please unsubscrib us from this mailing list
sakhi
----- Original Message -----
From: Dileep Raj
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2007 7:28 PM
Subject: {greenyouth} Re: Caste and Gender In The Urban Space of Kerala
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
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
greenyouth mailinglist is the activist support mailinglist for kerala
To post to this group, send email to [email protected]
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
