9.08.2009

untouchable

UNTOUCHABLE

the idea of untouchability is something i could probably talk myself into circles about. . .

-adjective
1. that may not be touched; of a nature such that it cannot be touched; not palpable; intangible.
2. too distant to be touched.
3. vile or loathsome to the touch.
4. beyond criticism, control, or suspicion: Modern writers consider no subject untouchable.
–noun
5. Hinduism. the former name given to a member of a lower caste in India whose touch was believed to defile a high-caste Hindu; Harijan. Compare scheduled caste.
6. a person who is beyond reproach as to honesty, diligence, etc.
7. a person disregarded or shunned by society or a particular group; social outcast: political untouchables.
8. a person or thing considered inviolable or beyond criticism: such untouchables as Social Security in the federal budget.

as far as the adjectives, it's pretty self explanatory. But the noun usage, brings up quite a few topics... for instance the Hindu belief that someone "lower" than you just touching you could defile you. To me that seems a little judgemental and silly, but I also haven't studied the Hindu religion, it may be an important part. the other nouns are very similar...though the most interesting is a person disregarded or shunned by society or a particular group. anyone can be untouchable. those that are homeless, gay, atheist...there are some people who tell their children that other people who don't believe in God are going to hell because they believe in something different or nothing at all. That astounds me. These are the kinds of people who tell their children that if they're gay they will burn in hell. Instead of encouraging their children to find themselves, find what truly makes them happy and live that way. whatever.