Discussion 1: Class, Caste, and Gende

Be sure to read this week's reading and watch the assigned film before answering this discussion question.

How does caste differ from class? Based on the description of the Gopalpur case study described in Chapter 14, how does caste in India work? Using examples from the film assigned this week, describe how the Indian caste system effects the Dalit, and some of the actions they have taken to change how they are treated. How does gender overlap with caste in the treatment of Dalit women?

Of course, feel free to share anything else that stood out to you about the film.

Your post must be written in your own words. Remember to name your sources. If you summarize something from the textbook, you can say, "according to our textbook." However, if you use quotes from the textbook or any other source, be sure to put them in quotation marks, state where they are from, and include the page number.

Discussion 2

Part of the United States national identity involves the belief in the "American Dream" (described in Chapter 14). Does every U.S. citizen have the same ability to achieve the "American Dream" and move economically and socially upward from more humble beginnings? Why or why not?

Nation-states are enormous entities that ideally match national identity with political territory. However, as discussed in the mini-lecture, the boundaries of nation-states are less and less territorial based. How do people come to identify with an abstract entity such as a nation-state? (You can use examples from the text, mini-lecture, and/or your own experience here.) What examples of nationalism can you think of from your home country?

Your post must be written in your own words. Remember to name your sources. If you summarize something from the textbook, you can say, "according to our textbook." However, if you use quotes from the textbook or any other source, be sure to put them in quotation marks, state where they are from, and include the page number.