Beware of the language of ‘us’ and ‘them’

“What‘s the difference between

Internal and international trade?”

A professor in the U.S

Asked his undergraduate students of economics once

Expecting David Ricardo’s argument of

Labor monility and related exchange rate risk problems.

Pat came the reply from a mischevious boy in the back bench

“It’s between ‘us’ and ‘them’ sir”

This international trade language

Became the famous ‘Bush language’

After September 11 attack on the

U.S twin towers, symbolizing the hegemony

‘ Either you are with us or with them’

This arrogant language of the

World’s premier policeman- the U.S

Was soon taught and internalized in Third World,

Less developed countries:

In economic arena too, you

Must behave properly,

Embrace Washington consensus,

Be ready to wear Milton Friedman’s

Golden straight jacket,

Always support any fresh agenda

Like Doha summit of WTO,

To open up for the affluent nations and so on.

For ages, the language of ‘us’ and ‘them’

Had been rocking and oppressing

The impoverished, the weak, and the innocent

Good and hard working population

In all walks of life,

Given the dominance and dependence relationship.

In our region too, in the recent years

This language acquired a

Renewed vigor and a new meaning

Thanks to the politicians dominating

And dividing people perpetually

And keeping them in poverty

And economics and ethics

Not fully asserting and succeeding even casually.

This is not the paradox of heightened

Globalization, but borne out of localization,

Poverty of leadership qualities at the top’

It’s time to go for a search,

A serious research of real politics

To reach people, in order that

Dirty/ shameful, destructive politics

Will take a back seat.