New Zealand’s Indian community has expressed unequivocal displeasure at the recent racist comment on Facebook by DJ and club owner Neill Andrews. Several Indian associations are poised to take official action.
“The NZICA will approach the Human Rights Commission and also other relevant agencies with an official complaint,” said Mr. Harshad Patel, President of NZ Indian Central Association. “The comment Mr. Andrews made is racist, discriminatory and outrageous. The whole community is extremely offended and shocked at this kind of racism.”
On December 30, Mr. Andrews, the owner of Famous nightclub in Wellington posted a racist rant about Indian patrons on his Facebook page. The derogatory comment was replete with racist undertones. He termed Indians as “groups of creepy Indian rapists”.
Indian associations, businessmen and several community leaders are vocal in expressing their anger and are contemplating a joint course of action.
“Mr. Andrew’s comment was deplorable. All Indian associations and organizations need to respond to in one voice within the community. In fact, we should boycott his club and not attend any functions where he DJs,” said Mr. Ashok Bhatia, Director, AB International. “To raise this concern is important because instances and comments like this can harm our younger generation of Kiwi Indians who are frequenting these clubs.”
This sentiment is echoed by others. “I think it is very important that we strongly vocalise and document our concerns,” said Ranjna Patel, Director, East Tamaki Health Care and Chairperson of NZICA Women Group.
The Human Rights Commission has encouraged those in the community, anyone who thinks they have been treated unfairly because of their ethnicity, to come forward with an official complaint.
“The post is offensive and unacceptable. The fast pace and changing nature of social media throws up some challenges in dealing with these sorts of comments. We encourage people to report offensive posts or material directly to the media organisation involved,” said Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner.
In a brief conversation with the Indian Weekender, Mr. Andrews remained unapologetic and said, “I do not regret what I said. Indian men are sexually repressed. The only thing I apologize for is how it was taken and I am not responsible for that.”
The audio of the full conversation is available online (uncut): http://www.4shared.com/music/mrG2LlZ4ce/DJ_Neill_exclusive_with_IWK.html
Kiwi Indians speak out
A joint course of action is necessary to counter such racism.
Alkesh Sharma, National President, Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO NZ INC)
He surely is racist. What’s more, there is no sign of remorse or apology; this is not acceptable. If he is going to meet up with the Wellington Indian community, I urge them to not meet till he apologises as a first step.
Vinod Kumar, Owner, Mitre10
The comments made by the DJ Neil Andrews about Indians are outrageous. I strongly believe that we should be united in our response and course of action. We are seriously contemplating making a formal complain to the office of the Race Relations.
Harshad Patel, President, New Zealand Indian Central Association
I am appalled at the comment and it is very important, that every organization (whether Indian or other) complains to the Race Relations. We must document our concerns.
Ranjna Patel, Chairperson, NZICA Women Group
Any form of racism is unacceptable. With regards to Mr. Andrews’ comment, we will certainly be pursuing joint action with other Indian associations in the next few days.
Ashok Darji, President, Auckland Indian Association
The audio of the full conversation is available online (uncut): http://www.4shared.com/music/mrG2LlZ4ce/DJ_Neill_exclusive_with_IWK.html