[Rebelbase]

Forgive my ingnorance, but if the Caste system is stereotyping Indians, what is the red dot on the forehead all about?

[swarthyguy]

half religious, now fashion, google "tilak".

[CarrotAndStick]

It's a cultural thing, repeated almost equally by Hindu and Christian women in India. Stupid as it may seem (and is), the dot is symbolic of a married woman, if it is a red one, like a wedding ring (even that is worn by Hindu couples), and otherwise( in women and men) it is a beauty accessory and a religious mark of blessing respectively( like ash on the forehead on Ash Wednesday, if you may).

[Avenger]

"Forgive my ingnorance, but if the Caste system is stereotyping Indians, what is the red dot on the forehead all about?"

The red dot is for married women I believe. Heh! I always thought it would be good if single women would wear a green tilak. This would provide an easy to see and fairly universal signal for potential suitors.

[swarthyguy]

Or "bindi(s)" to get the fashion end of things.

At some ancient point, it was representative of the "Third Eye" and all that. A symbol of cultural and religious fealty.

[aidni]

Why don't you come over and spend your next holiday in India? You would probably realize what India is. India is a dirty place from outside barring a few but if you wanna see what stuff Indians are made of you gotta come here and observe our lives. Sure we have our share of idiots and unfortunately we cannot scuffle their voice but that does not mean all Indians castist. Actually most are not. If one thing differentiates us from the rest of the world then it is our 'chalta hai' attitude or in english the sheer cannot care less attitude.

And lastly hope you have got it i just wanna make it clear

WE DON'T WEAR OUR CASTE ON OUR HEAD

and thankfully never did we