From caste to race, inequality fractures humanity; love and action offer the only path to emotional survival and a truly equitable future. If we don’t act now to achieve equality, we risk not just economic or social collapse but an emotional one. Vinta Nanda writes…

The films Origin by Ava DuVernay and I Am A Noise by Karen O’Connor and Miri Navasky expose the harsh realities of inequality, from caste and racial divides to the emotional scars of systemic injustices. These cinematic masterpieces highlight how unresolved societal fractures—whether through economic disparity, marginalization, or historical trauma—continue to haunt generations. By exploring the universal threads of segregation and the toll it takes on humanity, these films call for immediate action. Achieving equality isn’t just about fairness; it’s essential for emotional survival and the healing of collective trauma.

In the days after watching Ava DuVernay's Origin and Karen O’Connor and Miri Navasky’s I Am A Noise, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of emotions, drawn not just by the cinematic brilliance of these films but by their profound reflections on the fractures within human society. This experience, interspersed with routine debates on Indian news television, left me with one lingering thought: achieving equality is no longer just a moral obligation—it’s a necessity for our survival as an emotionally intact species.

The Cost of Segregation: From Caste to Race

Origin embarks on an ambitious journey to uncover the threads that connect caste hierarchies in India, racism in America, and the Holocaust in Germany. Based on Isabel Wilkerson’s seminal book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, the film traces how these systems of oppression were constructed and perpetuated. Through her travels, Wilkerson reveals that caste isn’t confined to India; it’s a universal phenomenon, subtly shaping lives across continents.

This sobering realization forces us to confront a question: Why, in the 21st century, do such structures persist? The answer lies in systemic inequities. In India, high costs of education and the closure of government-run institutions have marginalized large sections of society. The Nehruvian model, which once made higher education accessible, is eroding, leaving behind an elitist system that thrives on exclusion. Watching Origin, I couldn’t help but think of how these systems, globally and locally, have robbed millions of opportunities.

Dushyant Dave and ex-CJI UU Lalit, in a rare calm television debate, emphasized the failure to include marginalized groups in the march toward development. Their insights mirrored Wilkerson's research, painting a grim picture of how neglect of education and inclusion deepens societal chasms.

Protest and Memory: The Fragility of the Human Mind

On the surface, I Am A Noise might seem like a personal documentary chronicling Joan Baez's life. But at its core, it’s a meditation on memory—individual and collective—and how it shapes our identities. Baez’s struggles with recovered memories of childhood abuse offer a poignant parallel to society’s inability to reconcile with its historical injustices.

Much like Baez's memories haunt her into old age, unresolved systemic injustices haunt societies. Every caste-based atrocity, racial injustice, and gender-based violence adds another layer to humanity’s collective trauma. With the omnipresence of social media, these memories are not just personal; they’re shared, documented, and amplified. Future generations will inherit not just the abuses of their times but also the unresolved wounds of ours.

Inequality isn’t just a structural issue—it’s an emotional and psychological one. The marginalization of communities based on caste, colour, or religion results in a collective mental health crisis. In Origin, Wilkerson’s journey is not just intellectual but deeply emotional, as she grieves personal losses while uncovering societal ones. Similarly, Baez's story in I Am A Noise emphasises the lifelong scars of injustice and abuse.

As I juxtaposed these films with the realities highlighted in the television debate with Navika Kumar on Times Now, one thing became clear: inequality is destructive not just to those it marginalizes but to society as a whole. When we witness injustice—whether as victims or privileged bystanders—it alters our emotional fabric. We internalize the pain, shame, and anger of a fractured world, making it harder to find peace within ourselves.

Bridging the Divide

Both Origin and I Am A Noise offer a crucial insight: love and empathy are the only antidotes to hate and division. Wilkerson's belief in the power of love to dismantle caste-based hierarchies and Baez’s lifelong advocacy for peace and justice show us the way forward. But love, while powerful, is not enough. Action is essential.

Achieving equality demands systemic changes: As Dave and Lalit pointed out, privatization and high costs have made quality education a privilege rather than a right. Restoring inclusive education systems is crucial for empowering marginalized communities. Caste-based and racial discrimination need stringent legal redressal mechanisms. Governments must prioritize inclusion over profit-driven reforms. Films like Origin and I Am A Noise play a vital role in shaping societal narratives. Art and storytelling must continue to challenge prejudices and inspire change.

As Wilkerson's Origin demonstrates, inequality is a historical construct. But as Baez’s I Am A Noise reveals, its emotional toll is timeless. The more we delay addressing systemic injustices, the deeper the wounds will grow.

In the cacophony of today’s world—whether in heated TV debates, divisive politics, or even the silent segregation in our daily lives—it’s easy to lose sight of our shared humanity. But if we don’t act now to achieve equality, we risk not just economic or social collapse but an emotional one. The burden of collective trauma will become too heavy for future generations to bear.

Equality is not just a lofty ideal; it’s a necessity for our survival as a species. It’s the only way to heal the emotional fractures that inequality has created. As Wilkerson writes in Caste, and as Baez’s life reminds us, love must be the cornerstone of this healing process. But love must translate into action—an unwavering commitment to dismantling the hierarchies that divide us.

Humanity stands at a crossroads. One path leads to further segregation, hatred, and destruction; the other, to empathy, equality, and healing. The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.