"Coolies" is a term that has historically been used to refer to laborers, particularly of Asian descent, who were brought in to work primarily in manual and physically demanding jobs during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term originated from the Hindi word "kuli," meaning laborer or porter, and was commonly used in colonial India and China.
Throughout the era of European colonialism and globalization, coolies were brought in large numbers to various parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean, to work in construction, agriculture, mining, and transportation industries. They were often subjected to exploitative conditions, low wages, and poor living arrangements, experiencing a form of indentured servitude.
However, it is important to note that the term "coolies" is now considered derogatory and offensive due to its historical association with exploitation, discrimination, and systemic racism. The racial connotations of the term have perpetuated negative stereotypes and reinforced unequal power dynamics, leading to its abandonment as a respectful and inclusive language choice.
As societal knowledge and understanding progressed, there has been a shift towards more politically correct terminology, such as "migrant workers" or "manual laborers," to describe individuals who engage in similar jobs and undertake arduous physical labor. This change reflects the recognition of human rights and the promotion of equality and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their occupations or ethnic backgrounds.
