To begin with, I wish we ended the title of this thread as it is no longer and in no way connected to the contents of the posts. In keeping with my other series of posts, that I am writing, with all due respects to Kamath, I have to repeat the by-line "You told us the fiction, now lets see the facts" ------------ U P Kamath UPK: But racism under them (Portuguese) was much more severe than the British! The state was much more oppressive. GL: There are no facts to support this statement. UPK: When did Da Costa, De Cunha, Fernandes or Quatros become more christian than Goan family name like Kakodkar, Shirodkar, Poi or Prabhu? GL: No one claimed the new names were more Christian. Converts changing names is seen more recently when 'whites' convert to Hinduism or Buddhism. Individuals also change their name when they take a new nationality as is done when one takes citizenship. That does not mean that one abandons their original identity. "A rose is sweet by whatever name one gives it" Would you call Hindus in USA or UK who have changed to Western names any less Hindu? UPK: So, Govan Catholicism was not just religious conversions. They destroyed your ancestry and implanted Portuguese ancestry on you. GL: How can this be possible unless there is a genetic transmission? UPK: Let me put forth a simple observation, in poor taste, though. It may be relative, because it is in the eye of the beholder. Note that Mangalorean Catholics migrated to the Canara from Goa in the 17th and 18th century. They have not assimilated into the local population, though they live harmoniously with the locals. They have their religion intact, Go to masses on Sundays and other festive days etc. They have preserved their Konkani language, publications, music and Theater. GL: Does not the above apply to Goan Catholics? Dose not the Goan and Manglorean cultural practices of the Christian community contradict your prior statement?
UPK: I find Manglorean Catholic girls and women quite attractive, whereas I find Goan catholics distinctively ugly in general. I feel It is due to 450 years of Portuguese slavery. Now one may be politically correct and accuse me of bias. But I feel the Mangalorean catholics had more freedom for generations and it shows on their faces! GL: This comment devoid of any logic does not need to be dignified with a response. This statement (if true) suggest there was / is no connection between being Christian and being Goan. Regards, GL
