u/Mammoth_Paramedic541

As a third generation Bengali from Shillong, I grew up with an ethnic identity crisis which got further amplified when I stepped out of my homestate. I was too northeastern for mainlanders and racist remarks were thrown at me in jest. And back home, I was a dkhar and part of a community that is often seen as an invasive species, plotting to outpopulate the indigenous people of the state.

Yes, those fears are not unfounded. But still, a lot of you would agree that under the guise of protecting Khasi culture goons are given a free hand to vandalize. Such incidents make me feel like I don't belong anywhere which is a pretty frightening thought to have. Just to be clear, I am not using stray incidents to paint an entire community with the same brush. I will always be indebted to my Khasi teachers, friends & mentors for their love and kindness. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today.

But, at the same time, the normalisation of xenophobia often makes me question whether I can call the city I grew up in my home lest someone comments that I don't belong.

If you choose to comment, please be civil and kind. :)

Any boxing fans

To belong or not to belong