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For the Future
This blaming of Brahmins is a good ploy for groups who stand to
make political gains through anti-Brahminism. The Brahmins have made
their mistakes, but they have not been uniquely or particularly
responsible for the difficulties in the country. The real problems
in India come from lack of national unity, which cannot be based
upon blaming a particular group in society.
In this situation what should the Brahmins do? First of all they
should take to a Brahmin life of spiritual values or stop calling
themselves Brahmins. If they take up business or other non-Brahmin
occupations they should not represent themselves socially as
Brahmins. They must also work to curb the rigidity of the Brahmin
class, the untouchability, and lack of sensitivity to the less
fortunate. Wealthy Brahmins should donate charity to the lower
classes, and afford support to poor Brahmins for sustaining
Brahminical education like teaching of the Vedas.
There is much that Brahmins can do to change their image if they
decide to. They should also challenge its distortion and to protest
against anti-Brahmin sentiments. It
is time for anti-Brahminism to be questioned. Anti-Brahminism is no
more acceptable than anti-Semitism or negative stereotyping of any
class, religion, or ethnic group.
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