Vamps and Villains or Citizen-Subjects? Converting a Third-Person Self-Conception of the Indian Christians into a First-Person Narrative

Abstract

This article examines the historical factors that gave rise to stereotypes about Christians as aliens who are estranged from the ways of the dominant culture. On the basis of an analysis of the use of stereotypes about Christians in a renowned novel by the Kannada writer Kuvempu it argues that such articulations shape the persistent view that Christians represent Western culture and values. Internalisation of this third-person perspective by the Indian Christians has obstructed a clear articulation of their self-perception as a minority group in a multi-religious context. This article will argue that it is important for the Christian minority to develop a first-person narrative that is neither defensive nor passive.