
A section of people has the feeling that the recent Twitter trend, #TalkToAMuslim, which aims to defeat Islamophobia in the country is actually helping segregate Muslims from other communities, even though unintended. Though it may have been launched with the best of intentions by actresses Gauhar Khan and Swara Bhasker, with Gauhar posting: “If you think that Muslims aren't feeling persecuted…if you think Muslims aren't fed up of being the national conversation every night at 9pm bulletins… if you think Muslims don't feel otherized, demonized and marginalized…then you need to talk… I am an Indian Muslim.” And Swara tweeted: “India is standing up for love and peace #TalkToAMuslim.” However, not all agree. As editor Pritish Nandy tweeted: “I find (the) #TalkToAMuslim (trend) offensive. As an Indian I talk to all as an equal, whatever their caste, religion, regional identity may be. That’s what my Constitution expects of me. And trust me, there are millions like me. It’s just that we have allowed others to hijack the discourse.” Another netizen, a Muslim, Omair Ahmed posted: If you think you need to #TalkToAMuslim, don't come near me. If you can't see another human being without seeing their 'identity' (race, caste, gender, whatever), you are the problem.” A third, a lady Ifra Jan, tweeted:#TalkToAMuslim? Please do talk to me and after two minutes, you will realise the redundance of it. Because I am just like you, who eats, drinks, reads, sleeps and has fun! Next what? #LetUsPutAMuslimInAZoo?”