When "researchers" do their spiel, should we merely accept what they say without a murmur? or should we ask them about their study design, material & methods, how they have tried to eliminate or minimize bias, data analysis techniques etc (Like Gilbert himself is expected answer when he presents his papers to the scientific community)
True that the historical "researchers" look at documents to which we mortal humans don't normally have access, or are able to decipher (because of our own linguistic deficiences)
BUT: Is there undocumented stuff?
For instance:
1. Do we know the exact number of Goans who were murdered by the fiery Inquisition?
2. Do we know the exact number of Goan widows who mudered by the fiery Sati?
3. WHAT happened to their property?
Now
Teotonio de Souza writes:<Janet Rubinoff refers in her thesis that the *bhangi* caste became
superfluous in Goa with the extensive use of pigs.>
jc's response:->
I'd forgive Janet Rubinoff if she did not know that the HWTs (human waste transporters) of India were NOT a part of the Apartheid Caste System. They were not even considered human beings. She just may not have known this. And nobody perhaps bothered to advise her either.
However, what might be of interest is to know the Study Design Janet Rubinoff utilised to come to the above quoted (by TRS) conclusion in her thesis. What was the "p" value of that study?
and.......What, for instance, is the reason that HWTs are no longer used in cities like Poona(Pune) and London?
I hope no "researcher" comes up with a godshem "thesis" which indicates that HWTs became superfluous in London because of London Underground. That will really be cute.
On another but related matter
"Teotonio R. de Souza" wrote: <Could each one writing on the theme indicate what caste he belongs to?>
Mario Goveia: "No Dice"
Jose Colaco: NO "caste", as is a Kunbi (way BELOW the foot of the wretched "caste" system)
Teotonio de Souza: It is not very difficult though to find it out with some effort and time that any research usually requires.
George Pinto: I have no caste. If anyone tries to assign one to me, I categorically reject it. I identify with the most discriminated group - the Dalits.
Teotonio de Souza writes: I respect the blunt or polite refusal by those who do not wish to reveal the caste label they have inherited.
Jose Colaco's response: Nonsense. THIS Goan Catholic has INHERITED zero apartheid label.
Now, if the good research historian Teotonio de Souza wishes to advise us that he IS a member of (BELONGS TO) this or that "caste", he should feel absolutely free to do the honours.
Unless of course ....he is NOT an "anti-caster". In that event, his silence on this question will be understood for what it is worth.
jc http://www.colaco.net
_________________________________________________________________
On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for advice on how to get there! http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=Retirement
