(no subject)

[swatkat]

Delving into things from the colonial era is, very often, nothing but an extended exercise in masochism. You run into passages like 'The European races are characterised by activity. The Asiatic races are characterised by indolence' (paraphrasing), and you nod, and maybe make note of it, and move on.

Can you blame me for writing porn in the library? My favourite notebook now has pages of Very Important Notes interspersed with porn in a variety of fandoms. (Note to self: do not give it to anyone. Ever.)

Comments

[swatkat]

The Bengal Magazine, some 1875 issue (I have to check), edited by Reverend Lal Behari De. This is just a paraphrase, though - I don't have the exact quote right now. And the article is anonymous. It's actually a spirited argument against British opium policies in China, but unfortunately the 'indolence' of us 'Asiatic' races is a plot point. There are places where it's rather hilarious, such as the place where the author appears to believe that beer is the national drink of the British because it spurs them to greater activity.

[jaybee65]

the author appears to believe that beer is the national drink of the British because it spurs them to greater activity.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA....Oh God. I'm both laughing and cringing here.