Friday, April 25thClass Discussion Question

Create a list (with short explanation) of the 5 “worst” jobs in modern American society.

Pig Farmer

Here is the plan… Students will understand the origins of the

caste system. Students will relate the caste system to the

Hindu principles of karma, re-incarnation, and dharma.

Students will brainstorm a list of other examples of systemized discrimination.

Historical theory The Aryans were warlike people who

conquered much of India’s Northern Plain @ 1500 B.C.

The Aryans placed great value on cattle. Cattle was given to warriors who were successful in battle.

The Aryans divided people into 4 social classes called “varna”.

The Caste System Read “The Caste

System” from page #526 (tan section) in your Red textbook.

What are the Main Points of the Caste System?

Highest caste The highest

caste are the Brahmins. Brahmins are often Hindu priests.

Untouchable Estimates vary,

but National Geographic estimates that 1 in 6 Indians are considered Untouchable.

Politically Correct It is no longer correct

to use the term “Untouchable”.

Mohandas Gandhi called these people the Harijan meaning “children of god”!

And now our feature presentation…

Caste System The caste system is based in large part

upon Aryan beliefs (developed over thousands of years). Aryan beliefs are thought to be the basis for Hinduism.

According to Hinduism, people suffer from pain and sorrow because they pursue false goals such as material riches.

Caste

Karma

Dharma

Reincarnation

Caste System The caste system has been officially

outlawed in India since their independence in 1947.

People still experience some forms of discrimination based upon the caste system - most notably in rural areas.

READ - Today’s Impact Read the article from the New York Times

on the caste system. Create a list of points that make you think

that the role of caste is diminishing. Create a list of points that make you think

that the role of caste is still influential.

Here is the plan… Students will understand the origins of the

caste system. Students will relate the caste system to the

Hindu principles of karma, re-incarnation, and dharma.

Students will brainstorm a list of other examples of systemized discrimination.