Friends, Anivar's moderation and censorship is a good example of how some sections are branded as 'rowdy-sheeters' and how even after bloody violence some are given clean chits by the mainstream intelligentsia. If moderation is to ensure democracy (?), then why is it differentially distributed? Why the violence of some is considered to be so natural and some others 'violent'? As some of us sit and analysed the trajectory of the whole debate, it is not Ranjit who started using the 'hate language,' but still uncensored 'heros' who used expressions like 'go to hell' to Ranjit's provocative way of putting questions.
It is not a good practice to moderate somebody when one does not comprehend (or pretend so) what she/he says. We have been listening to the shouting created by Ranjit and I think he has theoretically given the context of his 'masculine, violent' (in the mainstream imagination) language. The effective use of polemics has been theorized by various scholars including Kancha Ilaiah whose so called 'violent' speeches and writings gave a new impetus to Dalitbahujan politics not only in Andhra Pradesh, but also in the whole country. Eventhough it has its own limitations as we go deeper into the problem, when one opens up a new space which has been hitherto a taboo, it demands one to be polemical. And I think some members in the group feel threatened to hear these voices. Actually, it is an extension of mainstream imagination about Dalit intellectuals in Kerala. Of course, it is Ranjit's male position (enjoyed by most participants in the discussion) which privileges him (and most other participants) to keep the tempo (of the fight which most of us are unable to) whole through the debate which is quite alienating for many a 'women.' By saying that I don't mean to consider 'women' as a homogenous category and I do believe in a stronger recognition of cross-gender commonalities forged by racism/casteism, etc,. We rarely see any discussion on the forwards as mentioned by somebody else. It is not Anivar's forward on Chitralekha issue to the group which created debate, but Ranjit's provocative expression which opened up a discussion which eventually became a battleground of egos. I think this is an occasion which you yourself created to re-think about your own notions of 'violence' and democracy. Otherwise be there with your control rod to keep away fresh and new assertive voices. Forums are abundant in the cyberspace and you can keep this forum as your sacred, traditional place of worship where there is no need of rethinking. We never knew that your commitment to cultural leaders is so sincere! Keep it up!!! I lament the moderation (the same feeling has been conveyed my many among the student community in the campus) that is thrust upon somebody who is trying to yell out the insensitivities of the hegemonic structures and people. It is highly unwarranted. This arrogance and exercise of power is hegemonic and this is what forums like greenyouth if they really mean to be progressive should counter. If this is how you make your forum a forum for forwards, well, keep going!!! Ranjit, keep your good work going. Regards Christy (All the Women Are White, All the Blacks Are Men, But Some of Us Are Brave) --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Green Youth Movement" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/greenyouth?hl=en-GB -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
