SECURITY FOR WOMEN, CHANGING THE MINDSET


During the protests at Jantar Mantar, one of the girls was groped, as tweeted by her. What does this show? That to most men anywhere anytime all females are forms of flesh with two breasts and two bums and a ‘va….’ with or without a pretty face. As far as they are concerned, men’s eyes were made to ogle all female forms and the hands were designed to grab what you can while you can. It would be interesting to know how they would handle it if the tables were turned. It would be great if “It’s a boy girl thing “could really happen.
If it’s all a matter of eyeing that which is not so readily visible, porn sites would be the most sought after, and they are. In fact, one of the film sites actually shows ‘Rape scenes from films’ for download, and I am sure it has many hits. It should also translate that those fairly familiar with the nude forms like medical professionals and artists would be less obsessed. This isn’t so.
It’s all a matter of mindset. That the way boys grew up in school, clandestinely talking and ogling and trying to touch and feel the girls. That’s how they ‘grew up’ and ‘matured’ but actually did neither and staying with their fixation. That’s how they continue in life, with no qualms about the moral aspects of their thoughts, words and deed vis-à-vis the other sex, and never see any wrong in it. All of it is the ‘usual’ and ‘in’ thing
This mindset need to be changed, and will not occur overnight. Where, when and how it can be tutored to change is to be seriously debated. In our diverse cultures, different settings of the rural and urban setup, the wide spectrum of schooling, the male dominant society, all are factors, and need consideration. It would be an age before anything changes, but it will come through education and upbringing. The free mixing of sexes during the former and the right morals infused at home during the latter is required. The western example may not be flawless but it does emphasis the benefits of growing up and learning together.
Despite everything rogués do crop up and prosper. Legislation is needed for them, but as the Delhi gang rape victim’s friend has emphasized laws are there, but no implementation. Why not? As long as people have to pay for recruitment to the force, they will also look for avenues to get that money back, and money comes not for enforcing the law but to look the other way or let the culprits go scot free. Laws allow for adequate punishment but this has to be meted out without any relaxation. The rapist deserves no respite, during or after sentencing for this is one criminal who is not unlikely to repeat his offence.
The changing mindset should start with the treatment of our women at home, giving them equal status and respect. This will then translate to the workplace and then to all society
Let’s stop belittling them in our thoughts, words and actions, treat them like fellow humans and not like objects, of sex and submission. Only then will they be safe and secure 

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