"Caste consciousness, which is deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche, often leads to caste blindness and lack of sensitivity towards those outside one's own caste." - Gail Omvedt
Caste-based discrimination has deep roots in many societies, fostering a hierarchy that systematically marginalizes certain groups. Within this framework, the concept of "privileged blindness" becomes pivotal. Privileged blindness refers to the obliviousness or intentional ignorance of individuals from dominant castes regarding the advantages they enjoy due to their caste position. This essay delves into the intricate dynamics of privilege blindness in a casteist society, exploring its origins, consequences, and the imperative need for awareness and activism.
1. Understanding Privilege Blindness:
Privilege blindness often arises from a lack of awareness about the systemic discrimination embedded in the caste structure. Members of dominant castes may not recognize the inherent advantages they possess, such as better access to education, land ownership, employment opportunities, and social acceptance. This lack of awareness perpetuates the cycle of inequality, as the privileged remain oblivious to the struggles faced by marginalized caste groups.
Relevant data to support the argument: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data brought out by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in 2019, shows skewed distribution of land ownership across social groups, with socially dominant groups having greater access to land. According to the report, OBC households made up 46% of total agricultural households and SC and ST households accounted for 16 and 14% respectively of the total agricultural households. Households belonging to privileged castes that have been categorised as ‘Others’ formed almost 24% of the total agricultural households.
Average land ownership also varies greatly across social groups. Average land holding for SC households (0.52 hectares) was half the average ownership by ‘Other’ households (1.05 hectares). A glance at the distribution of land across social groups shows that around half of SC households had land holdings less than 0.4 hectares, as against 33% of ‘Other’ households who owned such small holdings. Only 6% SC agricultural households owned more than 2 hectares of land. For ST agricultural households, this proportion was 10%, for OBCs it was 12%, while for ‘Other’ households it came up to 16%.
Even today privileged castes hold the positions of prime devotees in Temples, which comes as an exclusive public employment to them. Where do we see lower castes in this scenario? Does it also point towards the omnipresent position of Manu?
According to the 2011-12 NSSO (National Sample Survey Office) statistics, the share of wage labourers among SCs was 63%. This is significantly higher than the values for other social groups. These figures were 44% for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), 42% for upper castes and 46% for the rest. Even among wage labourers, SCs have a much greater share of casual wage workers, which signifies higher job insecurity and poor earnings. The share of casual wage labour was 47 percent for SCs compared with one third for OBCs, higher castes and rest, and all India average. In fact, of the total casual labourers in the country, about 32 percent are SC, which is double their population share of 16 percent.
2. Reinforcement of Caste Hierarchies:
Privilege blindness reinforces existing caste hierarchies by maintaining the status quo. Those who benefit from the system may resist acknowledging their advantages, contributing to the normalization of discrimination. This perpetuation of inequality becomes a barrier to social progress and hinders the dismantling of oppressive caste structures.
3. Education as a Double-Edged Sword:
Education plays a pivotal role in both perpetuating and challenging privilege blindness. While education can be a powerful tool for awareness and change, it can also become a source of reinforcement for existing prejudices. The curriculum and institutional practices may inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of privilege blindness, highlighting the need for a comprehensive reevaluation of educational systems. Films can be an excellent tool to understand this analogy.
Example, privilege blindness towards Caste can be seen in films of Shyam Benegal, such as Ankur (1974) and Nishant (1975), Guwarikar's 2004 released 'Swades', or in recently released social drama 'Article 15' directed by Anubhav Sinha. In Sinha's film, the lead hero, Ayan is an IPS officer, yet he lacks the knowledge of a Casteist environment, which is much more evident in the rural India where he is posted. He encounters multiple caste discriminations during his tenure, and was exceedingly surprised by this fact at first, pointing to his alienation from the fabric. His first case deals with the missing of two minor Chamar girls. Ayan's empathetic nature and privileged rank helps him fight for the mutes. However, it is not the case as always. Re-imagining this scenario with a careless cop or a subordinated woke man threats a greater challenge to the event.
4. The Role of Empathy and Perspective-Taking:
Addressing privilege blindness requires fostering empathy and encouraging individuals to take the perspectives of those from marginalized castes. Initiatives that facilitate meaningful interactions, dialogue, and shared experiences can help bridge the gap between privileged and marginalized communities. This shift in perspective is crucial for dismantling stereotypes and fostering a sense of shared humanity.
5. Awareness and Activism:
Raising awareness about privilege blindness is a crucial step towards social transformation. Public discourse, media campaigns, and grassroots movements can bring attention to the pervasive issue of caste-based privilege and prompt individuals to reflect on their own biases. Activism, both at the individual and societal levels, is essential for dismantling the deeply ingrained structures that perpetuate caste-based discrimination.
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In a nutshell, addressing privileged blindness in a casteist society is an integral aspect of fostering social justice. Recognizing and dismantling systemic inequalities requires a collective effort to challenge existing norms and promote empathy, education, and activism. By acknowledging the privileges inherent in caste structures, individuals can contribute to creating a more equitable society that transcends the boundaries imposed by centuries-old hierarchies.
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Further Reading:
1. Caste still decides who holds agri land, and how much
2. Scheduled Castes among worst sufferers of India’s job problem