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Caste at Birth
| Length: | 52 min |
| Released: | 1991 |
| Ages: |
College Adult |
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Few Westerners realize the grave situation of India's 150 million “untouchables,” who lead a segregated life far removed from the rest of the country. These individuals can’t own land or receive an education and are condemned to the most menial jobs, such as sweeping streets, cleaning toilets, and butchering animals. In their villages they are subject to abuse and sometimes death for minor slights to the landowners. From the time of their birth, all options are closed to them.
While the government has tried to improve the condition of the untouchables, attempts have been met with strong resistance. Upper-caste Hindus maintain the deeply ingrained notion that untouchables are impure, and they continue to profit from the cheap labor the group provides. However, a few leaders have arisen from their ranks and begun to fight for a change.
While the government has tried to improve the condition of the untouchables, attempts have been met with strong resistance. Upper-caste Hindus maintain the deeply ingrained notion that untouchables are impure, and they continue to profit from the cheap labor the group provides. However, a few leaders have arisen from their ranks and begun to fight for a change.
"Powerful and emotionally moving."
‒Third World Resources
"Strongly recommended as a teaching source as well as for sheer viewing pleasure."
‒Choice
‒Third World Resources
"Strongly recommended as a teaching source as well as for sheer viewing pleasure."
‒Choice
Margaret Mead Film Festival, 1991
Red Ribbon, American Film & Video Festival, 1991
Association for Asian Studies, 1991
Red Ribbon, American Film & Video Festival, 1991
Association for Asian Studies, 1991
• Asia
• South Asia
