Hi Antonio
I humbly suggest that the problem with Gilbert Lawrence's posts re Goan
identity is his highly simplistic assumption that everyone once knew his/her
hierarchical place in Goan (presumably Christian) society and that this should
be embedded and continued. With much respect, this is an utter figment of the
imagination. There has always been resistance to whatever prevailing status quo
has been around, especially when underpinned by things like injustice, force,
and bogus rationales for a hierarchy based on an accident of birth epitomised
by the rotten underbelly of caste. How, I ask, is it possible for one to be so
unfamiliar and blinkered about Goa's social and political history to believe
the parochial notion that "everyone knew their place in society", when clearly,
the literature on this issue indicates considerable social volatility in
thought and deed throughout Goan history. This is the reality of Goan history
and I therefore respectfully invite friend Gilbert to
counter this view with evidence.
Today's societies are remarkably fluid rather than static and surely, only an
utter traditionalist, conservative and reactionary would want to argue for the
continuation of "our legacy" which is code for a society based on caste and
endogamy in an increasingly wonderful open world society of which we are heirs
thankfully, and our young are seemingly integrating into enthusiastically.
Cornel DaCosta
Antonio Menezes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
The Goan identity or culture that some Goans are obsessed with could best
be understood if we try to define it. And definition of Gic is definitely
not an easy proposition.
However, a beginning can be made if we place a few facts before us.
Gic as we know it today did not exist before 1510 and after 1961 it appears
to be withering away...
At this point, let me state that a vast majority of Goan Catholics, whether
in Goa, India and overseas are least bothered about the withering away of
Gic.
