The Cold Reception

If I was going abroad for studying 6-7 years ago, my family would have considered it a privilege. At that time, if one had the credentials of going abroad and getting a degree, then his career and life in his homeland was secure for long periods of time. But, now, post September 11th, the world has gotten to be a dangerous place to live in. Our own homes are not safe with this threat called Terrorism. As I write, terror attacks in London and Glasgow have taken place, but fortunately, it failed. These attacks will be more remembered by the Indian People, because it involved the work of several young Indian Doctors.

Al-Qaeda has said that Those who cure people will also kill the people. The work of the Indian Doctors in that attack at Glasgow will have repercussions for majority of the Indians who want to study in the UK. As i had discussed in previous posts, the factor of paranoia and stereotyping prevails in Western Society. It goes overboard sometimes with a terror attack. Now, South Asian nations as well as Middle Eastern nations are viewed with suspicion, and thus tension is increased.

I am going to the UK in about a month's time. In normal times, i would get a warm reception. But, when i go this time, i wonder if I will be shown a cold shoulder by many people on arrival. Although, i could very well be wrong, but it is better to fall back upon this mindset so that your minds guards against Alienation and perhaps even to some extent isolation. I will dread the time when people in the UK look to me and say, "Oh! Here comes another Bloody Indian".

The last statement is something which will hurt more. We go there with the thought that Western Societies are liberal in nature, but it hits us with a fury which makes us wonder of how this liberalism can easily degenerate into Ignorance, Isolation and violence. But, i am caught with the reminder also that the people might not treat me all that badly, because all people are not bad. Good times do beckon for me in the UK, but i have to be careful and also be confident with myself.

The Cold reception is one nobody wants, but it is unfortunately wrapped around the dirty cloak of Terrorism and its agents. Perhaps, unfortunately, it is this very cold reception which might sow the seeds of fanatical behavior. However, if one respects Tranquility and Law, then he shall be treated as every normal individual is treated. Positive Attitude and confidence are the Keys, and it is upto individuals to respect this and be a model citizen of any country.