Jean-Antoine Dubois, a French missionary who worked in India between 1792 and 1823, recorded the community's name as Pariah. He described them as people who lived outside the system of morals prescribed by Hinduism, accepted that outcaste position, and were characterised by "drunkenness, shamelessness, brutality, truthless, uncleanliness, disgusting food practices, and an absolute lack of personal honour". Moffatt, Michael who wrote a book on "An Untouchable Community in South India: Structure and Consensus" says this led to Pariah word entering the English language as "a synonym for the socially ostracised and the morally depraved person or people". (Source: Wikipedia). The term is widely considered a casteist slur and as derogatory to Dalits in the Tamil Nadu State.
Despite being rejected and ostracized for hundreds of years, the people of this caste are coming out of the niche of caste system and standing as giants in various sectors. But use of Pariah word to denote outcast or morally depraved person by some individuals knowingly or unknowingly can hurt their sentiment. This word continuously reminds of their low-position in the caste system which is actually a hypothesis and far from truth.
In 2017, the Time magazine released a cover highlighting the Hollywood sex predator, Harvey Weinstein as 'Pariah' on its cover. Many Tamil people objected to this derogatory usage and highlighted it to the Time magazine. However, their voices went unheard and ignored. The word has gained wider usage in recent times thanks to such high-profile usage. I believe it is because it does hold a very specific derogatory meaning in the English language and dictionary. Media is just using it in accordance with its meaning in the English dictionary.
Language is a powerful tool that can oppress or empower. Language is a living breathing thing that should constantly evolve. A Tamil word that was accepted during colonial British India and adapted into the English language at that time should not continue retaining a bigoted meaning today.
Paraiyar were people who made public pronouncements in ancient Tamil land; very similar to town criers or bellmen in old England. While the original meaning of 'Pariah' (Parai means say/announce in Tamil language) is not derogatory, it evolved to a caste name and outcast due to historical reasons.
Pariah has been removed as a discriminatory word among Tamil people and its derogatory usage is frown upon. However, we see its increasing usage in the English language with an offensive connotation in a negative context. It sends a strong angry emotion among the Tamil community.
World is changing and it's about time we raise this issue and make history. Small voices here and there are not going to make a change. We should act collectively with a loud voice until we are heard. We should strategise how we should approach this project and set clear milestones and action plans.