India
is a primitive society is a well-documented fact, and that the elite (class-caste overlap) are depraved lot is known too. It is in this milieu that
hilarities packed as concerns for discrimination makes it unannounced presence, as some
kind of revelation, holiday surprise. That the cherished identities of most
Indians i.e. Hindus perniciously extending to other religions in the intensity
of camaraderie (in particular the elite) is in itself sustaining on
discrimination, and that the nature of social relation herein is discriminatory, is
hidden under carpet with characteristic alacrity. Gandhi mopped it in with
exaggerated concern for nonviolence, a well-placed joke on a sedate society in trance
in the brutal realities, incapacitated by its own cannibalistic tendencies. Taken
out of context nonviolence exhibits itself as compassionate and nuanced
response, in Indian reality though it was a clever attempt on status quo, a
devious ploy to contain and subjugate the discriminated people –the mass
majority, who lived in horrendous world created by debauched elite. Discrimination is part of Indian way of life it truly is the foundation of individual identity, shared by family, expressed
by clans, cherished by society and a pointer for upgradation in next life in depraved scheme of things.
Each occupation
that is part of ‘tradition’ can be traced as an outcome of discrimination. Statistics
of people working in most dreadful and exploitative surroundings point to
historically brutalised section. Merit is traced to competitions that
disadvantage the majority, while competence itself is in flawed premise. Rot
learning without any involvement or reference to surrounding create merit that
is unskilled to realities while the skilled are deemed as waste. This
mediocrity is celebrated, as India is described as service industry giant. Meaning
bimbos ready to caress the investors, meaning help, hawk, sell whatever. Service
industry is a euphemism for junk society, where brain dwells in tongue and
facial expressions, a thoughtless world that seeks thoughtlessness, predatory
on weakness, hyping to trap. No wonder Indian elite consider themselves god
ordained competent, market has only emboldened their self-worth. Truth can be quite humbling. Competence is much nuanced understanding that necessarily is ability
to comprehend deeply (ie more than the value/use associated), knowledge that leads to understanding, a convergence of
thoughts. Nice talks (preferred in English) cannot create competence. Demographic
dividends are hinged on flawed perceptions and exaggerations ably goaded by primitive elders. The
reason why money, perks, prestige, position, power etc. are paramount considerations
hence define competence.
Statistics
will point to unusually large presence of squatters in areas that is source of
easy money, the chelas mopping up the
rest. Clearly if temple priest were/are squatters then that is traditional discrimination
on others. This is the core of tradition, extend it to other fields and you
will see the blatant discriminations. Taking the example of angst filled media,
wonder what makes squatters so competent. Likes of Sardesai (I have nothing
personally against this fellow, just that this moron had the temerity to put
his neck out. Unfortunate audacity) swing from one channel to another, as if is
epitomizing competence. Any day I can speak much better than him, if I can then
millions of people can, it is as stupid. But will I take such an offer i.e. to speak nonsense? (he sparkles during exit poll inane talks, also stupid talks
surrounding cricket or juvenile surveys). Ofcourse not, it is too embarrassing
(long time back I was offered one in radio channels that I refused. I was
aiming on interviewing authors. Why should one be speaking if it doesn’t make
any sense?). Complete absence of "dalits" and tribes from lucrative jobs, and
over presence of squatters points to serious discriminations. This is
irrespective of any religion. Coming to the middle class Muslim boy facing
discrimination…well what is shocking is blatant nature of denying him the job.
This is rare, since these are dealt in a nuanced way. Like when Sardesai is
asserting his primitive identity he is expressing his camaraderie which works to
enhance his career, as this will be echoed. In effect he is cleverly pushing out
the competition, and establishing his brand (Desai understands, Guha sends his
tweets). These subtleties carefully scrutinized shows entrenched favoritism and inbuilt discriminations. Attempts to stretch from sickularism to secularism will be closely
scrutinized.
Apart from
flawed understanding on competence, nepotism, that defines Indian society, is undoubtedly
cause of serious discrimination. It denies others the opportunity. Hereditary transactions are source of discrimination. These
degrade the system and give way to corruption and sleaze hence becomes source
of exploitation. Population increase put serious pressure on resources hence the
weaker section is seriously stressed, as the space gets reduced they pay the
price, hence further discriminated. With low HDI (IMR, U5MR) poorer sections fertility rate
will be high but that doesn’t explain increased progenies of elite sections. Every
child born (where they could easily adopt) shows entrenched biases and
insecurities that ofcourse is discriminatory. Amartya Sen therefore (despite
his groovy talks and books) becomes a source for discrimination, as his more
number of progenies have dwindled the opportunities for others in particular
the marginalized. Every time resources are wasted/overused, especially food,
it is a source for discrimination on others, understanding that about 40% of
people in this country go without food.
It is
in this context that one has to understand the angst of liberal sickular elites,
it is a habitual problem. A middle class boy, with Muslim name, was
discriminated against in a job selection becomes the latest rallying point. It is
an unfortunate event, the law should be applied stringently and guilty punished
for discriminations. But this attempt on stretching it from sickularism to
secularism is a constant struggle in this section, this time it is couched in
ideas of liberal fairness hence modernity. Therefore now the elite with muslim
names are automatically victims, Crude Woman who is desperately languishing in
sidelines has opportunity for resurrection (and ofcourse create more misery for
others), manipulate her way and ironically discriminate (how many genuine
talents lost out as she manipulated her national awards so on, despicable). Lastly,
coming to Muslim angst, this blogger has written this earlier too. Religion is
not sacrosanct, indeed it can never be. These cannot be indulged beyond a
point. It is quite clear that the world is facing severely due to atrocities
emanating in the name of religion. Islam (particularly the horrible version of Sunni) is undoubtedly becoming a source for
misery for large section of people around the world. Non-muslims have very
credible reasons to be suspicious of a religion that seems to relegate it as non-entities,
indeed dehumanised. ISIS is only extending it by brutal executions. It is
therefore quite natural that Muslims explore the choice of rejecting religion
altogether or shifting to some other faith. It is difficult to play it both
ways and expect empathy. We live in civilized world in which each individual
has a choice to decide what faith to follow or not. If something is giving
untold misery then one should drop it or try be less arrogantly assertive. The world is increasingly becoming brutal
place, it is unfortunate that common people are getting trapped
in the cross fire. In the meanwhile it is duty of the state to promote secular
thoughts and philosophies, as also crux of all religions, as also against religion, in schools. People
must be in a position to choose, they cannot be born into something. That is how
you define liberal society. I guess too much is being compromised in the name
of religion as also pernicious nature of minority rights that only values
religion. The genuine minority issues that needs attention is relegated.
