Brahmins consider themselves as the highest. Upper castes consider themselves higher than Shudras (OBCs). Shudras consider themselves higher than Dalits. Dalits consider themselves higher than tribals. Dalits & tribals don’t consider themselves Hindus.
Aarrgh! The caste rot in India is deep. People are ready to butcher each other on these lines. Politicians misuse this ‘difference’ to divide & rule.
“When we choose a mobile network, do we check whether Airtel or Vodafone belong to a particular caste? No, we simply choose the provider based on the best value or service. Then why do we vote for somebody simply because he belongs to the same caste as us?”
Chetan Bhagat in What Young India Wants
Then there is the reservation system. What began as affirmative action has today become an albatross around our necks.
Citizens are eligible for reservations based on their caste, rather than their income level. Given that generations have taken advantage of the reservation system, does this even make sense anymore?
D-oh!
I see people take pride in their caste. What for? ‘Garv se kaho tum Rajput ho!’ Why? How many battles have you fought on the border?
You cannot believe in casteism & equality simultaneously. Inequality for what? This archaic concept??
Casteism, originally, depended on the job one held. Earlier, one’s occupation was well-defined. A set of people helped in prayers & worships – they started being called Brahmin. Another set trained & headed to mount wars on enemy kingdoms – they became Kshatriyas. So forth. But today casteism has become dependent on birth rather than on profession.
My entire family is Kshatriya apparently but, barring a couple, nobody is in the defence forces. Given that most are in the business world, should they not be Vaishyas?
Earlier, the ‘low castes’ were oppressed by the ‘higher’ ones. While this still exists, there’s also an emerging trend of reverse casteism wherein the higher castes, particularly Brahmins, are being penalised for their years of oppression (which their ancestors may have done).
I guess human beings don’t even need too much reason to kill each other! Noo, right?
I’m not for or against any caste; I’m against this entire absurd concept of casteism. Traditions must be retained when they add value to our lives & when they continue to make sense with changing times. I’m yet to see any advantage of casteism. If you do, please enlighten me!
Rant over!! Urgh!!!
For casteism consciousness movie recommendations, check out my blog post – My Top 2019 Watches.
