It is incumbent upon each of us to do better!

There is a lot of ignorance in the world we live in, no doubt. I don’t need to recount the many ways vitriol has enveloped this world or even our Guyana. Despite this, I genuinely believe that we have to keep trying to build a better, more equitable, and respectful place to live for us all.

A few of my schoolmates from my ‘QC’ days decided to make a WhatsApp group chat for us and our other friends to join so that we could all talk about cricket. The group evolved and welcomed anyone around our age who just wanted a space to talk about cricket, share memes and comfort each other during the anxiety-inducing matches played by the Guyana Amazon Warriors. It’s just our little niche community, and especially during these COVID-19 times where we aren’t able to congregate at a friend’s house or at a hangout spot to watch the game, this chat helps me to feel at ease, adapting to the new normal (I suppose).

During last Sunday’s match, I was exhausted so I didn’t participate in the group as I usually would while watching the game. I stayed silent until I saw a statement that angered me. One of the Guyanese players- who was expected to bat well- had just been bowled out for a disappointing score, and a younger person made a statement involving a derogatory slur used to refer to the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana.

As we say in our common vernacular, I popped a fuse. It is well known that this word is derogatory and even if I wanted to give the young, educated man the benefit of the doubt- that he was ignorant of this slur- there was no context which logically warranted him referring to an Indigenous person or making a statement like that about an Indigenous person. If there was, the logic escapes me. What this is, is a classic example of the stereotypes and prejudices we continue to perpetuate and normalise, because it’s supposed to be funny. Spoiler alert: it is not funny.

Amidst the barrage of match commentary, I replied to the message: “Come on, bro. Be a lil more mindful with your words.” The group went silent for a minute, and then it was back to the normal commentary on the match just as another wicket fell. No one else in that group- none of my “educated, top-school” friends- joined me in saying something. I sighed deeply. It bothers me even more that something like this came from someone who is supposed to be “educated”.

In another few days, we’ll be celebrating Indigenous People, their culture, and contributions through Indigenous Heritage Month. This has been a staple celebration of our country for years now, and you would think that we have learnt to respect our Indigenous People by now. I guess not.

This comes at a time when I am not sure if the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has once again reverted to its previous name- the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. I learnt that the word “Amerindian” is a historical misnomer; it originates from the European invaders’ misconception of the geography of the Caribbean. “Amerindian” is said to be short for “American Indian” and historically, the Indigenous People in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean were believed to be just like Native Indians in North America.

Some argue that “Amerindian” is defined as an Indigenous person in the Americas (and, well, Guyana is geographically part of South America). I believe that the use of Indigenous People is a more suitable umbrella term, cognisant that ‘Indigenous People’ encompasses a myriad of ethnic groups (for example, there are Lokonos and Wapichans).

What is important to note is that occurrences like these provide us with the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Indigenous Peoples in Guyana. And I hope that the new Minister uses this opportunity to encourage Indigenous People to interrogate their history and correct this and other historical misnomers, whether through a series of discussions, dialogue groups, or fora. I hope this opportunity would also be extended to other Guyanese so that they too can be more conscious and respectful.

It is not just about being politically correct, it is about empowering people, allowing them to take control of their narrative; it is about fostering a space for mutual understanding and respect. I submit that actions like these are a crucial part of national healing and the national development of all people.

Sometimes I wish persons would take the time to think critically and use at least some of the abundance of resources out there to learn. But I know for a fact that if there is a better reality out there, where we can be more respectful towards each other, learn to really love each other, and work together for our collective development, then that is worth it. It is incumbent upon all of us to do better.

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