‘Dirty and dark like Tamilians’ says US Diplomat

Maureen Chao, Vice-Consul of the US Consulate in Chennai made a controversial comment that her skin had become dirty and dark like Tamilians. This incident occurred while she was addressing students at the SRM University in connection with the Study Abroad Orientation Programme. During the speech Ms. Chao shared her experience as a student in India some two decades ago and said “I was on a 24-hour train trip from Delhi to Orissa. But, after 72 hours, the train still did not reach the destination… and my skin became dirty and dark like the Tamilians”.

Following the much controversial remark, the US consulate termed her remark as “inappropriate” and said “Ms. Chao deeply regrets if her unfortunate remarks offended anyone, as that was certainly not her intent”.

What was worse than her comment was the students who are from the northern side of India welcomed her comment with a loud round of applause.

Update : August 13, 2011, 6:39 pm

AIADMK Chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has demanded that US Consul should withdraw her comment and apologize for her remarks of “dirty and dark” Tamilians.