CAN WE TEACH OUR MEN TO BEHAVE?
by Allwin Bright
The Delhi gang rape has become a trending topic. It is hitting the headlines in media – printed, electronic and TVs. We are all raising our voice in unison. We are forwarding texts, observing candlelight vigils, participating protests…. Lets spare a few minutes and ask the following questions to ourselves. Lets be honest in answering these questions
Have I stopped a friend who has stared at a girl with a look that stripped her nude?
NO
Did I react when men touched, pinched and groped girls while traveling in a train or a bus?
NO
He made an obscene remark about the girl that passed by. Did I teach him a lesson?
NO
Have I argued with men who talk of treating women being as sex objects?
NO
I’ve been a mere spectator in all these cases. All of a sudden I find the Delhi gang rape case making news all over the media. I feel the need to make my presence felt. I join protests. I demand the government to act immediately. I take a pledge – I’ll stand up against injustice inflicted upon women and not just be a passerby. I am outraged and urge the lawmakers to punish them. I blame the govt. for not showing a sense of urgency. I shout at the top of my voice. The media gives her pseudonyms, Nirbhaya, Amanat, Damini, Jyoti, Jagruti… Whooah… What a tribute?
One last question.
Will any of this bring her back to life?
Again the answer is NO
The same thing happened when a 17 year old girl was publicly molested in Guwahati. It hit the headlines for quiet a few days and what happened after that?…
With time the media would get another sensational news. They’ll feed you with that news.
Lets stop blaming the police, govt. and the lawmakers. We are also equally responsible. We should change at a personal level.
Respect women. Stop eve-teasing. It all begins here. Its happening everywhere – Schools, Colleges, Office, Cinema theaters, Local trains, Buses etc. It could be anybody – he could be your friend, your relative, a colleague, a college student, a school student, a thug – STOP THEM. Girls tolerate them. They don’t fight back because they fear that the next day he may take his revenge on her. When a handful of people can strike so much fear why can’t we, the majority of us do the same to them?
I am not against protests. In fact I am glad that its happening. Just ask your conscience – Do I have the courage? Will I be able stop them in future? and if your answer is ‘YES’ then go ahead. Mind you it is not easy to say “YES’. It is very very difficult.
My answer is YES. I’m with you.
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Only fearless people like you who are least bothered about the consequences can strike back. Stare back at them in the eye. They’ll know what real fear is. I say you they’ll be scared to death.
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I guess this time the male counterparts need to take a bit of more responsibility in standing for women’s respect in general!
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Thats exactly my point Trisha. Its high time we took eve teasing seriously. People involved should be dealt with.
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You’re right Allwin! I can give you ample instances when a lady protestd against eve-teasing and it landed her into trouble! There are also instances when such eve- teasers literally harassed few mentally just to satisfy their “Male ego”! This is ridiculous!
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This is sick 😦 When will people learn?
And sorry for being so late in commenting back. I was a little preoccupied yesterday.
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A thought provoking and self questioning post! If only every individual is like and think alike you!
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I am glad that you found this post thought provoking. It was actually a release of emotional frustration. We as individuals have to change…
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Even the thought emerges for few moments is bound to bring change and wht matters most is the sense of such realization. rest all preachings and teachings go in vain for life
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At least that’s what I’m hoping for; We have to realize and we’ll also have to act.
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That was really a very inspiring post..
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Thank you Apoorva.
I can only hope that there is a meaningful improvement in the way we treat women.
Things have to change.
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A very well written post, at least this will make people think.
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Exactly what I intended to convey through this post.
Return to your conscience, question it.
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