Every time the topic of reservation comes up, people seem to get their diapers in a bunch, often getting so defensive like they just got caught doing something evil. And their argument is that reservation has existed for so many decades and must not continue because…
1. Casteism is a thing of the past.
2. Educational institutions treat everyone equally.
3. There is no discrimination against Dalits in today’s India, at least not in educated circles.
4. Untouchability is a thing of the past.
5. Upper castes are more aware of their privilege now.
6. It’s not that difficult for Dalits to find jobs.
7. Everyone is treated equally in this country.
8. Why do we need to make everything about caste? Sometimes, it’s just the patriarchy.
No, really, it’s just about the patriarchy.
9. The government protects Dalits more than any other community.
10. Reservation has already done its job, using it anymore would be reverse casteism.
11. Very few people in India are casteists anymore.
The caste system is the problem, not reservation. Casteism is the problem, not reservation. And till the time, caste exists in this country, casteism will continue to thrive and reservation is the least this country can do for its people that have been oppressed and treated inhumanely by the oldest form of apartheid known to mankind for 3,500 years.