Inconvenient truths.

Hello World!

After a few weeks hard at work, it is time to start typing again. The chosen topic is inconvenient truths. There are certain "truths" in the world that most of us do not want to accept.

I will start by asking a question. "Is religious fundamentalism is a threat to our society?" I'm guessing you will answer yes!

I will now ask a different question. "Some fundamentals of religion are a threat to our society?" Fewer people will answer yes to this one. The few that do say yes will do so with a little bit of apologetic tone. For some reason we are uncomfortable accepting that some religious doctrines are a threat to society. We are very wary of attributing the origin of any "evils" to religion. Most people are of the opinion that religion is beyond criticism and is exempt from picking up the blame for follies committed in god's name.

Accepting that truth in the second question is hard for many. Excuses come in the form of; Most of "us" do not subscribe such "doctrines". These are views held by "fringe elements". Most of us are peace loving. These people are mis-interpreting these doctrines etc.

I think there is some virtue in the general public admitting that certain religious doctrines have no place in modern society. Trying to attribute metaphorical interpretations to such doctrines is at best lame and exposes society to risks. I'd rather have my tax rupees pay for better roads, health-care etc. Counter terrorist operations are expensive. Many people die in accidents on poorly lit (for that matter laid) roads; Many people die due to lack of health care; India needs more schools. India needs more money to pay good teachers to teach in primary schools. The religious and their organizations can (and should) pay to clean up the mess they have created. How about a 10% counter-insurgency-tax on collections at religious places? There are a lot of bulging hundis in India.

Exogamy cannot be required by law (legal or scientific)! Science does not justify caste prejudices. Sub-castes represent large populations and are certainly not subject to risks of inbreeding.

Adding a tag of illegitimacy to a child is immoral.

Inconvenient and true.