone? nope...however it creates such an impression amongst friends and family. In light of this context, I'm sure one can see why introducing a guy/girl to your parents is a pretty big thing. The girl who made the video should make her mind up


Complaint 3:"Brown guys are not calm"

Answer:
Lol I don't know what groups she hangs around with, from my personal experience the overwhelming majority of brown guys are considerably more calmer than others...but then again they are not gangster-wannabe's either I think she picked the wrong sample-population. Also she is Punjabi...and Punjabi's are one of the less-calm ( )(I hate to generalize) ethnic groups of India.


complaint 4 : "Dancing is highly competitive..as if its a life or death situation"

Answer :

lol i kinda have to agree with her on this . But then again dancing and singing have always been an integral part of Desi culture (Bollywood? hello!) and those who dance are driven to show off their "moves" . Those who don't want to compete can always choose not to take part in the dance!


Anyways, if one looks at 6.40 onwards she does kinda mention that this was supposed to be a comedic routine.



Here are some funny skits. Some of them are pretty hilariously accurate. Check em out if you like

[sibelian]

7. Many thanks for your *highly* informative response!

I knew absolutely nothing about this. My ignorance is replaced with knowledge!

I'll check out your linked vids later on...

(bows low)

S

[Vehl]

8. You are welcome :)

No thanks needed
I myself ran into this video only a couple of weeks ago.

glad I was of some small help