Date: Tue, 4 Dec 2007 20:13:31 -0500
From: "basilio Monteiro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>
Some excerpts:
>
The perniciousness of the caste in Goan society was
battled decades ago and continues to be battled till
today, and statements were made, and positions staked.
Documents were issued, etc. and those interested
launched themselves quietly to change the minds and
hearts of the people on the issue of caste.
>
The confrontational approach has not solved the
problem; on the contrary, people have solidified their
positions as a challenge to the confrontational
approach, even though they have had come to an
intellectual understanding that caste is a bad idea.
Confrontationalists have, in many instances,
aggravated the situation between various groups. And
the confromtationalsts think of themselves as heroes.
Meanwhile, they have destroyed, many times
irreparably, the quiet, subtle but solid
transformations taking place in some communities.
>
There are lot of people who work or ACT quietly behind
the scenes, and accomplish much more.
>
Cornel, what makes you to think that I have not
thought of ACTION? Just because you do not know about
it?
>
After reading this post, if someone is led to
construct that I "shield" and "protect" caste among
the Goan Catholics, so be it.
>
Mario responds:
>
Basilio,
>
Taking the last two excerpts first, your approach to
the abomination of caste can be summarized as ACTION
that is unconfrontational and behind the scenes, which
you believe will be effective in changing people's
hearts and minds, which is the goal of every
anti-castist. OK. Fine. I'm glad that you are
actively trying to address the issue.
>
On the other hand, you also say that this system is
pernicious and, even though it has been battled for
decades, continues today.
>
I do not even recognize your observation that
confrontation has been tried and has made things
worse. I have seen or heard very few Goans even
speaking out against caste, leave alone confronting
it. When I bring up the subject among Goan elites,
they quickly want to change the subject.
>
You seem to be saying that there are some who agree
intellectually that the caste system is wrong, yet
will not change their behavior because they are
confronted by someone who strongly suggests that the
system is wrong. What kind of logic is that? Their
intransigence proves that they are NOT intellectually
convinced that the system is wrong.
>
Let's take Goanet as an example, which is a decent
sample of the Goan community. I can count on one hand
those confronting the problem aggressively, whereas
there are also those trying to explain and make all
kinds of excuses for the system, indicating either no
desire for change or couldn't care less whether there
is change or not.
>
When there is manifest discrimination being
perpetrated by a dominant elite that clearly benefits,
a system that requires nothing other than an accident
of birth to divide people, and the system has
continued for millenia, the quiet, behind the scenes
approach is no longer good enough, in my opinion.
>
I understand that it is YOUR preferred approach, which
you feel comfortable with. If it has changed anyone's
heart or mind is anyone's guess, but it is better than
nothing.
>
Would the Brits have left India without being
confronted by Mahatma Gandhi? Would the Portuguese
have left Goa without being confronted by Indira
Gandhi? Would the US have achieved full civil rights
for all without being confronted by Martin Luther
King, Jr.? Would South Africa have abolished
apartheid without being confronted by Nelson Mandela?
>
After 5,000 years, I just think it is time to raise
the stakes.
>
