Reply #32: Too bad...

[manic expression]

the AIT is the most blatantly wrong historical theories. The fact that you give it any shred of credibility is laughable, especially since the AIT is based on the Biblical premise that the Earth was created in 4004 BC, a number determined by experts...and by experts I mean Christian clergy in 1650. :rofl: I also hope you take comfort in the fact that you have an "open mind" on not only the most debunked theory in recent history, but a theory which is popular with Christian fundamentalists (as well as bigots). Please, you are making a mockery of history itself.

Read up:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/history/history5.shtml

I would like to remark on that bit of news. This was a case of a more powerful group trying to consolidate resources after a disaster...do you think this does not happen anywhere else? A group was faced with a disaster, and tried to help themselves at the expense of another group, which is not an unheard of reaction. I would like to remind you that after these reports were heard of, the Indian people and their government gathered a great amount of aid for those who had been subject to prejudice. Furthermore, you can find such abuses done to Brahmins, who are the highest level on the caste system:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1505920,00.html

If you look at the link, you will see that the most "elite" groups are oppressed, which should tell you something (to be specific, it should tell you that you're wrong). In conclusion, caste oppression is the result of certain conditions, which cause groups to consolidate power and use it for gain (again, know that this happens to those on the HIGHEST level of the caste system).

Another thing that should clue you in to reality is that virtually all of this discrimination occurs in very rural areas, and even then in especially reactionary rural areas. These are very rare and isolated occurences which are very much exceptions. You're using a terribly broad brush, and besides that you have absolutely no grasp of what you should be painting (refer to my arguments above). All this contributes to the fact that you are woefully incorrect.

I would also like to remind you of what is happening in NOLA right now, where more powerful groups are consolidating resources from other groups. India reacted in a similar way (although those reports were not very numerous when you look at the size of the catastrophe) as those in America have, although Hurricane Katrina cannot be seriously compared to the far worse tsunami.

Most importantly, Hinduism has nothing to do with the caste system. It is a social structure, not a religious one. I challenge you to find a single shred of real justification for the caste system in Hindu teachings...you will not find any.