There is a Western progressive outlook that only accepts indigeneity as authentic if it perceives it to be “simple and tribal.”. If it’s sophisticated, nuanced, and urban, it’s not “authentically indigenous” and is often accused of being colonizing itself.
In other words, if it is sophisticated, it must not be indigenous.
This is a patronizing, narcissistic, (and, frankly, disgusting) form of benevolent violence, epistemicide, and gaslighting that must be resisted, rejected, and disrupted.
This is a patronizing, narcissistic, (and, frankly, disgusting) form of benevolent violence, epistemicide, and gaslighting that must be resisted, rejected, and disrupted.
At the same time, I recognize and condemn the harm done to India’s tribal communities during and after colonization. This real harm must be rectified and addressed and cannot be swept under the rug just because of colonial lies about Hinduism.
*if it is “sophisticated”
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