-------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Add your name to the CLEAN GOA INITIATIVE | | | | by visiting this link and following the instructions therein | | | | http://shire.symonds.net/pipermail/goanet/2005-October/033926.html | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some may consider this thread as irrelevant to Goa and Goans. However many readers that are following this dialogue from a "Goa perspective" will find a few similarities to the situation in Goa. Thus one can engage in this dialogue without offending any segments of Goan society, yet gaining useful parallels.
Marlon makes a valuable point from a "macro perspective" of the lack of access to education and opportunities to "major segments of the under-class." However in a "free society" individuals can beat the odds of their class, with hard work and diligence. There are many examples among Goans, black and all shades of white Americans who have made it in spite of the system. The Germans and Japanese as a nation did it after world War II. No immigrant group who came to America was handed "a silver spoon in their mouth". Most came with 10-100 dollars in their pocket. Individual Goans (and others) have succeeded even when they lost one of their parents at a very young age. Thus economics and access may be just one factor. There are other factors "within our reach" that can help individuals succeed. That is a "value system" of the individual and his/her community. And that may explain India's sucess after independence compared to many other countries sucess after their independence. And of course the same applies to the many Diaspora groups, the best example being Jews. Tragically in spite of modern societies' progress, community groups may be loosing their "value system". Instead they attempt to "blame others" as one sees in the riots and protests in USA, Europe and South America. That (riots, violence and blaming others) is unlikely to solve the problem. In Goa, the new generation of tomorrow's outcaste is growing everyday with the "school dropouts" due to perhaps a loss of the "value system" even though ther is no lack of opportunities and / or funding. Kind Regards, GL
