The Irony of the Treatment of the Untouchables

Hinduism utilises of system of karma. It is commonly belived that one's actions in the present lifetime will affect his or her future life when he or she is reincarnated. This makes the cruel treatment of Bakha and the untouchables difficult to understand. Calling Bakha phrases like "dirty dog," "careless, irresponsible swine," and "son of a dog," hardly seem like words coming from people concerned about upholding a high moral standard. What is ironic is these cruel actions could make these upper caste people untouchables themselves in their next lifetime. Meanwhile, Bakha is apologetic and docile, being polite even when enduring the malice verbal abuses. Perhaps as an untouchable, Bakha is more concerned with his behavior as to be reincarnated out of his outcaste state and into a life where he will not have to spend his days cleaning refuse in the hot sun.  Meanwhile, the upper castes who are unconcerned about changing their status do not think as much of how their actions will affect their future lives.