Nelson Mandela once profoundly stated, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
In a world that moves at a breakneck speed, society’s collective memory seems fleeting, with yesterday’s uproars fading into the background as swiftly as they erupted. A mere two days ago, social media and headlines were ablaze with the story of Kalamandalam Satyabhama, whose comments were laden with prejudice based on color, gender, and caste. Yet, the fervor has seemingly cooled following Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, pushing the incident to the fringes of our collective consciousness.
What struck a chord, beyond the debate over political correctness, was Satyabhama’s unapologetic stance. In the glare of the media, she boldly defended her casteist remarks, embodying a dangerous conviction in such divisive views.
Pride in Kerala’s high literacy rates and living standards often masks the darker undercurrents of societal prejudice. These instances aren’t rare aberrations but manifestations of deep-seated casteist beliefs.
As someone from the upper strata of society, I’ve been shielded from the brunt of discrimination. Yet, the mention of caste ignites a visceral reaction in me. I recall, with a mix of anger and disgust, being questioned about a friend’s caste as if it defined their worth. Now, as a father, I cringe when my daughter’s skin color or appearance is praised over her character. I yearn for a world where she is valued for who she is, not how she looks.
The disturbing reality is that Satyabhama’s views reflect a broader societal mindset, one that seeps into the corridors of power, perpetuating discrimination. This toxic attitude is bolstered by various factors, including the influence of caste system, societal narratives, and cultural traditions, all of which contribute to a culture of discrimination.
The notion that classical dance isn’t suited for male performers is one such stereotype that needs to be dismantled. Artists like Pandit Birju Maharaj, Ramlal Bareth, and Lachhu Maharaj have shattered these misconceptions, demonstrating that talent knows no gender or beauty standards.
Statements like Satyabhama’s not only discourage aspiring artists but also undermine efforts towards inclusivity, inflicting emotional and psychological harm on those already marginalized by caste or gender discrimination.
Such remarks blatantly violate the principles of equality enshrined in Articles 15 of the Indian Constitution, serving as a stark reminder of the societal changes still required.
We must initiate robust public discourse and uplift marginalized voices consistently. It’s imperative to scrutinize the effectiveness of policymakers’ actions regularly. Let us all commit to being active agents of change, holding ourselves and others accountable, striving for a future where incidents like these are relics of the past.