I wish you well in your proposed survey even though I cannot figure out what the objective or focus is.
However, I do not recall your charge of "soglem casteists" at all in the debate on caste among the Catholic Goans on Goanet. Please do not make up things because of possible bankrupcy of thought.
Further, there have been no accusations of "systemic casteism in Goan society --native and Goan Diaspora" by any of the anti-casteists. Where on earth have you come across the words "systemic casteism" or have I possibly missed this term in the rush of posts on caste? If you are right, I would immediately apologise to you.
When we ignore what the anti-casteists had to say, it seems to be crystal clear that Catholic Goan casteism exists by reading the many defensive posts on caste. What further evidence do we need?
The anti-casteists can now perhaps leave the caste debate for now and use their energies by moving on. I for one, intend to bring external pressure to bear on the Archbishop and the Catholic Church in Goa for accommodation with the evil of caste racism at a time when the Pope has consistently rejected racism per se. I believe that international naming and shaming is now in order, to help get things moving on this theme.
Cordially,
Cornel DaCosta, London
---- Original Message ----- From: "Gilbert Lawrence" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[email protected]>
Cc: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2005 3:42 PM
Subject: RE: Goan herrings & research
Hi JC, Remember you guys are making the charge of 'soglem casteists'. But let me help you-all with the collection of data. I hope I can apply my methodical skills from my medical background.
The accusation you guys seem to make is that there is: Systematic casteism in Goan society - native and Diaspora.
Let's leave the Catholic Church out, since you are not 'smoking'. :=)):=)) Also por favor let's keep Sati and Inquisition out of this. These are not practices of today and for the last 150 years. So let's dialogue the theoretical and practical steps on what we can do now for the benefit of today's and tomorrow's Goan society. Also if the study wants to look at Hindu Society, as some experts have persuasively suggested we could have a category below for religion. That would be a good comparison between the two communities to see if the disparity exists, is it religious or only caste / social or geographic within Goa and/ or the Diaspora?
I. Existence of Goan casteism and its impact on individuals and on the community regarding:
1. Name (optional), age, residence, religion and caste. 2. Education levels. 3. Jobs categories. 4. Income levels. 5. Marriage rates and partners. 6. Bachelor / Spinster. 7. Places to find a residence. 8. Travel difficulties. 9. Religious vocations. 10. Direct discrimination experience from one's religion. 11. Direct government related discrimination. 12. Unemployed period in the last 2 years.
The data as far as possible will be facts (boxes to be filled) not explanations. The computer will do the tabulations. This may be a summer project for a Goan high school or college students or a sociology student working his PhD under one of the Goan sociology professors.
II. Any other thoughts you and others may want to add to the survey including 'the Goan solutions' to solve the disparities and misconceptions.
I hope we keep this constructive and not nitpick on the phraseology. THIS IS JUST THE START. For the serious, please build on it to develop the questionnaire that can be used in the survey. Do not criticize or write JUST to say some something. Goan sociologists PLEASE step forward to design and shepherd this study.
No excuses like ... I am too busy. We all are!!! But it's our priority. Let Goans study Goans! Once again the above is how one would analyze a topic in medicine. Perhaps demographic and sociologists may have their own methodology.
As JC said, he'd like a week to reply. That's great 'cause I am out for a week. I would certainly like to hear your and other comments and where do the anti-casteists go with this study to prove that Goan casteism exists and is thriving. Regards. GL
JC: Dear Gilbertbab, Let me take your idea a step further. One step at a time. Which accusation(s) are you referring to?
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