Urban rules of untouchability by Nisary Mahesh and Asha Menon (Media Voice (Tamil Nadu))
There is a polite silence around exclusion based on caste that happens in the cities. We trace the unstated rules through which it operates.
Rule 1
A good place to start is the capital city. Here, your house broker will mysteriously become too busy for you if you are a Dalit. [...]
Rule 2
While looking for a house, be prepared for questions on your caste. [...]
Rule 3
Neighbourhoods can be very choosy. [...]
Rule 4
Common pathways are not open to all. [...]
Rule 5
It is best not to assert your Dalit identity. [...]
Rule 6
There are separate benches for different castes, even in reputed educational institutes. [...]
Rule 7
City planning officials will have no qualms about exploiting the caste divide in slums, often to the detriment of backward castes. [...]
Rule 8
You may not be good enough to sit next to foreign clients or for a flight ticket. [...]
Rule 9
The definition of ‘merit’ at work will not be inclusive. [...]
Rule 10
You can be under tremendous pressure to perform, to prove yourself worthy of the ‘benefits’ given by the government. [...]
Rule 11
Domestic help cannot use the same toilets or same water filters. [...]
Rule 12
Even the gods will discriminate. [...]
Rule 13
Pooja rooms are a no-enter zone for domestic help. [...]
Rule 15
We are all friends till dinnertime. [...]
Rule 16
Humour is often used to sugar-coat offensive statements and behaviour. [...]
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