| Caste system can find its roots in Hindu texts, although just like other religious texts it is possible to defend it interpretation. For example, Shambuka's story [1]. In any case, the only credible interpretation will be to see the implementation in practice. Caste system is modern day slavery or worse, and unless you're Indian (and especially unless you're from a caste lower down the hierarchy) it's difficult to comprehend. It's woven into the social fabric - even people's names carry their caste so it's often possible to discriminate or favor immediately on introduction. People usually do not marry castes lower in the hierarchy, so this is perpetuated over generations. It's changing, but not fast enough. For those who are unfamiliar: - Untouchability still exists in a big way in India. Even today, many Brahmins don't touch (or share meals, space etc) with Shudras. Yeah, not kidding. - Caste based discrimination at the work place is rampant. Which is a big reason why there are fewer lower castes in the org hierarchy. - Violence against lower castes happen every day. - The situation continues to be so bad that there exist elaborate laws to make sure you don't get insulted or harmed over caste. [2] - Caste is (nearly always) assigned at birth. Finally, I don't wanna get into Godwin's law territory. But Indians should refrain from arguing about the merits of the caste system, in the same way nobody ever says "but Nazism isn't all bad." [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shambuka [2]: https://www.hrw.org/reports/2001/globalcaste/caste0801-03.ht... |