By Shalini Ramakrishnan
Raised banners, candlelight marches and shouted slogans, the capital city of Delhi was transformed into a boiling point of undisputed anger and retribution post the horrific night of Dec 16, 2012. The whole world watched as there was an outpour of masses onto the streets demanding justice for the brave girl who eventually lost the battle for life after being abducted, tortured and abused in a bus. Panels were set up to talk about women's rights and women's safety in our country. Every point, every issue, every angle was debated and revisited over the next few months. Ask any women and she will be able to tell you how she could identify herself with the victim, feel the anger, the frustration and eventual resignation. But, what about men? If the victim was a woman, let's not forget that the perpetrators were men. So what does a common man in India feel when he listens, sees and hears about instances where his gender is being shamed and questioned by the despicable acts of a few?
Considering the fact that there are thousands and millions of people out there right now fighting for a change in the Indian system and society, the fact that most of the interviewers felt that there was no or little hope for stopping crimes against women was a tad heartbreaking.
What is it that made them think so? Most believed that it is a cultural dispute, a deep-rooted belief of men's dominance in the world that provokes such acts of violence against women. Some suggested that external factors like alcohol and drugs play a very important role in defining the actions of a man who is no longer in control of his senses. But as we all know, these points are not applicable to all cases.
Perhaps, what was a little funny were the pointers given like "Men should have better self control" or "Men should know their limits". For women who have grown up listening to advice their whole lives from their parents and well wishers about how they should talk, walk, dress and behave, these lines may seem a little too weak.
Of course, the discourse did not end without a few words of advice for their female counterparts as well. The usual and common words of wisdom were passed on about how women should socialize in a safe circle, avoid outings in odd hours, be aware of surroundings, not to provoke or attract unnecessary attention, be careful and cautious and more. Though well-meaning, many would argue that such lines would constitute the belief of a patriarchal society that still puts the role of women in provoking crimes against themselves in the forefront. Though there is nothing wrong in being careful and aware, the genesis of this out-of-control situation cannot be solely put on the woman's head.
There seemed some hope when most of the interviewees agreed that how a woman dressed or spoke did not matter. It was the lack of conscience on the perpetrator's part that needs to be questioned. A general consent was given on the need for better education and sensitization of the public towards women.
Even better was a point made by one of the fellow participants who said - "When I have children, I'll teach them that there is no difference between a girl and a boy. What is one's right is the other's right as well. This will hopefully make my son respect any woman he meets in his lifetime."
Going back to their initial reaction, it is a sad but unfortunate truth that it's probably going to be a long time before any considerable change can be seen in our society regarding this social evil. But the common hope for a better future for men and women alike shines bright in all eyes!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shalini_Ramakrishnan
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