Asking questions Quote by counter-strike: An anthology of dalit short stories Oren Tamira
““Look, in the course of time, these Parayans will ask for our girls in marriage. Hope you know. I have seen many Pariahs twirling their mustache and licking the leftovers from their teeth to eat. Eleyee! They are not as terrific as the Pallan, in my in-laws village. They will brawl acchee Poochu! ‘The Pallans there are very ruthless. I brought some Pallans from Ramanathapuram district and I know what they are really capable of. You know these Pariahs there were joining communist parties and doing all scheming jobs to intimidate us. You know what happened? They cannot even own 1/3rd of their Kuli (wage). But these Bloody bums! Have now started asking questions and resisting us since they think they are educated. What's their problem now? We are only asking them to follow their ancestral tradition and the jobs they performed for generations; like how they would for other communities,” twirling his mustache, Meesaikarar threateningly called, “Hey Ponna !””
About This Quote
Source Short story collection: “Counter‑Strike: An Anthology of Dalit Short Stories”, 2021
The narrator laments the oppression of Pariahs by Pallans, highlighting social hierarchy, exploitation, and cultural clash in a rural setting.
In simple terms: Oppressed groups resist while being blamed for their own plight.
Key Takeaway
Address systemic inequality and respect cultural traditions.
Themes
social injustice
class conflict
cultural tension
gender roles
rural life
Mood
frustrated
hopeful
defiant
Type
narrative
social commentary
critique
When to use this quote
- community meetings
- policy reforms
- education programs
- activist campaigns
Key Concepts
caste dynamics
economic exploitation
political mobilization
traditional customs
Questions to Reflect On
- How can marginalized voices be authentically represented?
- What steps can reduce caste‑based discrimination?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex social issues; risk reinforcing stereotypes.
