Good Day World!
Let’s talk about social stratification today.
Specifically, I’m going to contrast modern India’s caste system with America’s current caste system.
Yes, a caste system has emerged in the United States. In the broad view you have the 1%ers versus the rest of the country. It’s a bit more complicated than that however.
A LOOK AT WHERE THE CASTE SYSTEM EMERGED
INDIA -According to Wikipedia, Brahminical texts are divided into four categories or varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Certain groups, now known as "Dalits", were excluded from the varna system altogether, ostracized by all other castes and treated as untouchables. Strongly identified with Hinduism, the caste system has been carried over to other religions on the Indian subcontinent, including Buddhism,Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism.
A LOOK TODAY
In 21st century America the differences between the Super Wealthy, the Politicians, the Corporate heads, and the Struggling Middle Class compare to India’s social system.
You start off with India’s Brahmins, then Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and finally the Shudras.
Our “untouchabables” wander the streets (just like in India), homeless, hopeless, mentally challenged, and often physically disabled. The unwashed millions neither country cares about. We call ourselves a democracy, yet we have our version of royalty.
Our kings/presidents often come from the same dynastic families; the Kennedy’s, the Bushes, and the Clintons. Our future seems ordained before we vote in 2016 for a new president. Two of the royal families have possible candidates – Hillary Clinton, and Jeb Bush.
Ironically, India got rid of the last of their monarchs 100 years ago. Their caste system however, is still hobbling along.
Social stratification is here to stay in both countries. I thought you might be interested in knowing this.
Time for me to walk on down the road…
No comments:
Post a Comment