Though India has made commendable progress in various fields, we are still not free from the shackles of over 3,000 castes and more than 25,000 sub-castes.
The fact that caste is a major factor in all elections has only ensured that it stays in public discourses.
In this well-researched book, award-winning American journalist Isabel Wilkerson delves deep into both caste as well as race.
In this well-researched book, award-winning American journalist Isabel Wilkerson delves deep into both caste as well as race.
She narrates many real-life stories to describe the dehumanising impact of stigmatisation, and how the system has got perpetuated by the power vested in the dominant groups.
In India, there are also cases wherein because of their beliefs like "reincarnation" and "life after death", some people, who are victims of subjugation, quietly accept their fate, as the inevitable consequences of the "bad deeds" in their "previous life".
Why this book needs to be read is because the historical knowledge of this system will help us leave it in the past, and dismantle it from the present.
I've been planning to read this book for quite a while now. Thanks for the nudge.
ReplyDeleteHi Tomi - You are welcome :-)
DeleteDoes the author suggest a way forward, or note positive progress? Or is it more of a documentation of fact, with no impression toward the future?
ReplyDeleteHi Red - It's a lot of documentation of facts. But the author does note the positives as well. For example, both the US and India have enacted laws that make discrimination illegal and also provides for assistance for groups that have historically faced stigmatisation. She also talks about mindset. Having laws is one thing, but attitudinal change in behaviour is altogether a different thing. She talks about a future where we will not be tied down by perceptions of superiority and inferiority based on surname, colour of skin, or the language one speaks etc.
DeleteIt's interesting that apartheid has been so frowned upon and action taken, and yet the caste system still seems to be going strong and damaging so many people in the process. Maybe there is a need for a much stronger voice to create positive action?
ReplyDeleteHi Leanne - Though officially, legally and constitutionally discrimination based on caste is banned, the change in mindset hasn't set in the way it should have.
DeleteVarious age-old beliefs drive a lot of people's actions. That's taking time to change, though things have definitely changed a lot. There is a lot of distance to be covered still.
Caste was a way to divide people in a different Era. In the modern age, there are other systems for that purpose.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Hi Rajesh - That's a good point. Differences are a reality. The problem arises when there is discrimination based on those differences.
DeleteUnless Indian politicians do away with giving importance to caste, there cannot be any change. Every party in India selects candidates to run for election based on the caste of the majority population in that constituency.
ReplyDeleteHi SG - What you have pointed is perhaps the most important one. Democracies thrive on getting people's support, and political parties do anything to get that. Divisive labels like caste and religion should never be the determining factor.
DeleteI wish for a better world; education is taking the wise down a correct path. Thanks for sharing this read. And be well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, shall add it to my to read list
ReplyDeleteThat is quite interesting. As I understand it the caste system has officially been banned in India, yet on a day to day basis it goes on. I guess the caste issue is not imported to Australia by our Indian immigrants as only people on or above a certain level of society are immigrants. I am not sure that our 60s to 90s Anglo Indian immigrants connect well with more recent Indian immigrants connect. Some of our Anglo Indian immigrants could not speak or understand Hindi or Urdu beyond a few basic words. Indian immigrants in Australia fit in quite well although strong Christian values are a little out of step with general Australian attitudes. In spite of the obvious difference with many Sikh men wearing a turban, Sikhs seem to fit in very well and by thinking people are a great addition to society. Sorry for the long comment, but it is something that interests me greatly.
ReplyDeleteHi Andrew,
DeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts in detail.
It was interesting to read how these things play out among the Indian expatriate population in Australia.
In India itself, these differences are more pronounced in small towns and villages.
In the cities, which are quite cosmopolitan, having a mixture of different cultures, these differences are seen less.
Hari Om
ReplyDelete...weeeelllll... Blogger has shown prejudice against me by only bringing notice of this post to me six days later!!!
It is indeed mindset alone that could eradicate such discriminations - yet it is also true that the human critter is hardwired like all animals to work by the 'strongest and fittest' principles of survival. No matter what, there will always be those with the drive to be on top of others, and the others will scramble to be one of those not at the bottom. It takes profound intellect, truly open mind and enormous heart to be able to live by the "I Love All Equally" mantra. Even those of us who strive for it will find the bar insurmountable somewhere along the line. But strive for it we should! YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Blogger acts up quite often!
DeleteThere are always complex sets of social and emotional variables that determine our perceptions and attitudes towards these issues.
Laws can only eradicate these in theory. In practice, it takes a lot more - attitudinal changes over time. Yet, often, many personal experiences colour our judgement.
Wow, I didn't realize there were so many castes. This sounds really interesting.
ReplyDeleteThose in power will always find ways to keep subjugated groups subjugated. Sounds like a fascinating book.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - I haven't forgotten ... I need to get here to read properly ... I'll be back ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - I've noted it ... to take it out of the Library to read ... we really need to engage everyone and everyone to feel as near equal as possible --- especially now in the turmoil of the world. Thanks for posting - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteKnowing castes to be a tragic issue, I had no clue there were so many. This sounds like a book well worth reading. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteHi Darla - There are hundreds of castes and sub-castes. And sadly people rely on caste to form impressions of others.
DeleteI missed this post when you published it, Pradeep. It sounds like a book well worth reading, so I'll see if I can get hold of it. Thank you! I can imagine the caste system has quite a stranglehold on people's social and economic mobility, even now.
ReplyDeleteHi Vallypee - Yes, quite a well-researched book. We can't just wish these labels away. It's all about how much of importance we give to them in our daily lives.
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