Purity Of Blood, Symbolism & Divide And Rule
Prof. Harendra De Silva
Open ethnic and religious sentiments such as Sinha-le (blood of the lion/Sinhala) have become fashionable in Sri Lanka with slogans across windscreens usually among the lower social groups such as three wheeler drivers who are bold enough to display the fashion! Are these people a majority who are Buddhists commited with deep convictions or are they displaying their ignorance? Do they even understand one stanza of the great philosophy of Buddhism? The upper strata except for a few are not that bold or are not convinced of the radical movement. However, prominent display of Buddha or Christian statues on dashboards, quotes from the Quoran across windscreens, or crosses hanging from mirrors reflect inner feelings of each group. I believe for most, it is an innocent action of bringing blessings or good luck from these religious symbols rather than being extremist or racist! A vehicle is accident prone and sometimes it’s lethal to occupants and needs supernatural powers to save them rather than drive carefully or obey laws!! One of my friends said that his Wife believes that the husband cannot resort to any vices (?except alcohol) in a holy environment of the car! or does it apply for the wife as well?
I suppose school colours or court of arms also reflect the clannish feelings. Others although not ‘racist’, (including politicians) favour the ‘religion ‘of the ‘college flag’ when giving appointments. For a few, covert ways of identifying clan members as happens in the West is by using “Gang symbols”. Haircuts, beards, ‘fish symbol’, attire, body language and jargon and distinguish members from outsiders and convey the clan in a subtle way maybe with a sense of moral superiority.
However, the right to worship and having statues, crosses, “budhu geys“ (domestic place of worship) at home is a right of a person, which should be considered private. One’s commitment to a religion should be the understanding of religious priniciples, the conscience of the practice of the religion in terms of correct attitudes and behaviour in society and home.
By discussing this highly controversial topic, I am likely/may offend many of all faiths and maybe it may be like opening a can of worms! I have anyway had a history of stirring hornet’s nests in the past, eg. the subject of child abuse and abuse in child conscription! However, in the absence of White vans today I am not reluctant to divulge my identity!
By discussing this highly controversial topic, I am likely/may offend many of all faiths and maybe it may be like opening a can of worms! I have anyway had a history of stirring hornet’s nests in the past, eg. the subject of child abuse and abuse in child conscription! However, in the absence of White vans today I am not reluctant to divulge my identity!
