HomeOpinionCalifornia SB-403: Is Caste A Dog-whistle Term?

California SB-403: Is Caste A Dog-whistle Term?

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California SB-403: Is Caste A Dog-whistle Term?

By SUBHASH GARG

Subhash Garg

Section 703 of the 1964 Civil Rights Act bans discrimination based on “race, color, religion, sex or national origin.” Why not include “caste” in this list? The question has been asked for several years. Recently, some organizations have acted on it. 

These include Harvard University and Apple, Inc., the California State Universities system, as well as the city of Seattle. Now the caste-based discrimination movement is eyeing its biggest prize, the whole state of California, and dreaming of further national and international triumphs, even though a similar initiative in Britain failed in 2018.

The California bill, SB-403, has a new twist. Instead of treating caste as a Hindu practice, as taught in California textbooks, it claims that caste is universal: in every religion and every region including the diaspora. The twist was added when a federal court dismissed the caste discrimination case against Cisco engineers, partly because it targeted a specific religion. Of course, the revised bill doesn’t change existing textbooks, or reprogram the people educated by them. In most Americans’ minds, caste still points to Hindus.  

Imagine if the Civil Rights Act had prohibited discrimination by Christians against African-Americans. After all, most racial oppression involved these two groups. But they chose the “facially neutral” terms religion and race. Why did such wisdom elude the proponents of caste inclusion? Because neutral terms such as “inherited status” don’t have the emotional impact of “caste”, which everyone remembers from middle school. It’s the desire to rescue the poor Dalits from the evil Brahmins that propels the targeting of Hindus.

You can see the problem now. Caste is alleged to be a universal phenomenon, but between winks, everyone knows they’re talking about Hindus.  The true universal problem, inequality due to inherited status, isn’t powerful enough to trigger a unanimous vote.  The term “caste” is necessary for the bill to speed through the California legislature.

This dear reader, is a classic dog whistle. The term “caste” is preferred to a facially neutral term precisely because it silently points to Hinduism, which has a negative public perception to start with. Indian Dalit champions Periyar and Ambedkar believed that the caste system could only end if Hinduism itself was abolished. The idea hasn’t gone away.

The Hindu Angle  

What about the protests launched by the “model minority”, Hindus? They’re concerned that the word “caste” will expose them to racial profiling, bullying, suspicion, marginalization and denial of opportunities at work, and fake harassment or blackmail along the lines of the Cisco case. So far, the authorities have dismissed them as an expected Hindu nationalist rant. That’s how they’re being coached by caste inclusion propaganda.

Are Hindus under attack? The 2016 report by Equality Labs (EL), “Caste in the United States”, that published shocking data about Dalits focused only on Hindus. So did public comments to the Seattle Council and Santa Clara County, the Civil Rights Department’s now-dismissed case against Cisco engineers, and the initial draft of California SB 403.

It’s not surprising, because Thenmozhi Soundararajan, EL’s Executive Director, has widely evangelized the creed of Brahmins’ abhorrence of the Dalit. Her seminars at major universities were hailed as a courageous exposure of horrific oppression beneath the model minority facade. It led to national recognition, and fellowships at places like Stanford University. Her campaigns planted the idea that caste should have been in the Civil Rights Act, and the mistake was easy to rectify. Just add in the missing word.

The proposal proved so seductive that red flags were ignored. For example, no news reports, police reports, court cases, convictions or sentences backed up EL’s claims of widespread rapes and physical violence against Dalits. Similarly, methodological flaws were found in EL’s work by the Carnegie-Mellon Institute for International Peace, whose own survey found an order of magnitude lower caste-based discrimination. Also ignored was a Youtube video of Soundararajan preaching hate against Hindu deities, scriptures, festivals, marriages, and even Hindu cuisine, and asserting that the Nazis were (expletive deleted) Brahmins.  

Hindus are justifiably troubled by this mad rush. If uncritical elected and corporate bodies can indict them based on unsubstantiated claims, there’s no telling where it might stop. The Nazi oppression of Jews built up over decades. A similar build-up of hate, against equally hapless and naive but allegedly caste-privileged Hindus, can happen here.

The Hindu Stigma

The reasons for this “mad rush” – unrestrained legislation based on one report not much better than rumors – are worth exploring. Why did everyone from brilliant Ivy League professors to crowd-following politicians join in maligning Hindus by attacking a Hindu term? Their gullibility and their enthusiasm are shocking.

Perhaps not so shocking, if you consider how Hindu society is perceived in the West. The “caste system” is still depicted by media like the BBC as a horrifying straitjacket, that shackles Hindus lifelong at birth. The belief infects virtually every liberal and every human rights organization in the West. It is also taught, sometimes but not always with qualification, in American middle schools. The evils of caste are legendary – and mythical.

According to modern research (ref. Caste System in India, Wikipedia) the caste system was a British perversion of India’s traditional social categories, influenced by the Spanish “casta” or breed, the layers in British society, and the quack field of scientific racism. The 12,000-page pioneering caste census of 1901 contained thousands of “castes” extracted from bewildered respondents and somehow assembled by Brahmin advisors into a hierarchy.

Risely’s catalog, although arbitrary and contested, was useful in administration. In particular, it was used for awarding caste-based preferences to the disadvantaged. India today reserves over half the college seats and government jobs for Dalits and other “Depressed classes”.  This quota scheme has helped to lift hundreds of millions out of poverty and place millions of formerly lower-caste individuals in positions of authority. 

The popular Western media, however, still project 19th-century tropes about caste and ignore or censor the incredible and incredibly rapid progress India has made.  Groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch strive to maintain an image of India as a terribly oppressive place, even as they use and cite India’s free press. The point is that an odious, false, and obsolete image of the caste system is projected as reality.

In conclusion, outdated negative stereotypes of Hindu society pass for truth in the Western world. That’s why shocking claims about Hindus such as the EL report don’t raise an eyebrow. Equality Labs’ propaganda works because people want to believe it.

The Prognosis

Colonial-era stereotypes about Hindus go beyond the caste system, to arranged marriages, dowry, animal worship, idolatry, and even snake charmers. Hindu Americans are unlikely to know this, know their caste or understand Hindu principles like pluralism, universalist philosophy, reverence for knowledge, or strong and principled families.

As ambitious politicians continue to use “caste” as a dog whistle that denotes Hinduism, a presumption of upper-caste privilege will impact Hindus’ career options. Already some universities indicate a preference for Dalits and Muslims among Indian Americans. If you don’t know your caste, one may be assigned by your last name. It can get bewildering for a generation that barely learned to spell “caste” in sixth grade.

Both parents and their kids need to know this. Parents should tell their kids about the false stereotypes that they will be taught.  Hindu students should be more critical of what is being said about them.  Above all, be very careful who you vote for.

(Garg retired from the US space industry in 2009 with several awards, patents, and publications to his credit. Most recently he has authored a series of papers about caste.)

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  • Caste discrimination in USA is practiced in homes. How is the govt. going to force an upper caste member to invite lower caste members into their homes or where it really occurs; in marriages. Upper castes don’t tell their children to not marry lower castes. They simply say “marry within our community”. Even if I print that it is not illegal.

    So here is one such ad.
    Looking for a Patel Girl or Blonde or Red for a doctor Patel boy. Must have fair skin and be a virgin.

    So how is that illegal. I already screened out the lower castes and a lot more.

    Maybe the woke in California need two lines for those getting married. One for men and one for women. The two ahead of the line meet and mandatory marraige.

    May 15, 2023
    • No one no matter how woke can force you to marry or not marry any specific person. The CIvil RIghts Act does not apply to social preferences. Only to official or institutional preferences.

      May 15, 2023
  • Well written, thoughtful. Hinduism is ancient, Buddha was a Hindu prince and Buddha pre-dates Christ. So there is some context. Varnas are part and parcel of the religion. Other religions have “caste” too, a “syed” family does not want to marry their daughter/son to families they consider belonging to a “lower caste”; In Kerala, people who converted to Christianity are not allowed to gather for services to be along with high-society (caste)Christians. Even the royals in Britain are caste-based. Try to be an outsider to join the family and seek title of king/queen, it is “inherited” we are told, by lineage. What is that? Same as caste under a different radar. The pope election? when is the last time one saw a pope from Africa? Hmm? Non-muslims are not allowed in Mecca/Medina, why? Isn’t religious discrimination?

    May 15, 2023
    • Excellent observations!!

      May 16, 2023
  • I have no love lost for the caste system and caste discrimination originating from India. It is so deep-rooted that it has not escaped the Mulsims and even the Christians. There is a sizeable community which identifiesitself as Dalit Muslims. There are also, Dalit Christian communities. What bothers me most that such deplorable practiceshave traveled to the US shores and other foreign countries. I amsurprised that in my 55years in this country, and having been in association with many Bengaleesandother Indiansin variouscapacities, I had never come across the problem. I admit, I am not a Dalit nor a Brahmin. I am a Bengali Kayastha. And it is possible that it is not a major issue among Bengalees as among some others. Maybe for that reason, I cannot appreciate the gravity of the issue. I cannot judge how much of it isjustified and how much of it is paranoia.

    Be that as it may, the despicable practice has to be severely discouraged and weeded out. It will not be easy – tradition dies hard. But we have to give all the effort. And if you ask me, we should try to address the issue within our own families and communities and not bring it up to the wider community as it is happening. We do not need to wash our dirty linen in public.

    May 15, 2023
    • What makes you think that the casteism is practiced in USA? Caste has been thrusted upon us by Britishers, and the education system in India also has never taught the difference between caste and Varna. Unfortunately we don’t have the understanding of our own heritage and history and tend to believe anything that activists feed us. Muslim and Christian are using Dalit identity to paint themselves as victims. Time to understand our accepting and pluralistic Hinduism! We who bow down to divine in all beings (namaste) can never discriminate against any people!

      May 15, 2023
  • That was a good posting by Mr. Garg and good comments also. I have already called my State Assembly official in California and expressed my opinion about the concerns for “unintended consequences” especially in the context of generally poor knowledge among Americans about foreign religions, customs, traditions. It could create a false impression on Americans against all Indians, and all foreigners based on skin colore of foreign sounding names as introducing strange or evil concepts in USA. We know how the political slogans of “Take back America” ( for the European settlers of America) is currently gaining ground. So, this would end up hurting all Indians (including Dalits- Hindu, Muslim and Christian lower castes) and all foreigners from third world countries. There is already a coalition of Khalistanis and anti-India Muslims that I see on the internet and at interfaith meetings. Also some Christian Missinary organizations use the Caste problem in India to aid in their conversion efforts (and to gather funding for their conversion projects in India). There is also a general attitude of demeaning and discriminating against non-Abrahamic religions even in some interfaith circles, such as in inviting speakers on panels, etc.

    May 15, 2023
  • Subhash Garg Ji, Congratulations for writing this well researched article on “Caste.” Western world abhors India (Bharat). I was shocked that many Hindus support this SB 403. I wonder why we are so uninformed and fragmented. What is the reason for Equality Lab and their backers succeed? There are numerous Hinduphilic organizations and they tout their mission/goal/objectives to resist Hinduphobic attempts. In my 42 years in USA, no one asked me about the caste. Be it NPR, Washington Post, New York Times and other publications are bent upon showing their anti India biases. We Indians have exceled in every field and on average are the highest income people. Are we not proud of ourselves? Is it apathy? Is it meekness? Is it who cares attitude? I am saddened for incoming generation.

    May 15, 2023
  • There is no caste based discrimination at the work place in the US. Most people in the country do not even know what that means. It appears to be mischief led by some. No government or industry should be bringing this topic up in the country. Period.

    May 15, 2023
  • In the over 3 decades I’ve lived in the US , I’ve never heard or had any issues around Caste and none of my many Hindu friends have either. SB403 is just dumb – and will weaken California with frivolous law suits.

    Libtards are pushing California down the toilet.

    May 15, 2023
  • Well written and thoughtful

    May 15, 2023
  • The major issue of caste legislation is not its relevance to the philosophical definitions of the term, but its applications in the economic realms of human interactions in employment and treatment of individuals in California and elsewhere, in and out of India. There is no denying that caste exists and is prevalent among most people having their heritage in the Indus Valley of India, regardless of their religion, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., etc. The bottom line is that we must provide equal access and opportunity to all residents of this state and not discriminate based on non-merit principles. There is nothing wrong in developing public policies on any discriminatory practices including those based on caste.

    May 16, 2023
    • I do not agree with your statement “There is no denying that caste exists & is prevalent among most people….”.
      Grew up in this nation & no one ever asked me anything about my caste in 45 yrs! My parents who grew up in India didn’t marry within their caste either & no one stopped being their friend in India or in the USA.

      But there is a nefarious plan that is brewing below the surface & when that boils over it will affect all Hindus…the k!ll!ng f!elds are being prepared & some Hindus are aiding the pr

      May 16, 2023
    • The issue is not whether caste or CBD exists. The issue is that SB-403 fixes what ain’t broke, and inserts a term (caste) that itself discriminates on the basis of race, color and ancestry. This will not survive the courts.

      May 16, 2023
  • Sure, caste has been an issue in India for a thousand years. But great strides have been made in India including the reservations system in the past 75 years. Democracy has a great leveling effect. Now everyone has a voice and seat on the table. India has strict laws against discrimination based on caste.

    However, caste issue does not exist in the US ; It has no meaning here. That is why it is not clear why some are pushing this in California. What is the motive? In We should be talking about equality based color of skin, gender, religion, ethnicity here.

    May 16, 2023
  • Sure, caste has been an issue in India for a thousand years. But great strides have been made in India including the reservations system in the past 75 years. Democracy has a great leveling effect. Now everyone has a voice and seat on the table. India has strict laws against discrimination based on caste.

    However, caste issue does not exist in the US ; It has no meaning here. That is why it is not clear why some are pushing this in California. What is the motive? We should be talking about equality based on color of skin, gender, religion, ethnicity here.

    May 16, 2023
    • Thanks for all the thoughtful comments. First, assume Governor will veto the bill, for the simple reason there is no caste discrimination in California or the the US. It is outrageous to bring this issue in our country.

      Almost all countries have their local issues: slavery and discrimination against blacks in our country, caste issue in India, class issues in UK, Sunni vs Shia in Islamic world, Turks vs Kurds in Turkey, Jews vs Palestinians in Israel , blacks vs whites in South Africa, Tribal issues in Uganda, Kenya, etc, Blaspheme laws in Pakistan, Jews vs Christians in EU, Taliban vs women in Afghanistan, conservatives vs Liberals in our country/now violence associated with it, and on on on.

      Important thing is to have vigorous democracy, free enterprise system , freedom of speech ,religion, press in all countries in the world for peace and prosperity, Good news is it is spreading all over the world. All democracies should take the lead.

      May 16, 2023
  • I do not agree with your statement “There is no denying that caste exists & is prevalent among most people….”.
    Grew up in this nation & no one ever asked me anything about my caste in 45 yrs! My parents who grew up in India didn’t marry within their caste either & no one stopped being their friend in India or in the USA.

    But there is a nefarious plan that is brewing below the surface & when that boils over it will affect all Hindus…the k!ll!ng f!elds are being prepared & some Hindus are aiding the pr

    May 16, 2023

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