[Buddha-l] Dalits --caste--upward mobility (?) in India

[jkirk]

We have talked on this list from time to time about the
injustices of caste in the Buddha's home territory, India.
Here's an article about one dalit man who's become a big-man, and
his theories about how the caste system will end. (Also a link to
a series of slides including one of Mr Prasad.) Note that he says
dalits will marry Brahmins--well---not likely as a means of
upward mobility, very rare indeed-- but part of the dalit
imaginary, as can be seen in some of the literature.  The phrase
is comparable to the US imaginary idea that "anyone can become
president" (borne out this week in someone's pick for VP).
 
Crusader Sees Wealth as Cure for India Caste Bias 
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/world/asia/30caste.html?_r=1&or
ef=slogin 
 
and
 
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/08/30/world/20080829CASTE_i
ndex.html 

Joanna