The theory

Think about what you’ve learned in this unit and read this blog post about “Lorry Raja.” Also, be sure to review Writing about Race, Ethnic, and Cultural Identity: A Process Approach.

For this discussion board, consider “Lorry Raja” and share step 2 (“Formulate a general question [. . .] that identifies a problem—a tension—related to a historical or cultural issue”). Then, submit step 3 (“Write an exploratory journal entry or blog post that allows you to play with ideas”). So, your initial post will consist of your question and your exploratory journal.

ANSWER

The Theory

Question: Can minority groups mix and freely associated with the majority members after accessing opportunities that provide them with a higher chance of boosting their livelihoods?

Explanatory Journal

• Individuals abandon their beliefs and practices after status elevation.

Access to an opportunity or initiative that boosts someone’s level and status at the community level attracts a change of actions and behavior. For example, if a minority group member finds a job that allows them to earn income, they are likely to forget their roots and behave in line with their newly acquired status. In the “Lorry Raja” reading, Siju is no longer interested in aspects that made his life worthwhile. For example, he no longer plays with Munna as he did before and is likely to portray a pitying look when someone asks him a question. These behavioral actions show a change of attitude due to his newly acquired status. However, it is hard to detect if this might support improved relations with majority group members.

• Access to an income-generating opportunity elevates a person’s status.

Indians have always been deemed as a minority group across various opportunities. In the “Lorry Raja” reading, the author highlights the status of the Indian population in the social setting. They are poor and live in desperation. After one of them finds a job as a lorry driver, he changes his attitude towards his community members. Thus, the status elevation is a key determinant attributed to the acquisition of a job opportunity and affects how people interact with others. However, there is no guarantee that this supports closer interaction with majority group members.

• The majority group members always undermine the minorities.

Even though minority group members find an opportunity or venture that enables them to boost their lives, they still face discrimination and prejudice from the other influential groups. In the reading, Siju finds a job as a lorry driver. This is an opportunity for him to improve his life. However, he is offered half a regular salary by the lorry’s owner. This shows that he receives less than what someone else of the majority group might be offered.