An Experiment Reveals Discrimination
The ongoing debate surrounding Hindi and Kannada languages in Bengaluru has been a source of contention for some time. To investigate whether this issue persists, two social media influencers conducted an experiment involving local auto drivers. One influencer spoke Hindi, representing the Hindi-speaking population in Bengaluru, while the other communicated in Kannada. Their interactions with the drivers revealed a concerning pattern of language-based discrimination.
The experiment involved approaching several auto drivers and inquiring about fares to popular destinations. The results were striking. One driver refused to take the Hindi-speaking woman to HSR Layout, but readily agreed to take the Kannada-speaking woman. In another instance, a driver quoted a higher fare for the Hindi-speaking woman than for the Kannada-speaking woman for the same route.
While one driver offered both women the same fare, another ignored the Hindi-speaking woman altogether. This behavior sparked outrage among viewers, with many criticizing it as "normalizing racism." Some viewers expressed concern that such videos might exacerbate the issue, while others called for better conduct and respect for all languages.
The video has garnered over 50 lakh views on Instagram, highlighting the prevalence and impact of language-based discrimination in Bengaluru. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering inclusivity and respect for diverse linguistic backgrounds.