The question of the day to the women out there -- Are you a feminist for the sake of being one? Is there something like a fake feminist? (I strongly believe all male chauvinists are genuine). Do we, the Indian women need saving? I sometimes feel, 'woman empowerment' occupies a prestigious 3rd position in the Oscar of Topics (right after Cricket and everything Bollywood).
I have never believed that I am feminist but I have been tagged as one, and so many times that its amusing. Every accusation brings a smile to my face. But it makes me angry also because I strongly feel I have a neutral outlook towards woman issues. How do I call a spade - a spade without being branded as part of the elite feminist club. I tried shutting up but then..I am an Indian, on top a woman,,that too a Bongali one!
Enough with my plight, and we return to my original question. Do feminists create fake nuisance? Are all their plights fake? Was the lady who reported the Delhi rape case a feminist too? Sound absurd! But If we delve a little deeper into the problem, we realize that it is our failure as a society that the word exists in the first place.
I am not talking about the newly married brides who are burnt alive, the just born babies put to death, the 4-year old something touched inappropriately..no they are too cliched for us. They should be reserved to fill page 3-4 of our national dailies and provide us company while we gulp down the morning tea or sit through our daily ablutions. I am talking about the slighter notions we hold about a 'woman'.
Why isn't your wife the leading bread-winner for your family? Believe in her and she can be much more than a 2nd grade teacher.
Treat her parents as the real parents too, remember they are old too and need company.
For god's sake, learn to cook and change nappies. They are your kids too, not the neighbour's.
If she is driving, let her. Chances are she is a much safer and pleasant driver than you.
ASK her If she wants to relax after the child comes. Her career choices are to be made by her. You wouldn't like it If she makes work choices for you.
History says women were held in high esteem and occupied positions of pride in the society. We got lost somewhere on the way. Today we pray to 10 different goddesses but don't hesitate to objectify women at the drop of a hat. It is the same India where Kareena Kapoor refuses to change her surname after her nikaah and a rape victim lies on the street for hours for help.
So I do not really care If a 'feminist' concern is genuine, till we assure ourselves of change and promise a fearless tomorrow to future daughters, it doesn't matter.
I have never believed that I am feminist but I have been tagged as one, and so many times that its amusing. Every accusation brings a smile to my face. But it makes me angry also because I strongly feel I have a neutral outlook towards woman issues. How do I call a spade - a spade without being branded as part of the elite feminist club. I tried shutting up but then..I am an Indian, on top a woman,,that too a Bongali one!
Enough with my plight, and we return to my original question. Do feminists create fake nuisance? Are all their plights fake? Was the lady who reported the Delhi rape case a feminist too? Sound absurd! But If we delve a little deeper into the problem, we realize that it is our failure as a society that the word exists in the first place.
I am not talking about the newly married brides who are burnt alive, the just born babies put to death, the 4-year old something touched inappropriately..no they are too cliched for us. They should be reserved to fill page 3-4 of our national dailies and provide us company while we gulp down the morning tea or sit through our daily ablutions. I am talking about the slighter notions we hold about a 'woman'.
Why isn't your wife the leading bread-winner for your family? Believe in her and she can be much more than a 2nd grade teacher.
Treat her parents as the real parents too, remember they are old too and need company.
For god's sake, learn to cook and change nappies. They are your kids too, not the neighbour's.
If she is driving, let her. Chances are she is a much safer and pleasant driver than you.
ASK her If she wants to relax after the child comes. Her career choices are to be made by her. You wouldn't like it If she makes work choices for you.
History says women were held in high esteem and occupied positions of pride in the society. We got lost somewhere on the way. Today we pray to 10 different goddesses but don't hesitate to objectify women at the drop of a hat. It is the same India where Kareena Kapoor refuses to change her surname after her nikaah and a rape victim lies on the street for hours for help.
So I do not really care If a 'feminist' concern is genuine, till we assure ourselves of change and promise a fearless tomorrow to future daughters, it doesn't matter.
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