Stop Targeting Biharis: A Reflection on Hypocrisy and Disrespect

Recently, I came across a meme targeting Biharis—mocking them as mere laborers, associating them with poverty, and using the term “Bihari” as if it were a curse word. It’s disheartening, but more than that, it reveals something deeper and far more dangerous in our society.

1. Education and Knowledge Are Not the Same

You may have degrees, but if you lack empathy, understanding, and respect for others—you are not educated, just literate.

As Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam once said: “Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great.”

2. Memes Are Not a License to Forget Boundaries

In the name of "humor," some people forget the line between satire and sheer disrespect. Mocking an entire community for laughs is not edgy—it’s lazy, hurtful, and rooted in ignorance.

Read more on the psychology of internet trolling.

3. The Hypocrisy is Stark

When a foreign show or movie portrays Indians in a racist light, we’re quick to boycott it.

Example: When The Simpsons portrayed Apu in a stereotypical way, global outrage followed.

The Problem with Apu - documentary raised serious questions on racial representation.

But within our own borders, we insult and dehumanize fellow Indians based on their state or language. Isn’t that racism too?

4. Caste Sensitivity vs. Regional Insensitivity

India rightly has strict laws under The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to prevent caste-based abuse.
You can be arrested for using caste slurs—and rightly so.

But mocking Biharis? There’s no rule, no protection, no accountability. Just silence or laughter.

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5. Let’s Not Forget What Bihar Has Given Us

• Home to Nalanda and Vikramshila—among the world’s oldest universities.

• Birthplace of thinkers like Chanakya and rulers like Ashoka the Great.

• Today, Bihar produces some of India’s top UPSC candidates and public servants.

If all you see is migration and poverty, not the resilience and brilliance behind it, the ignorance is yours.

6. I’ve Seen Racism Abroad—But This Hurts More

After visiting four European countries, I saw how racial bias against Indians plays out—sometimes subtly, sometimes openly.

But what hurts more is Indians mocking fellow Indians—especially those from Bihar, the Northeast, or the South.

When the hate comes from within, it cuts deeper.

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🙏 Final Message

To those making such memes and jokes: remember, behind every stereotype is a human being.
Behind every “Bihari” joke is someone’s identity, dignity, and pride.

This isn’t just about Bihar—it’s about decency, unity, and the kind of India we want to build.