How did British Orientalism affect representations of British servants and lascars?
-
British Orientalism created a fascination with Eastern cultures but framed them as inferior and mystical, which impacted how Indian servants and lascars were represented and treated. This outlook positioned Indian workers as decorative assets rather than as equals or skilled professionals. Servants were often praised for their exotic looks, and their "loyalty" was seen as inherent rather than earned through fair treatment. British employers enjoyed showcasing Indian servants in distinct clothing to emphasize their own social status, treating these individuals more like symbols of wealth and power than people with agency or dignity. This view reduced servants and lascars to tools of British grandeur, ignoring their individuality and contributions.
For instance, Indian servants were often displayed to visitors or guests as exotic novelties, creating a narrative of submissiveness and dependence, which further justified keeping them in subordinate roles. The labor and hardships faced by lascars in the shipping industry were overlooked, as they were valued primarily for their low cost and reliability. Ultimately, British Orientalism promoted an image of these workers as perpetual outsiders, reinforcing a racial and cultural hierarchy that denied them social mobility or respect