How to deal with racism and enmity based on religion and
caste is not an easy question to answer, nor is there a convincing resolution
readily available. If people believe that having a white complexion is an
advantage, or that being born into the Brahmin caste carries inherent value,
then simply asking them to be kind and behave democratically does not solve the
issue. One can choose to withdraw from democracy; one can isolate oneself,
immune to all appeals for change.
There is little point in revolting against a Brahmin or a
white person for their self-understanding as privileged beings, because they
will not recognise the reason behind the revolt and will resist in return.
However, if we explain to them—and to ourselves—why these identifications
arose, we can dismantle prejudice until it becomes nothing.
Once we study the origins of racism or casteism, we will be
convinced that such valuations are merely products of history and culture.
There is no natural reason why black or white should be considered superior to
the other. There is no reason why one caste should be regarded as better than
another. When we reach the deepest level of explanation, we will realise that
all these valorisations are man-made, with nothing natural about them.
Mukundanunni
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