No Human Is Small and No Nation Is Subnation

• In Event: 21.043 - Pushing Back Against the Post-Truth Paradigm: Indigenous Languages, Literacies, and Politics

Abstract

The Indigenous peoples of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, experience demeaning narratives as Upo-Jati, which means small minor race and Kudro NriGhosti, which means inferior sub-nation. Using Critical Race Theory framework and based on a six-month ethnography (n=84), this study explores the perspectives and views expressed by youths from Indigenous minority as well as non-Indigenous Bengali majority groups. Findings from the study suggests that both groups comprehend the motivation and implications of these narratives. However, they differ in their perception, acceptance, and justification of using such dehumanizing narratives to identify indigenous peoples. This study highlights the importance of engaging both Indigenous and non-indigenous youth in critically examining single dominant narratives in favor of multimodal narratives for promoting respect and diversity for all.

Author

• Maung T Nyeu, Harvard University