Equality is against the rule of nature, hence societies with social hierarchies are more competitive, creative and innovative. Are few of us afraid of competition and hence the display of poor attitudes?
Nevertheless, this competitiveness can be taken to ridiculously low levels. For example, one academic refused to share his data when requested by a fellow Hindu to make a presentation at an international conference though the latter promised to acknowledge his works.
Academia is built around research and the sharing of data and information. If withholding of data is practiced it would act as a disincentive for research.
My guess is that the particular academic had no data to share but did not have the integrity to say so until the last minute.
Research must be conducted to inform public opinion. Sadly very limited research is being done, and hence the persistence of social issues with no solutions at hand. For example much is being said about conversion but no empirical data is available to stem this tide.
Our social scientists need to demonstrate their academic competence by finding solutions to our social ills. They need to demonstrate that their academic qualifications are not just certificates but a body of knowledge that can protect the welfare of the Hindu community.
I sincerely hope that our academics would use the qualifications to serve the welfare and interest of the community. If this begins to happen, socials ills such as home invasions and the desecration of mandirs would be pushed back.
Academic qualifications should not be worn like a crown on the head of a king bur be converted into invaluable goods and services to serve the welfare of the people. Only when this is done the Hindus in Trinidad would have the courage to stand up to threats and take advantage of opportunities.