------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------------------------------- On 16/06/07, Carvalho <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > This says more about you and your approaches, as far > > as I'm concerned, > > than it does about Satya Sai Baba! I leave it to > > readers to judge > > whether you have been equally biting in your > > criticism of all > > religious ideologies, rather than just ones you > > don't have any > > alleigance to!
Selma, what you call the "anti-Catholic rhetoric" is a reality in Goa. It is good that the same has come out into the open, in cyberspace, and in a way that is accessible for all to read, understand, and comprehend. So far it has been on the fringes of Marathi publications and used effectively at times like elections. [It would be incomplete to talk only of this, of course, without talking about Catholic arrogance and bigotry, which we've seen in quite some measure, surface every now and again, on Goanet. Or the caste bigotry that is present among both the Catholic and Hindu communities.] At the same time, I would argue that this bias is restricted to a small (even if eloquent and agenda-setting) section of the population. It gets used to justify the squabble over resources, and government jobs or Cabinet posts. It (meaning the bigotry from all sides) is also used as a tool to distract attention from more pressing livelihood, environmental and survival issues; which is why I think it's important to go beyond it's logic and word-traps. Unfortunately, sections of our media are quick to play-up such bitterness and rancour, to shift attention away from more crucial concerns. On the positive side, there is a growing but influential number of campaigners, from all religious backgrounds, who are questioning bigots from all sides. The role played by such groups in influencing the recent elections should not be overlooked. While we are concerned about the negative trends, we must not ignore the other side! FN
