The perpetuation of the caste system across the globe

Caste, an uncomfortable word. Yet it persists across the globe including USA. Let's discuss a bit more.

Latin America:

The history and legacy of the caste system in Latin America.

1. Connection to colonialism: The caste system in Latin America arose during the colonial period as a tool for Spanish colonizers to maintain power and exert control over the indigenous and African populations. The system assigned social status based on racial categories and ancestry, with Europeans at the top and indigenous and African people at the bottom.

2. Persistence after independence: While formal legal aspects of the caste system may have been abolished after independence, its social and economic effects continue to resonate in many Latin American countries. This is partly due to the deeply ingrained racial hierarchies and prejudices that the system instilled, leading to ongoing inequalities in access to opportunities, resources, and social mobility.

3. Etymology and broader contexts: While the term "caste" is often associated with the Indian caste system, it's important to recognize that the systems in Latin America and India have distinct historical and social contexts. While the Latin American system was primarily based on skin color and ancestry, the Indian caste system is more complex, involving a wider range of factors like colonialism, occupation, religious practices, and ritual purity.

4. Ongoing struggle for equality: Recognizing the historical roots and contemporary ramifications of the caste system is crucial for understanding the social inequalities faced by many communities in Latin America. Addressing these issues requires ongoing efforts to dismantle discriminatory structures, promote equal opportunities, and combat racial prejudice.

India:

Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), often discussed the difference between caste and varna. It's crucial to understand this distinction, as his views have been both praised and criticized. Here's a breakdown:

Caste:

• Prabhupada's criticism: He strongly condemned the present-day caste system prevalent in India, viewing it as a misinterpretation of the Vedic scriptures and a source of discrimination and prejudice based on birth. He emphasized that people should be judged by their qualities and actions, not their birth.
• Key points:Rigid, birth-based system.Promotes discrimination and social injustice.Not true to the original understanding of varna.

Varna:

• Prabhupada's interpretation: He saw varna as a natural social order based on inherent qualities and aptitudes, not birth. He identified four varnas: Brahmanas (intellectuals and teachers), Kshatriyas (leaders and administrators), Vaishyas (businessmen and farmers), and Sudras (service providers).
• Key points:Based on individual qualities and inclinations, not birth.Promotes social harmony and cooperation.Idealized system, not necessarily reflective of historical reality.

The Mandal Commission, officially known as the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBC), was established in India in 1979 by the Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. Its main objective was to identify the socially or educationally backward classes (OBCs) and recommend ways to address their disadvantages.

Here are some key points about the Mandal Commission:

Background:

• India's caste system has historically placed certain groups at a disadvantage in terms of social status, education, and economic opportunities.
• The Indian Constitution provides reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in government jobs and educational institutions to address their historical disadvantage.
• However, there was no equivalent provision for OBCs, who also faced significant hardships.

Recommendations:

• The Mandal Commission identified 11 indicators to determine social and educational backwardness, including caste, occupation, economic status, and literacy levels.
• Based on these indicators, the commission recommended reserving 27% of government jobs and educational seats for OBCs.
• This recommendation sparked heated debate and protests across India, mainly from upper-caste groups who felt that the reservations would give unfair advantages to OBCs.

Impact:

• The Mandal Commission report was not immediately implemented due to the protests.
• However, a modified version of the recommendations was finally implemented in 1990 by the V.P. Singh government.
• This led to increased representation of OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions.
• The implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations has had a significant impact on Indian society, leading to increased social mobility and political participation among OBCs. However, it also continues to be a controversial topic with ongoing debates about affirmative action and its effectiveness.

USA:

• Historical Enslavement: Similar to the untouchable caste in India, African Americans were enslaved for centuries based solely on their race, creating a deeply entrenched hierarchy.
• Post-Emancipation Segregation: Even after slavery ended, Jim Crow laws and other discriminatory practices enforced racial segregation and denied African Americans equal opportunities in education, housing, employment, and voting. This limited their social mobility and perpetuated their disadvantage.
• Mass Incarceration: The disproportionate incarceration of African Americans, often for minor offenses, creates a criminalized caste, similar to how some caste systems label and marginalize specific groups.
• Systemic Racism: Today, systemic racism continues to disadvantage African Americans in various aspects of life, from healthcare and education to wealth and criminal justice. This creates a structural barrier to their advancement, resembling the rigid caste barriers in other societies.

Differences:

• Legality: Unlike formal caste systems, racial discrimination in the US is officially illegal, though its effects persist.
• Fluidity: While historical and present-day systems disadvantage African Americans, there are instances of upward mobility and success, unlike the strict birth-based limitations of some caste systems.
• Multiple Racial Groups: The US has a complex racial landscape with various groups facing discrimination, different from societies with a binary caste system.

Terminology:

• Some scholars and activists argue that the term "caste" accurately reflects the structural and historical realities faced by African Americans, while others prefer terms like "racial hierarchy" or "systemic racism" due to the specificities of the US context.

Recent developments:

• Seattle: In February 2023, Seattle became the first US city to explicitly ban caste discrimination, setting a precedent for other jurisdictions.
• Policy changes: Universities and organizations are starting to acknowledge caste discrimination and implement anti-discrimination policies.
• Growing movement: Grassroots movements and advocacy groups are raising awareness and pushing for legal protections against caste discrimination.

Europe:

The concept of a rigid caste system, like those seen in India or historically in Latin America, doesn't directly apply to Europe. However, there are aspects of historical and contemporary European society that share some similarities with caste systems, and it's important to critically examine these connections.

Historical Similarities:

• Feudalism: Medieval Europe had a hierarchical social structure with rigid class divisions. Nobility held power and land, while peasants were bound to their land and had limited social mobility. This system, though not based on birth like some caste systems, created significant social inequalities and limitations.
• Antisemitism: The persecution and marginalization of Jewish communities throughout European history shares some parallels with caste-based discrimination. It involved social exclusion, economic restrictions, and violence, even though it wasn't based on a formal caste system.

Contemporary Issues:

• Roma communities: Despite facing discrimination and marginalization based on ethnicity and culture, drawing direct parallels to a caste system can be oversimplifying. However, issues like social exclusion, limited access to opportunities, and negative stereotypes share some similarities with caste-based discrimination.
• Racism and systemic inequalities: While not a formal caste system, Europe still faces issues of racism and systemic inequalities based on origin, skin color, and cultural background. These inequalities limit opportunities and create disadvantage for certain groups, similar to how caste systems operate.

Important Considerations:

• Contextualizing Comparisons: Comparing different social systems can be helpful for understanding their dynamics, but it's crucial to avoid simplistic analogies. Europe's history and social structures are distinct from regions with formal caste systems.
• Focus on Discrimination and Inequality: Regardless of terminology, addressing issues of discrimination, social exclusion, and systemic inequalities should be the focus, regardless of whether they fit the strict definition of a caste system.
• Promoting Social Justice: Efforts to create a more just and equitable society in Europe require tackling issues like racism, xenophobia, and cultural marginalization, without neglecting the specificities of each context.

Japan:

Japan's relationship with a "caste system" is complex and requires careful consideration of historical and social nuances. While Japan didn't have a formal, rigid caste system like India or historically in Latin America, there have been hierarchical social structures with elements resembling caste systems within its history.

Historical Context:

• Feudal Era (Edo period, 1603-1868): Society was divided into four distinct classes:Samurai: The warrior class, holding the highest social status and political power.Peasants: The largest social class, responsible for agricultural production.Artisans: Craftsmen and skilled workers.Merchants: Engaged in trade and commerce.
• Burakumin: Considered an "outcast" group outside the class system, facing discrimination and social exclusion based on historical occupations deemed "impure."
• Meiji Restoration (1868): Officially abolished the feudal class system, aiming for a more egalitarian society. However, social hierarchies and prejudices persisted.

Contemporary Situation:

• Formal System Removed: There is no legal or formal caste system in place today.
• Burakumin Discrimination: While discrimination against Burakumin has lessened, they still face challenges in employment, housing, and social life.
• Subtle Hierarchies: Societal expectations and implicit biases based on factors like family background, education, and occupation can create informal social hierarchies.
• Social Exclusion: Some groups, like migrant workers and individuals with disabilities, may experience marginalization and limited opportunities, raising concerns about potential parallels to caste-based exclusion.

Caste system in Middle East:

Historical Systems:

• Dhimmi System: In Islamic empires, non-Muslims (Christians, Jews, etc.) held the status of "dhimmi," subjected to specific regulations and limitations. This wasn't strictly a caste system as dhimmis could practice their religion and engage in certain professions, but it created a distinct social hierarchy with religious affiliation as a key factor.
• Tribal Structures: Pre-Islamic and tribal societies in the region had hierarchical structures based on lineage, ancestry, and sometimes profession. While not rigid like a caste system, these structures could limit social mobility and influence status and opportunities.

Contemporary Issues:

• Sectarianism: Religious and sectarian divisions can lead to discrimination and marginalization of minority groups, creating social hierarchies. This isn't identical to a caste system, but can have similar consequences in terms of access to resources and opportunities.
• Social Class and Ethnicity: Socioeconomic inequalities and ethnic groups facing historical and ongoing discrimination (e.g., Kurds, Roma) experience disadvantages resembling aspects of caste-based systems. While not based solely on birth, these factors can significantly limit opportunities and perpetuate inequalities.
• Colorism and Skin Tone Preference: Lighter skin tones are often associated with higher social status and beauty standards, leading to discrimination and prejudice against darker-skinned individuals. This, although not identical to a caste system, shares similarities in perpetuating bias based on physical appearance.

Kenya Borana Caste System:

• Found among the Borana people in northeastern Kenya and southern Ethiopia.
• Divides the community into four distinct castes: Borana Gutu (pure), Gabra, Sakuye, and Watta (lowest).
• Primarily based on wealth and historical roles, rather than religious principles.
• The Watta caste faces significant social and economic marginalization and discrimination, despite some efforts to address these issues.

• Indigenous Ugandan society:Hierarchical structures based on age, lineage, and social roles exist within various ethnic groups.These structures, while not based on birth like formal caste systems, can create inequalities and influence access to resources and opportunities.Terms like "noble" and "commoner" might be used within some groups, but they don't directly translate to a caste system.

• Southern Ethiopia:Historically, some ethnic groups in southern Ethiopia, like the Gamo and Weyto, practiced social stratification with features resembling caste systems.These systems involved endogamy (marrying within the group), occupational specialization, and varying degrees of social interaction and acceptance between groups.Terms like "qesso" (artisans) and "buda" (considered "impure") were used, though their exact equivalency to Indian caste is debated.These practices were officially abolished by the Derg regime in the 1970s, and efforts have been made to address discrimination.However, scholars debate the lasting impact and whether informal elements or social stigma persist.

Egypt:

• Social Hierarchy: Ancient Egyptian society was undeniably highly stratified, with the pharaoh at the top, followed by priests, nobles, officials, artisans, peasants, and slaves.
• Endogamy: Some evidence suggests certain groups practiced endogamy (marrying within their group), which is a characteristic of some caste systems.
• Occupational Specialization: Different social groups were often associated with specific occupations, creating a degree of occupational inheritance.

• Fluidity: There is evidence of some social mobility in ancient Egypt, with individuals occasionally rising or falling in social status. This contradicts the rigid birth-based nature of true caste systems.
• Religious Basis: Unlike Indian and Latin American caste systems, the Egyptian social hierarchy wasn't primarily based on religious beliefs but rather on political and economic power.

Tanzania Bantu Ethnic Groups:

• Hierarchical Structures: Some Bantu ethnic groups have historical social hierarchies based on age, lineage, and traditional roles.
• Limited Mobility: While not based solely on birth like a caste system, these structures can limit opportunities and social mobility for certain individuals.
• Terms Used: Terms like "wazima" (elders) and "vijana" (youth) might describe social positions, but they don't directly translate to a caste system.

Congo Caste-like Practices:

• Pygmy Groups:The indigenous Pygmy groups (e.g., Twa, Mbuti) face significant marginalization and discrimination.Historically, they were viewed as subordinate to Bantu groups in some regions, facing exploitation and limited access to resources.This dynamic, while not identical to a caste system, shares similarities in terms of exclusion and social disadvantages based on group affiliation.Efforts are underway to address these inequalities and promote the rights of Pygmy groups.
• Endogamy and Social Hierarchies:Within certain Bantu ethnic groups, endogamy (marrying within the group) and hierarchical structures based on lineage, age, and occupation exist.These structures, while not as rigid as formal caste systems, can influence social interactions, access to resources, and opportunities.Terms like "bana nkumu" (elders) and "bana ba kyeti" (children of the village) might be used, but their meanings and implications vary across groups.

In an interview with Sandy Nixon in USA, Srila Prabhupada blasts the reporter when she claims the basis for caste is the Bhagavad gita.

"Sandy Nixon: The Gītā mentions the caste system.

Prabhupāda: Gītā, what mentions, do you know?

Sandy Nixon: The four castes and an untouchable caste.

Prabhupāda: What is that? On the basis of what?

Sandy Nixon: I can't locate it directly. But the Brahmā...

Prabhupāda: Brahmānanda. Who has said that this is caste system? This is not caste system. Cātur-var?ya? mayā s???a? gu?a-karma-vibhāga?a? (BG 4.13). According to quality and according to work, there are four divisions of men. Just like you can understand there are engineers and there are medical practitioners. So do you take them as caste? "Oh, he is engineer caste. He is medical caste." Do you say like that?

Sandy Nixon: I don't want to say what I feel, because I'm recording you. (laughs)

Prabhupāda: I'm asking you. I'm asking you...

Sandy Nixon: Well, I think there's always been castes. It's just that we don't recognize the fact that they're there.

Prabhupāda: No, recognize means if a man is qualified medical man we accept him as medical man. And if a man is qualified engineer, we accept him as engineer. Similarly, Bhagavad-gītā suggests—not suggest; it is there—there are four classes of men: the most intelligent class of men, the administrator class of men, the productive class of men and ordinary worker. That is already there. Bhagavad-gītā says how they should be classified, that "He belongs to this class, he belongs to that class." That is described in the Bhagavad-gītā, not that by birth, hereditarily, one becomes a caste. You don't try to misunderstand. The classification is already there: one class of men, very intelligent. Is he not there in the human society? Do you think all men are equally intelligent? Do you think? There must be one class, very highly intelligent class. So what are the symptoms of the intelligent class? That is described in the Bhagavad-gītā. The first-class intelligent man is he who can control his mind, who can control his senses, is very truthful, very clean, very simple, very tolerant, very advanced in knowledge, practical application of knowledge in life, and staunch faith in God. This is first-class man. So it is not within India, wherever you find all these qualities, he is first class man."

"So we are not introducing caste system, that any rascal born in a brāhma?a family, he becomes a brāhma?a. We don't accept that. A man who is first-class trained up to become a brāhma?a, we accept him. It doesn't matter whether he is India or Europe or America. It doesn't matter. We are trying to introduce this system. That is mentioned in the Bhagavad-gītā. Caste system means a man is born in a brāhma?a family, and if by habit he is fifth-class man, and he is accepted first-class man on account of birth. Similarly, a person, very intelligent, he can be adaptable to all first-class habit, but because he is born in a ?ūdra family, he is ?ūdra. We want to stop this nonsense. We are picking up first-class brain and training up how to become first-class men. This is our business. Not that introducing this rubbish thing. No, we are not introducing. Otherwise how I am offering them sacred thread? Now just see. Anyone from India, he will understand he is a first-class brāhma?a. We are training like that."

Conclusion:

The abominable caste system can be destroyed by using the techniques outlined by Srila Prabhupda. Let's us learn and then teach others.

References:

• Caste discrimination in the United States: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caste_discrimination_in_the_United_States
• Equality Labs: https://www.equalitylabs.org/
• Dalit Solidarity Committee: https://dalitsolidarity.org/
• The Movement to Outlaw Caste Discrimination in the U.S.: https://time.com/6252144/american-life-caste-isabel-wilkerson/
• Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
• The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
• Michelle Alexander's "The New Jim Crow"
• Website of the Equal Justice Initiative: https://eji.org/: https://eji.org/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandal_Commission
• https://vaniquotes.org/wiki/We_are_not_introducing_caste_system,_that_any_rascal_born_in_a_brahmana_family,_he_becomes_a_brahmana._We_don%27t_accept_that._A_man_who_is_first-class_trained_up_to_become_a_brahmana,_we_accept_him._It_doesn%27t_matter_whether_he_is_India,_Europe_or_America