In the wake of a recent maritime disaster in Baltimore, where the historic Francis Scott Bridge was destroyed due to a ship accident, accolades poured in for the Indian crew onboard. Despite the heroism displayed by the 22 Indian members of the crew who promptly alerted Maryland authorities about the malfunctioning cargo vessel, not everyone has been appreciative of their efforts.
Biden Lauds Heroic Indian Crew Amidst Racist Cartoon Backlash
President Joe Biden himself commended the Indian crew for their swift action that potentially saved hundreds of lives by halting traffic on the bridge in time. However, amidst this praise, an American company, Foxford Comics, has sparked outrage by releasing a cartoon video mocking the Indian crew in a racially insensitive manner.
The incident occurred on the night of March 25th when a cargo ship experienced a sudden power failure, causing it to veer out of control and collide with the bridge. The crew onboard, upon witnessing the impending collision, immediately raised the alarm and attempted to halt the vessel’s progress by deploying anchors. Despite their efforts, the ship collided with the bridge, leading to its collapse. It’s noteworthy that the vessel was Singapore-flagged, with its ownership vested in a Singaporean company.
Unfair Blame Game: Indian Crew Targeted Despite American Pilots in Baltimore Bridge Accident Fallout
Despite the clear delineation of responsibilities, attempts have been made to shift blame onto the Indian crew, who were merely fulfilling their duties onboard. The two pilots responsible for the ship’s navigation were American, yet the Indian crew has been unfairly targeted for criticism.
Adding insult to injury, Foxford Comics exacerbated the situation by releasing a cartoon video on social media, depicting the Indian crew in a derogatory manner, dressed in loincloths reminiscent of village dwellers, and making derogatory remarks. The audio accompanying the video even included racial slurs directed at the Indian crew.
The release of this cartoon video has rightfully drawn condemnation from various quarters, with many users on social media expressing their disgust and calling out Foxford Comics for their shameful portrayal of the Indian crew. Some have reminded the company that the crew’s commendable actions were acknowledged by the Governor himself.
Indian Economist Sanjeev Sanyal Rebukes Foxford Comics for Vilifying Indian Crew in Baltimore Bridge Incident
Renowned Indian economist Sanjeev Sanyal also chimed in, reminding Foxford Comics that the ship’s pilot was not Indian but a resident of Baltimore. The attempt to vilify the Indian crew in the aftermath of the accident is not only unjust but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
As investigations into the accident continue, it is imperative that the focus remains on ascertaining the root cause and preventing similar incidents in the future, rather than scapegoating innocent individuals based on their nationality. The Indian crew deserves appreciation, not vilification, for their role in averting a potential catastrophe. And companies like Foxford Comics must be held accountable for their irresponsible and offensive actions.