Were East African Asians Racists?

Please note that the emphasis of this question is on the past.

This question has been raised many times before. It reflects a realisation by younger Asians that perhaps their parents were racists, judging by the way that some of them treated their domestic workers or 'house boys'. Domestic workers were a key resource and made a major difference to the quality of life of the Asians. These workers made sure that the houses were clean, the Asians' clothes were properly washed and ironed, cars were kept in smart and gleaming condition and gardens were well maintained - all to bring credit to the owners.

Despite these benefits, many domestic workers did not earn much money in certain households and had to be satisfied with the poor terms and conditions of work or leave. Others did rather well especially when they ended up working for the more prosperous Asians in the community. However, this was no guarantee as some earned a pittance regardless of where they worked. In the absence of a minimum wage stipulation by the African Governments, domestic workers were exposed to exploitation.

Allegations of racism were not made at that time - when the majority of the Asians were still living in the EA countries. It appears that the Asians became more aware and sensitive to racism when they were themselves exposed to real or perceived insult by virtue of the colour of their skin in the UK, Canada and US in the early stages of these migrations from 1968 onwards.

House workers were not allowed to get involved in the cutting and cooking of food. In some households, the workers were even barred from entering the kitchen. It had less to do with race, cleanliness and hygiene but more to do with the religious mindset of the Asian housewife. Many were strict vegetarians and believers in puritanical approaches to the practice of their faiths. They were entitled to practice their religions as they wished but the implication was that an African domestic worker would "pollute" the food if they were to touch it. There was a strong notion of "sooch" or purity that it also barred non-vegetarians, smokers and even Asian men who had not had a bath from touching the food in their own homes. The followers of these doctrines of sooch were mainly older Hindu and Sikh men and women. It goes without saying that they extended these rules to other environments, such as work and community as well.

Most Asians were very generous when they discarded their old clothes and other household items. The houseworker had the first choice! However, the same person was barred from using the Asian's crockery, cutlery and drinking glasses because of the impositions made mainly by older housewives and mothers. I remember one domestic worker drinking tea from a newly opened tin can with sharp jagged edges. Others were required to hold on to their own drinking utensils and to produce them only when asked.

Racist acts were easy to justify by the Asians when the victim was seen to be a threat to the sanctity of the Asian household. However, the relationship changed when men had to work with African workers outside the house. There was generally no problem. This is where the problem of racism appears to unique in East Africa. The Asians were not advocating racist pratices in the open environment.

How would the community cope with this allegation today? The idea of holding on to "truth asnd reconciliation" would be attractive but did the perpetrators of these racist acts, mostly the older Asian women, have any idea that some of their men had 'dangerous liaisons' with African women outside the home? It goes without saying that there is some possibility that at least a few Asian men had no choice but to leave their 'mixed-race' children behind in East Africa when they had to migrate to the West. This is a secret that will remain with them until they die.