Video source: My Choice Video source: My Choice - Male Version
Considering that both these videos are now going viral, I could not stop myself from commenting. The videos are above in case you may not have viewed one or the other or both.
Gender equity and equality does not mean pitching one gender against another and invisibilising other gender identities that don't fit in this norm. However, what I wonder is why the furor or the necessity to counter what women say especially when they want to make a choice, or claim their rights.
Why the inherent need to question their intent, or their existence
or blame them for their clothes if they face sexual harassment or have been
raped? Why ask her to keep experiences of harassment, abuse and violence under
cover… for family honour?
Who carries on the family name, while she apparently tarnishes it by
being 'loose', having been 'violated'? Who is required for the last rites and
every other religious rite and ceremony, while she apparently pollutes these
places, ceremonies, rituals etc… by her mere presence, worse still if she is
menstruating? Refer to the shame about women menstruating such
that a social media site found it offensive enough to pull it down.
Who is the person sexually, harassing, abusing and being violent
towards women on the streets and in homes, while she is being asked to stay
indoors to protect herself and her family's honour?
Since when did men in our patriarchal society not have the
privileges that women were denied? Yes, both videos maybe making a point and the first maybe perceived as biased towards
women. So, what is it that calls for the need for countering the voices of
women who ask for their rights over their own bodies, life and choices? Last I
checked we still live in a patriarchal and heteronormative society where women
are judged differently for the same set of things than men. And for people who
don't conform to these 'normal' identities of men and women, their experiences
and existence don't even feature in most conversations. So, it is a good thing that this video has been made :)
I am not even commenting on the marriage bit, because that is for another post that will follow.
Video source: My Choice - Transgender version
I am not even commenting on the marriage bit, because that is for another post that will follow.
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