Caste and all the cacophony: some thoughts Public discussions on caste, understandably, are disconcerting to the writers as well as to the readers. A dispassionate discussion on this topic seems to be an oxymoron. One can have a robust and rigorous discussion on provocative topics without getting rambunctious, vociferous and virulent. By shouting down the other, who may have a different viewpoint, does not add to a productive conversation.
Teotonio�s point in asking to �identify themselves� is a very useful, if not necessary, element of any thoughtful conversation (and research as well). Self-identification, which may be relevant to the topic, helps to maintain an intellectual integrity through the process of the discussion/research. (For example, when a research is presented we all like to know who funded the research, because it provides one more dimension in the process of the assessment of its validity and reliability). Activists play a significant role in addressing social problems. But they are not necessarily objective in making an assessment of the situation; well-intended actions end up with deleterious consequences. Poor diagnosis of the caste situation, lead to bad prescription. The question of caste is a challenging one. Usually discussions of caste entangle two parallel issues. 1- Caste as a social structure 2- caste as a tool of social discrimination. Of course, many, if not all, social structures have built-in discriminations. Caste as a social structure is a socio-anthropological, politico-economic reality; Caste as a tool of discrimination is moral reality. Different social structures in themselves are not a problem; but when these social structures become tools of discrimination, domination and exploitation, then it is problematic. We socialize ourselves in social structures � our eating habits, our language, semantics, particular expressions, etc. Socializing in a particular social structure, in itself, is not evil; if the socialization in a particular social structure is exclusionary, and establishes superiority-inferiority tensions, then it is problematic. Denying once caste is not the solution of the problem; but how one �uses� ones caste is the question. Individual/personal/group heritage and identity, at a much deeper level are tied to the social structures in which we socialize ourselves. Caste is an unfortunate such an structure, which is part, like it not, of Indian/goan heritage. Goan Catholics before they are Catholics they are citizens/inheritors of the heritage of India/Goa. This is an accident of birth. The question is how does one integrate faith and life, and live in such a way that a Catholic, following the Gospel, does not engage in discriminatory practices. For a Catholic to abnegate caste is wonderful. However, this abnegation does not negate the mores of the Catholic individual, which are product of the socialization. Unfortunately, some of this abnegation smack of self-righteousness. Sometimes we tend to be more pious than God. One may abnegate caste, but the streaks in their social behavior/social communication, shaped by the social structures, are not easily erased; they betray us sometimes, and unexpectedly. Is the Catholic Church in Goa � �casteists?� This accusation is grounded in history. Is the Catholic Church of Goa TODAY �casteist?� There are some who would like to say �Of course! What one does mean when the accusation is thrown around � the church is casteist? It is fair to decipher that behind this accusation the finger is pointed to the Church hierarchy, and that it operates discriminatorily based on caste. To study empirically and quantifiably, if the Church of Goa is operating discriminatorily, then one has to count heads and these heads be identified by their castes. Ergo, the principle behind Teotonio�s suggestion, that the participants in these discussions �identify themselves� becomes very valid. Is the hierarchy of the Church of Goa operating discriminatorily, based on the caste? This writer states NO. There is no empirical evidence to bear this out. Of course, there are those, who would jump up and down and swear that there is caste-based discrimination. I have met them and have engaged them in a rational conversation. We cannot hide behind the anecdotes. Anecdotes can be found even on the trees; but they do not prove the thesis of systematic, rampant caste-based discrimination. Are there individuals, who may use their position, and engage in �casteism?� Definitely. Some folks tend to overestimate the power of the Bishops. They think that by some kind of �fiat� the Bishops can make things go away. By the way, I am not a shill for the hierarchy of the Church of Goa. Just trying to be fair. The conversation of caste is usually coded to signify that the �upper castes� are the culprits. They are, and they may be, or may have been. However, we should not loose sight that there are visceral discriminatory practices at the �lower level castes� as well, where this writer spent a lifetime socializing. Three Cheers to the activists! More power to them! But do not demonize those who may ask the activists to show their cards. There are some disgruntled individuals who have taken up the cause of �fighting caste.� Unfortunately, their disgruntlement disqualifies them as bonafide leaders to battle the scourge of caste, otherwise a worthy cause. Vociferous debates decorated with virulence do not solve anything or advance any cause. At best they provide self-gratification, and public adulation in some quarters. Vociferous discussions are not robust or intellectually rigorous. Condemnations and LOUD condemnations are exercises in pontification. My contribution to the battle against the caste: facilitate personal transformation. I only sow the seed; it is for the Lord to reap the fruits. I fully expect to be pilloried for what I have written. So be it. I may post some further thoughts if I think I have, at some point, something useful to say. Basilio Monteiro *********************************************************************** * G * O * A * N * E * T *** C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * *********************************************************************** Greet your loved ones in Goa with flowers! http://www.goa-world.com/goa/expressions/ EXPRESSIONS - The Flower Shop. World famous all over Goa! ***********************************************************************
