I know it is an almost stereotypical knee-jerk Western reaction to be horrified by the treatment of the so-called "Untouchables" in Indian society, but I just can't help but be horrified by the situation right now. The dalit caste is doing the work of heroes in cleaning up the dead from the tsunami and yet are still considered less-than-human by many of their own people. CNN has the story. Consider, these are the folks risking disease, facing the terrible stench and sight of death, and doing what they can to give the dead some dignity. These are the equivalents to the Firefighters, Police, and construction guys who dug throught the rubble of the Twin Towers day after day, hour after grueling hour. And yet, instead of being celebrated, they are shunned. But at least those quoted are serene about their situation, recognizing their own value even if others can not.
Then again, maybe this can be a turning point for the Indian people. A chance to recognize that without these "untouchables", the disease from the tsunami would be everywhere and there would be even less hope for those who survived the waves themselves.
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