I am glad Goanet is providing a venue for the healing process of people for whom caste injustices have long festered.
The abuse suffered by Native Indians in Canada provides a parallel to the caste abuse in the Goa of yesteryear. While the abuse in the case of the Native Indians was sexual and physical, in the case of Goa, it was mainly an affront to human dignity caused by poverty, although I will admit that human dignity and physical abuse are intimately interconnected. However I do not agree with Cornel that these injustices need intervention today. While no apology can be made for what happened, the caste structure among Goan Catholics was the dynamic of that period. It not longer exists in any meaningful form today, as the basis of that structure which was wealth and power and the means to generate it, have turned full circle. In other words, the shoe is now on the other foot. Indian democracy even though in it's most unpalatable forms, and emigration from Goa, has taken care of that. The remnants of the caste system do exist today, but mostly in it's ineffective forms and mostly in overseas Goan societies. I have two sets of cousins in Toronto, on my father's side from Africa and on my maternal side from India. While my ex-African cousins are completely caste-less, liberal and forward looking, my ex-Indian cousins are the opposite. They still feel that their children should marry within the same caste and have turned all stones to make this possible. This to me really, is their loss and not any loss to society though I will not let any opportunity pass to remind them of their backwardness and avoid their company as much as I can. Roland. 416-453-3371 On Dec 23, 2007 12:31 AM, JoeGoaUk <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Caste System: 'Chardi' with a priest in the family > > Ref: My earlier writing on caste sytem etc.. > I know some of you like it and some of you don't. > This is for those who like it (others may please look away now) > This is again about 'charddi' Caste, I am sorry, but this is something we > will > never forget.. > --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spread the Christmas Cheer, even when you're not here! Send classic greetings to your loved ones in Goa. EXPRESSIONS - 2007 Christmas Hamper Visit http://www.goa-world.com/expressions/xmas/ Or e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
