Untouchables Quote by Eduardo Galeano
““The outcasts, one in five Indians, are beneath those on the bottom. They are called “Untouchables” because they contaminate: damned among the damned, they cannot speak to others, walk on their paths, or touch their glasses or plates. The law protects them, reality banishes them. Anyone can humiliate the men, anyone can rape the women, which is the only time the untouchables are touchable. At the end of 2004, when the tsunami trampled the coasts of India, they collected the garbage and the dead. As always.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Open Veins of Latin America, 1971
He describes the extreme marginalization of untouchables in India, noting their dehumanization and exploitation even during disaster relief.
In simple terms: Untouchables are socially excluded and exploited.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge systemic oppression.
Themes
social injustice
human rights
class
India
Mood
somber
critical
Type
political
social commentary
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- activism
- community support
Key Concepts
caste system
oppression
disaster response
Questions to Reflect On
- What can societies do to protect marginalized groups?
- How does disaster response reveal social hierarchies?
A Different Perspective
Systemic bias persists despite legal protections.
