The American Caste System

A caste system? In the United States? I say yes.

You probably have a general sense about caste. It is a hierarchical social structure readily characterized as a pyramid: priests and teachers (Brahmins) are at the very top, with Dalits or Untouchables at the very bottom. “Often criticised for being unjust and regressive, it remained virtually unchanged for centuries, trapping people into fixed social orders from which it was impossible to escape.” (1)

Is societal function in America somewhat analogous?

For the sake of argument, consider these highly simplistic categorizations.

Corporate and governmental leaders and the wealthy are Brahmins. Many are Caucasians of European origin. Many are men.

Deeply ingrained and pervasive sexism places women a level below.

Perhaps the so-called middle classes come next.

Untouchables are the sick, the poor, the homeless, the hungry, the educationally deprived, the lesser advantaged, the differently abled, and people of color.

Systemic societal deprivation exerted upon Untouchables subjects them to lives of misery and despair. Their destinies may be directed by the social and economic circumstances into which they are born.

The very thought of equal protection is, in practice, farcical. Equal opportunity? Forget about it. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? A cruel hoax.

I do not for one moment view Untouchables with condescension, or in a pitying or patronizing way. I desperately wish that they be made full and whole.

May the very loose and simplistic characterization of Untouchables that I suggest here help galvanize us to act.

And may I suggest that individual action is the best place to start.

Source:

(1) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-35650616