My reflection on the "Cultural Misrepresentation and Stereotyping"

Currently, I am writing my academic research proposal on the role of women in indigenous food preservation practices among the Newari community. This has allowed me to rethink my roots and view my past experiences as a Newar more critically. The Newari community is often labeled as a prosperous and elite indigenous community, which is a positive recognition in some ways. However, growing up, I frequently felt angered by the stereotypical perceptions my friends from other communities had about us. These stereotypes made me question my own identity.

Accent and Media Representation

One significant issue is the accent of Newari people, which is often ridiculed. Nepali is our second language, and many of us did not excel in pronouncing certain letters correctly, which others saw as a fault and a source of humor. People sometimes take time to recognize that I am Newar because I don’t carry the typical Newari accent. I often want to sarcastically educate them that Nepali was imposed on many ethnic groups by systemic dynamics—it was not a choice. I had to learn Nepali first through my primary schooling before I could properly learn my mother tongue. My parents still taunt me for not speaking Nepal Bhasa (correct way to say Newari language) correctly (laughs hysterically). In a world of a so called post-colonization and globalization, it should not be a surprise that I can speak fluent English as well.

I vividly remember many of my Newari friends being made fun of by teachers from different backgrounds for their accents. This was essentially bullying, which we never called out because it was seen as normal.

Misrepresentation in Media

When I was ten, we had access to Indian broadcast channels, but later my father removed the connection, leaving us with only Nepal Television (NTV). By the time I was twelve, there was a comedy show called "Tito Satya" that was very popular among Nepali audiences. Growing up watching this show, I noticed a problematic portrayal of a Newari character. This character was defined by his accent rather than traditional Newari dress, perpetuating stereotypes. This trend continues in Nepali TV shows and movies today, misrepresenting and stereotyping certain communities in an era where media heavily influences perception. On international platforms, our dress and culture are used to demonstrate diversity, but national media fails to recognize the values these communities carry, using them merely for humor.

Prejudices and Internalized Stereotypes

If you are Newar from the valley, you might have heard friends call you "Kuwa ko Bhyaguta," a result of the prejudices our communities face. I used to feel ashamed of how people in my community held on to one place and seemed reluctant to change. In August 2023, I started my master’s degree and invited my friends to my home in Bhaktapur. While some acknowledged the beauty of this traditional city, one friend shared her surprise that elderly women in typical Newari communities were unaware of the world beyond their immediate surroundings, having never traveled.

This observation intrigued me and led me to analyze her perspective. I realized that our community has been misjudged based on contemporary societal and media portrayals, leading to limited understanding.

Historical Context and Women's Roles

Digging deeper, we are not just a community but belong to a civilization thousands of years old. Historically, while the West was exploring new lands, we had established a systematic society with ancestral agricultural lands. Women primarily managed household chores and crops, occupying them entirely and limiting their opportunities to explore.

The idea of exploration in today's world is often romanticized. In the post-modern era, exploration was necessary only when there wasn't enough food to feed families. However, the Newars had figured out a sustainable society, with food from their lands and shelter from ancestral homes—a privilege at the time.

Need for Reeducation and Cultural Sensitivity

Outsiders, like my friend from the Khas community, need to unlearn and relearn about our societal construction and history. They should stop associating our identity solely with food, traditional dress, and accents and refrain from judging us based on limited, Bahunbad-influenced perspectives.

Decolonizing Research Methodologies

Linda Smith, in her work on decolonizing research methodologies, emphasizes the critical difference between non-indigenous researchers as outsiders and indigenous researchers who bring insider perspectives. This theory resonates with my experiences and underscores the importance of having Newari individuals lead research about their own community. As an insider, I can provide a nuanced understanding and a more authentic representation of Newari culture and practices, which is often missing in mainstream portrayals. Smith's framework supports the need for indigenous researchers to reclaim their narratives and challenge the misrepresentations perpetuated by external perspectives.

Call to Action

This misrepresentation and prejudice extend beyond these examples. Reflecting on these issues has inspired me to correct friends and people around us who knowingly or unknowingly perpetuate stereotypes. Youth like us need to change the narratives, present our side of the story, and allow outsiders to understand the culture, lifestyle, and values we represent.