Is it appropriate to ask Indian people what caste they are in?

[lightbulb27]

"So... you're a Patel... are you a Doctor or business owner"?

As an American, I find the caste system quite disgusting. In USA, you want to work hard, you can make something greater of your life and your children's lives. In other places, it seems you are stuck.

Yes

No

[Genie23]

It isn't appropriate yet some Indians do ask each other directly "What caste do you belong to?" As if it's a very casual/normal thing to ask Or they take indirect approach by asking your surname and so they can find out via surname, which caste do you belong to.

Most of the people in my country especially in cities in don't ask these questions as it never matters to us but then there were few times in my I ended up coming across few people who wanted to find out about mine... even when I was trying to hire a house help, the house help seem rather curious about mine... o. O Found it pretty shocking, disgusting and bizarre. I didn't hire her. I won't associate myself with people who discriminates people based on their caste, colour, financial/social status. Just no.

[Anonymous]

I think anyone with the last name Patel is in the merchant caste, but the Indian government has been actively working to dismantle the caste system for the past eighty years, so a Patel could easily be a doctor.

[OneViewpoint]

I'm a US citizen and frankly clueless about Indian castes in 2025. Is it still a thing. Less so? Same? I would assume like any existing social hierarchy it changes incredibly slowly as the people at the top resist change at every step.

[NathanDavis]

it's pretty much the same as asking "what do you do for a living"

you're asking about (a perceived) social status... which I've always found weird and strange

[AI Opinion]

It's generally considered inappropriate and intrusive to ask about someone's caste, as it's a sensitive and personal topic. The caste system has a complex history, and many people are working towards reducing its significance. Focus on mutual interests and respect individual identities without assumptions. This approach fosters meaningful connections and understanding across cultures.

[bddddd]

I think it is appropriate to ask anyone any thing. But what difference does the answer make?

[lightbulb27]

If they tell you to Go to H!11, then the problem is cured. Otherwise, oppression still persists. What's worse is the subliminal quiet version where you are told by others to treat certain people a certain way... like ignore them, don't touch them, etc..

[bddddd]

To roughly quote Ricky Jervais: Just mind your hooves on my testicles.

[TwoToTooTutu2]

All societies have a caste system. The Indian one is just more official. It's perfectly fine to ask about their backround.

[lightbulb27]

true but not true. there are molds in USA, but you can break out of them... if in lower caste in India, no hope from what I hear.

[TwoToTooTutu2]

Not really. I think The Great Gatsby has good commentary on this