Growing up in the Nepalese society I have always felt the importance of our surname. It defines us in a way; your surname will decide what tribe or caste you belong to. We Nepalese also seem to have this caste system where your surname will decide how high up or low you are considered socially, which isn’t in much use nowadays Thank God! The practice of untouchability and whole idea seems silly.
When you speak to a senior Nepali the surname question will always pop up during a conversation and sometimes the answer will raise a few eyebrows.
I am fully aware we Nepalese pride ourselves of our culture, values and tradition but judging and differentiating someone according to their caste- is that really a culture we want to influence and encourage to our future?
I find it very sad when I see someone frowning upon someone’s surname because they are believed to be low. The caste system still exists even living miles away from our country here in UK.I have found myself in situations where people are hesitant about integrating with other castes. What does that say about us as a human being if we are discriminating against our own kinds?
Even though it’s against the law to discriminate against anyone according to their caste it is still going on. People are not so much open about it but it still occurs.
Our society’s idealism of the caste system is bringing out the worst of us as a nation. I hope the younger Nepalese youths will not carry on this system and sooner or later it will be extinct.
One day I hope to see all of us Nepalese appreciating all the different culture and traditions we have and celebrating together as Nepali rather than bigging up and lowering each other. Miss Uk Nepal 2012 is setting up a great example by organising a traditional event bringing together all the ethnic groups on the 1st of April.
What do you guys think? Do you look down on someone because of their caste? Are you looked down on because of your surname? How big of a deal is someone’s surname for you?
Share me your experiences.
