I dont prefer or like to write about subjects such as the issue of reservations for the "backward castes" in the educational system. But in this case, I have felt compelled to do so. It has shocked me to see that almost all of my fellow classmates are against the idea of reservations. It has always amazed me how even educated people's judgement can be clouded so easily.
From what I have heard, there is are two "strong" cases against they system of reservation.
1) The "merit" system is ruled out.
2) Why should we pay for the sins of our fathers?
I have thought long and hard about both these questions. And i think i am now able to counter both these statements. These counters might not convince an anti-reservation-ist to change his/her views. But they make as much sense as their own arguments.
1) The "merit" system
When this argument took place in the class, my teacher had offered the explanation which I had in my mind, but was reluctant to get into the debate.
Even the rich people have their own reservations system. The famed "management quota". Why doesnt anybody object to this?
Agreed, it might be only a fifth of the number of people getting in via the official reservation system. But then, the population of the upper castes and rich people is also a fifth of the population of the backward castes.
Let me take the example of my own class. I dont even think a single person got into the class using the reservation quota. About 45 people might have come after passing the entrance exams. But the rest twenty have all got through without writing the exam. These people werent taken in due to their "merit" either.
2) The sins of the father
Apparently, the present generation of people feel that they are being punished because their ancestors had committed sins against the "backward classes". "Is this fair?", you ask.
The Bible states that "The sins of the father shall be visited upon the son". I dont believe in God, but i must say that this expression is true. You enjoy the fruits of your father's wealth. Then is not natural that you bear the punishment for his sins?
My teacher had brought up another excellent point. We have almost succeeded in destroying the balance of nature on our planet by cutting off trees and polluting everything around. We will die without seeing much destruction. But the real punishment will be for the generation that will come after ours.
What will you say when they tell you, "You have destroyed our lives"? Is it fair that they are robbed of a normal life because of our actions?
I for one, am a staunch supporter of the reservation system. It is the only way through which society can gain a little more balance. I might not have convinced people to change their views, that was not my intention. I just wanted to point out that their logic is flawed and other flawed logic can be used to counter it.
From what I have heard, there is are two "strong" cases against they system of reservation.
1) The "merit" system is ruled out.
2) Why should we pay for the sins of our fathers?
I have thought long and hard about both these questions. And i think i am now able to counter both these statements. These counters might not convince an anti-reservation-ist to change his/her views. But they make as much sense as their own arguments.
1) The "merit" system
When this argument took place in the class, my teacher had offered the explanation which I had in my mind, but was reluctant to get into the debate.
Even the rich people have their own reservations system. The famed "management quota". Why doesnt anybody object to this?
Agreed, it might be only a fifth of the number of people getting in via the official reservation system. But then, the population of the upper castes and rich people is also a fifth of the population of the backward castes.
Let me take the example of my own class. I dont even think a single person got into the class using the reservation quota. About 45 people might have come after passing the entrance exams. But the rest twenty have all got through without writing the exam. These people werent taken in due to their "merit" either.
2) The sins of the father
Apparently, the present generation of people feel that they are being punished because their ancestors had committed sins against the "backward classes". "Is this fair?", you ask.
The Bible states that "The sins of the father shall be visited upon the son". I dont believe in God, but i must say that this expression is true. You enjoy the fruits of your father's wealth. Then is not natural that you bear the punishment for his sins?
My teacher had brought up another excellent point. We have almost succeeded in destroying the balance of nature on our planet by cutting off trees and polluting everything around. We will die without seeing much destruction. But the real punishment will be for the generation that will come after ours.
What will you say when they tell you, "You have destroyed our lives"? Is it fair that they are robbed of a normal life because of our actions?
I for one, am a staunch supporter of the reservation system. It is the only way through which society can gain a little more balance. I might not have convinced people to change their views, that was not my intention. I just wanted to point out that their logic is flawed and other flawed logic can be used to counter it.
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