The Gurkha Museum in Winchester struck me as a prime example of misguided noblesse oblige, colonial attitudes, and highly dated anthropological theorizing. It unwittingly documents the morally compromised relationship that the Gurkhas, as impoverished mercenaries, have had with the British Crown and military, which has long used the Gurkhas as cannon fodder in its dubious wars around the world. The museum, intended to commemorate the Gurkha service to the British Crown, is full of well-meaning—though ultimately vulgar and contrived—paeans to the allegedly superhuman courage and fighting prowess of the Gurkhas. It celebrates their undying loyalty and lifelong devotion to the British, but which was not deemed good enough (until recently, after a long campaign) to unconditionally qualify the soldiers for British citizenship. For starters, consider this patronizing description from a panel about the "common human qualities" of the Gurkhas:

"Despite all the differences born or varying ethnic backgrounds, religions, and caste hierarchies, the human qualities of all Gurkhas are the same. They are hospitable, kind and generous by nature and they share what they have readily and with open hearts. They are also gentlemen with that innate courtesy found amongst highlanders the world over. . . . Resilient, tough, brave and enduring, perhaps the Gurkhas' greatest characteristics are their innate cheerfulness in adversity and the flashing smile and warm friendship they offer to those who seek their company."