A response to Frederick Noronha who wrote: [1] This stereotyping of Goans by Bollywood has been well documented in an essay in the Mario Cabral e Sa-edited book *Location Goa*. [2] However, a wider complaint is that, in India, almost every second community (except the Punjabis, perhaps because they are the film-makers) tend to get stereotyped and portrayed in unflattering terms in Bollywood films.
re: the statement: ' Even Nehru thought little of Goans ....and referred to them as 'just cooks and butlers'. Frederick asked: [3] Could you give a reference for this, and in what context the comment was made? RESPONSE: While Mario Cabral e Sa is a good essay writer, one thing he would surely lack is the "experience" of it all. If he did, he would know that (forget films) Indian society seriously looked down upon Goan women. As this topic is about "rape", either Frederick Noronha does not get it or is in denial. Many Goan women were placed at personal risk at the work place. The filmy stereo-typing in terms of 'accent' or naivety is significantly different from the stereotyping of Goan women as 'loose and easy'. wrt to Cooks and Butlers quote, I am answering this for the second time on GoaNet. The last occasion was in Feb 2007. Anyway, for now, allow me to quote the late Lino Leitão (who was as anti-Portuguese a Freedom Fighter as you can find ). In my conversations with him, I learned that this Nehru quote was related to a meeting (in Bombay) .....and the possibility of asking Goans about their future. Does it make any sense? ....now ...the quote: http://www.colaco.net/1/nizgoemcar.htm The Peace- Loving Nehru, who is also a Brahmin, though a failed Peace-Practitioner, belittled Goans calling them butlers and cooks, as if, such occupations are polluting. (late) Lino Leitão Hope this helped. jc
