A correction first. "though i asked wher r they? that provoked dilip"
It's incorrect reporting. I asked couple of critical questionsin response to Ranjith's arguments. That provoked him. He attacked me [ not my arguments] . This, only by way of reminding what happened. On the problematization of metaphors like ' healthy', ' ulparty janadhipathyam' I agree with Ranjith's points.We couldn't be univocal in using words in best of times. So, that could be more difficult in polemical situations. My dream is that we could articulate our concerns without being excessively bothered about political correctness. When I am making myself available for criticism with all contradictions, I am also expressing my willingness to withdraw my statements if somebody show that to be problrmatic. While entering into a discussion, it is very difficult to proceed if this readyness is onesided. Once somebody claim that s/he is participating in a debate for polemical purposes, it is very difficult to proceed. But in the process, I found that practice and standpoints are two different things. Ranjith is equally reflexive and democratic in the course of the debate. Thus my remark ' it is healthy' , like 'ulparty janadhipathyam.' etc. No. I didn't imply that the dsicussion should be stopped. I meant the exact opposite. But I have a request. If possible do allow some margin for conscious use of problematic usages/ metaphors/ idioms. Why I referred to Ranjith's certain critiques as ' displaced discourse' earlier have connection with this. Ours is a new, pertinenet dialogue. It try to capture, theorise and enrich our political present/ practical experiences. In that way we are not repeating / quoting / settling any earlier debate .Nor do we expect that we could settle all our debates here. It is a bit mechanical to bring in the ' correct arguments' wherever you find a word/ expression/ sentenece, disregarding the immediate context of the discussion. Is it an effective way to brand whoever disagree with Ranjith or Venugopal as brahmanical and rehearse arguments against brahmanism? Is it that simple? Thus my request not to simplify but complicate always!! I think there is a deeper problem with the political framework in which Ranjith and I view Chithralekha issue. I place it in the frame of single issue movements. There may be people/ organisations involved in it who do have strong political positions which go well beyong the issue based solidarity. So, questioning the nature of civil society/ public sphere based on this resistence and resistence itself are two different affairs altogether. We could agree to disagree on the former, but do whatever is possible from within the platform which bring all concerned together. Thus if concrete steps arrived at, we could be part of it. This not in the least imply that this issue based alliance is apolitical or 'there is nothing to be discussed'. What for me is important in all issue based solidarities is the rules by which we negotiate differences among ourselves. Whether in virtual or real world it is of great importance because none of us are machines/ cadres. even if we are coming together with cadre organisations, the principles by which we come together is important. I know that this is not the only way to resist. A section can raise the issue with more political unity. That is one reason why we find several groups acting on same issues. But the question, whaether I am part of such a network , for me, could be decided if and only if my equal rights are assured. Not that I won't support the issue but won't be part of that specific group. I hope we could continue our debate without forcing others to one's position. On 7/26/07, Ranjit Ranjit <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > good that u read Ambedkar > > my point is simple-- Chitralekha issue is not just a HR case, it needs > addressing Caste Question... if she's not a dalit, perhaps this atrocity may > not have even occured... > > and pure/impure debate is not mine dear... if u read Ambedkar carefully u > will understand it better > thanks > > > > > > -- Dileep Raj Tel: 09447316701 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ greenyouth mailinglist is the activist support mailinglist for kerala To post to this group, send email to [email protected] -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
