equality
Friday, 28. September 2007, 18:11:32
the scourge of india for millenia is not even a subject of controversy. the caste system: it seems it is like the black dot that is what they call in our southern states a chigger. one must take a sharp razorblade and operate on one's own callous to be rid of the pain.
although i have known about castes in india for many years it was kiran's blog which got me started thinking about it... somehow i assumed that caste was not taken seriously in india anymore. more research shows that things haven't changed at all. there has been no unilateral emancipation such as our emancipation proclamation so compelling a document by mr. lincoln that it took 100 years to enforce.
http://my.opera.com/Kiranut1/blog/ kiran is very devoted to enlightening the world that the caste system is alive and well but cruel and unfair.
in spite of gandhiji's advice, the brahmin callous is complacent, fearing no evil.
the antiquated tradition is supported by superstition as is evidenced in this
tale i have re-told leaving only the 'bones'
below is my friend saya, a bosnian. who, thanks to intolerance, lost her whole family during the war.
she is now married to an exiled colonel and has a pretty girl named 'laila'.
i did this drawing of saya at the outdoor cafe' called mao's across the street from the venice beach hostel where i first became acquainted with her and "dj". their story of displacement is a direct result of that enormous hindrance to the happiness of mankind which we refer to as intolerance,(if you don't believe what i believe, i hate you.).
we are all created equal. we could love one another.
although i have known about castes in india for many years it was kiran's blog which got me started thinking about it... somehow i assumed that caste was not taken seriously in india anymore. more research shows that things haven't changed at all. there has been no unilateral emancipation such as our emancipation proclamation so compelling a document by mr. lincoln that it took 100 years to enforce.
http://my.opera.com/Kiranut1/blog/ kiran is very devoted to enlightening the world that the caste system is alive and well but cruel and unfair.
in spite of gandhiji's advice, the brahmin callous is complacent, fearing no evil.
the antiquated tradition is supported by superstition as is evidenced in this
tale i have re-told leaving only the 'bones'
below is my friend saya, a bosnian. who, thanks to intolerance, lost her whole family during the war.
she is now married to an exiled colonel and has a pretty girl named 'laila'.
i did this drawing of saya at the outdoor cafe' called mao's across the street from the venice beach hostel where i first became acquainted with her and "dj". their story of displacement is a direct result of that enormous hindrance to the happiness of mankind which we refer to as intolerance,(if you don't believe what i believe, i hate you.).
we are all created equal. we could love one another.
(13%)
Saya's sketch is cool. So, she and her hubby and daughter are staying in hostels across the US?
Personally, I think if a country has problems, instead of running away the people of that country should stay there and fix it or at least stay near that country so they can fix it easier, instead of coming here and telling their sad stories, especially since the Bosnians I know say how much greater their country was before the war, better than the US; and how they live here in the US and don't consider themselves US citizen first even when they get US citizenship!
By momable, # 28. September 2007, 19:06:41
thanks for the good questions.
hmmm good point about the bosnians.
he would be killed if he went back and she has nothing to go back to. but you're right in general. he has a right to complain though since he was an experienced structural engineer before the war. now he is selling t-shirts in las vegas.
about the story from an ancient indian manuscript(hindu); it implies that if a shudra were to meditate he might reach a spiritual level which would require that he be made a brahmin. that would upset the balance of the caste system... and put him even higher than a king. since the king is ksyatria, or noble, warrior class, and the brahmin is of the highest caste... which is spiritually trained and more brainy.
it was considered to be a movent down, or involution of a hitherto perfect world (raja yuga , golden age), where every one knew their place and accepted it. then no one would still or kill etc., and there would be no disease. the (kali yuga, dark age), which according to hindu tradition is the age we are living in is considered to be an age of chaos where all the vices are rampant and life doen't have the same meaning as when there is order.
the shudra was wrong to meditate from the point of view of the ancient social system.
my main reason for posting this is that i think they should 'free the slaves', just as we did after the civil war. it may be a dark age but it can be better if we treat each other as equals under god.as it is, in india now, the shudras are not even allowed to pursue a good education.
gandhi tried to change the system and there was a lot of furor about it. but the system is entrenched because the 'power elite' keep it that way so they will have servants.
By I_ArtMan, # 28. September 2007, 19:52:45
I saw a documentary on these men that dress and groom themselves as if they are women in India and they go around blessing or cursing people. They were being hired as money collectors! So, some people are using the system to the benefit of these men-women and business. The men-women were very happy to have a job and the business was very happy they were so efficient at collecting the money!
Thanks for explaining the story. So, the point was that the lower caste people became higher than the king after they got killed?
Why can't the structural engineer get a job? Perhaps he is making a good living selling tee-shirts or likes doing that better than his engineer job? Why would he be killed? I mean, I understand being killed if he was an exsoldier with war crimes or he helped build nasty stuff; or is he saying educated Bosnians are just killed if they are male?
I personally know someone who is a lawyer, and has a bunch of degrees; but he is happiest being a barber/hairdresser and as such has his own hairdressing shop and runs it with his employees. He says he makes more money doing hair than he would at entry level jobs that he could get with all his degrees. Ain't that something?
By momable, # 28. September 2007, 20:32:46
I think this is all a part of our ignorance- not knowing we're all equal inside and thereby destroying our own selves.
By symphonied, # 29. September 2007, 16:31:45
but see, no one really knows. it's just a system similar to the carrot suspended before the eyes of the donkey who suffers the work of pulling the cart because he is fooled that he is going towards the carrot.
i believe that with education and self-determination we all have a birthright to become reasonable men who choose non violent lawful obedience to order and self-fulfillment in this lifetime. we don't really need to be tricked into being 'good'. we know what is good and struggle to align ourselves quietly with productive activities.
if we work on ourselves even the wind from the samurai sword approaching our face would not disturb our peace of mind.... just an analogy.
i daresay you must know more than i then miss 'symphonied'.
i was raised hedonistically, an atheist. it's taken my whole life to craft a spiritual attitude in myself.
it's an advantage in a way because i experience that we all have two natures. we wish we were one with one aim but we are changing every day. how do we remember to cleave to our higher aspiration.
By I_ArtMan, # 29. September 2007, 20:02:41
Oh, and make that 'Miss B'
By symphonied, # 30. September 2007, 02:19:35
Being spiritual does not mean you have to deprive yourself! Being spiritual does not mean you have to suffer.
I believe the Creator is a loving parent, a loving God! Why would such a Being want people to suffer or deprive themselves. Doesn't make any sense. People who suffer or deprive themselves for the Creator, it is their intent, which is to please God, that please God, not the pain or suffering or deprivation. So, conversely, if you strive to please God and you are extremely rich, the Creator will be happy, too!
The deprived be proud you are suffering, be happy you are poor attitude was spread by the religions and governments to control the populations by "brainwashing" them to accept their conditions because after this life heaven awaits. Equals no riots, no takeovers because they say "God" wants people to be poor, deprived, suffer.
Concerning being an atheist, I don't believe anyone can truly be one. Every time someone is thankful or enjoying nature or anything, the thanks and enjoyment feelings automatically go on to the Creator. You might not call something "God, Creator" but everyone knows there is and "Initiator". What else but a God-Creator could an initiator be???
By momable, # 30. September 2007, 03:49:37
By momable, # 30. September 2007, 03:50:24
By momable, # 30. September 2007, 03:51:15
god is good. but there is a devil too, or what leads people astray.
thank you for the honest dialogue eliane.
oh, yes i am the young man in my banner and the old guy too.
symphonied... just keep digging deep. you're doing great.
By I_ArtMan, # 30. September 2007, 06:22:44
Exactly what i think, momable.
I believe in an initiator, and if people are comfortable with the name "God" i'll call it that. What i dont believe in is that God is a He or a She or even perhaps an It. I believe in a power, whatever that is, a source of energy, a "something" where the universe (and if there's anything else other than a universe) originated from, it could even be a point. I respect (which happens to be my way of worshipping "God") that source and believe in its existence.
By symphonied, # 30. September 2007, 10:56:26
By Liu, # 30. September 2007, 22:09:22
liu, je suis enchante'... 'jolie artman'; merci pour le mot joli.
je suis heureux que vous avez visite' mon blog. retourne vous plus de temps. nous parlonerai francais si vous correcte' mes responses.
chiao
By I_ArtMan, # 30. September 2007, 23:50:48
I say if it is said that every part of god's body is divine,then people who r said to be created from god's feet should also be called high castes.
The second excuse that is given for the perverted caste system is 'Theory of Karma(deeds):a person is given a perticular caste label according to his karmas(deeds) in his previous life.
Then what would you call the humans whose deeds in the present life is to oppress,exploite other humans?
For centuries so called low caste people didn't have the right to education,only so called high caste brahman men had 100% reservation in education.It's just like only one person ran the race and said he came first because of his merit.
In many scriptures you'll find that it's said that if a Shudra listens to 'vedas',hot metal should be poured into his ears.
By KYren, # 1. October 2007, 02:56:06
it may be useful for some people. but i wish people could just be good on their own understanding. do unto others as you would have them do to you.
and mind your own problems instead of trying to change the world in some way to suit your understanding. then there would be peace.
if someone works they should be paid. if someone needs help they should be helped. if anyone is sick they must be given everything necessary to get them back on their feet again.
By I_ArtMan, # 1. October 2007, 04:42:12
'je suis heureux que vous avez visite' mon blog. retourne vous plus de temps. nous parlonerai francais si vous correcte' mes responses.
chiao'
should be
'je suis heureux que vous AYEZ visité mon blog. REVENEZ plus SOUVENT. Nous PARLERONS français si vous CORRIGEZ mes RéPONSES.
Ciao'
No big mistakes. And yes, I'll come back to discuss with you in french.
Please have a look to the Pacific Ocean for me, I might see it through your eyes... (I forgot to tell you I got super powers
By Liu, # 1. October 2007, 11:03:12
i am headed for the beach right now, after a few errands. i will take a good long look for you.
By I_ArtMan, # 1. October 2007, 16:24:58
I like your avatar and your banner.
Later,
By Liu, # 1. October 2007, 21:09:53
quand bloggez-vous? lmao now i'm inventing french words.
By I_ArtMan, # 1. October 2007, 23:08:25
That's a pretty broad stroke for such an open minded person. Especially when you almost repeat the Bible's own definition of "Religion"
James 1:27
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
Very interesting. Sounds like theres a lot of sense in some as well.
BTW, very good drawings. You've captured something in the eyes that goes beyond the graphite and paper. Love to see more.
By Wezall, # 2. October 2007, 05:25:02
By knighthood_gvc, # 2. October 2007, 15:33:50
Non, non, blogger est un anglicisme accepté par la langue française
I do not dare to blog, let me think of it Monsieur Joli Artman ...
By Liu, # 2. October 2007, 18:40:32
By Arnekrilu, # 7. October 2007, 14:05:42
then everyone around us begins to scribble on it. no longer spotless.
(what is the solution, then?)
By I_ArtMan, # 7. October 2007, 15:46:49
By momable, # 7. October 2007, 17:04:15
By Arnekrilu, # 7. October 2007, 20:15:49
By sukku, # 9. October 2007, 14:08:14
By KYren, # 9. October 2007, 18:08:32
By sukku, # 10. October 2007, 02:08:41
my opinion is that it is ingrained in the unconscious minds of all people that one is more priviledged than another due to a confidence in the status quo... as if every quality of human beings were comparable to the specific gravity of elements.
then on the conscious side.... those who wield power now, distinctly talk with forked tongues as the american indian is famous for noticing.
man is a lying animal. to be fair... i 'm sure the indiginous tribes of early america were just as capable of lying as the invading white race.
therefore, nothing short of a renaissance of conscience as a moment to moment functioning in humans wielding their swords and exercising viable factors in decision making, will ever bring about the world that visionaries can forsee.
thanks mom for the input.
and thanks kiran for furthering this dialogue.... although i have to invent a new word for blogging communications... something more like a multilogue.... even better... a myrialogue. since myriads of people may conceivably, at least be reading. reading and ideally, thinking.
sukku,
it's your fault that i expanded my thoughts on the subject of equality.
and i will summarize with the proposition; the greatest common good is that every human must have the opportunity to exercise his right to pursue happiness without hindrances caused by prejudices regarding race.
which i can see is a growing up of the whole human race. growing up is all the world needs. an awakening of the consciousness to the consequences of actions.
By I_ArtMan, # 10. October 2007, 04:17:28
P.s I will post a blog on the difference that we can make on my blog today....titled make a difference........
By sukku, # 10. October 2007, 04:41:35
The victims of the bigotry have the right to stop the unjustice done to them,like the victims of a theft have the right to demand the thief to be arrested.
I think it's the time for the opressed homosapiens to be awaken coz it's only them who can bring the justice for themselves.
By KYren, # 10. October 2007, 05:18:47
But I agree with you that the oppressed human beings have to wake up and say enough is enough....for the change to be brought about....but then again being oppressed ...it falls on a deaf ear...as the oppressor is high and mighty....even after sometime when the oppressed is given power/rule....there would be a class distinction....amongst them...it's a viscious cycle....now what would you say to that?
By sukku, # 10. October 2007, 05:31:43
Should it be lawful to state one's beliefs about what is right and what is wrong. Should a person be arrested for saying, "This way is evil and that is holy"
? Any thoughts
By Wezall, # 10. October 2007, 06:12:09
By I_ArtMan, # 10. October 2007, 06:30:08
By KYren, # 10. October 2007, 06:36:33
By Wezall, # 10. October 2007, 07:01:19
By KYren, # 10. October 2007, 07:09:09
By Wezall, # 10. October 2007, 07:12:14
By sukku, # 10. October 2007, 07:35:09
By KYren, # 10. October 2007, 07:43:46
By sukku, # 10. October 2007, 08:01:40
By Arnekrilu, # 10. October 2007, 08:12:55
i could be wrong. new knowledge can change attitudes.
also, i don't think we have to wait for generations to turn on important issues. the apollonian/dionysian revolution is perpetual.
the new generations supplant the old and then become crystalized in new misunderstandings.
that's why change is not brought about by legislation but by spreading the principles of searching one's own mind for what is good. and by that i don't mean the 'thinking machine', we call our head. i mean our thinking hearts. or you could say our consciences.
By I_ArtMan, # 10. October 2007, 08:45:19
By sukku, # 10. October 2007, 08:52:13
By KYren, # 10. October 2007, 08:54:25
By sukku, # 10. October 2007, 09:09:19
By I_ArtMan, # 10. October 2007, 09:12:55
By sukku, # 10. October 2007, 09:20:10
if i were a school teacher i would recommend that all of my students watch this movie. because it's a mystery how good propagates good; just as evil produces more evil. the simple story kind of hints at a mystery similar to karma.
By I_ArtMan, # 10. October 2007, 09:26:22