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Little Moments Of Bliss is a silhouette of a feeling that resides in my heart. A software engineer by degree, a writer at heart, and a teacher by profession, I'm all that I never thought I would be. Pretty pictures,a poem that blatantly refuses to rhyme, a text from a deranged friend, a sudden gesture of love, its these little things in life, that matter and sprinkle bliss. Grace the couch and share a cuppa!

March 14, 2012

I am She.






This post has won the second prize in the Stayfree's 'Time to Change' contest.





Note : Every word written in this article is close to my heart because I, like every other girl, have been a victim myself. Forgive me if my views hurt you in any way.

She was groped in a train when she was 11. A middle aged man pushed her aside while entering the toilet and squeezed her butt. She ran to her mother and never left her side for the rest of the journey. The pain vanished in a couple of minutes but the after-effects did not.

The bus was crowded, little could she do about it. She got in somehow, amidst the valiant touching and staring of the five men standing on the footsteps. A round of hi fives is heard. The old man couldn't keep his itchy hands in his pocket and made sure he pressed himself onto her whenever the driver applied the brakes. She got out at the very next stop. She bathed thrice and felt like she'll never feel clean again.

She was walking her way to the gym and two boys in their late teens brushed by her side on their bike. One of them even took the liberty of touching her breasts inappropriately and then smirked in the delight of the new found information about how 'cool' he is. Before she could understand what just happened, they were out of sight. She turned around and silently headed home, her body felt violated.

She was felt up her school skirt in lure of the conductor pretending to help her get down the bus. Not a word of this was ever spoken to anybody.

In the close confinements of the auto rickshaw, he manages to get a hold and starts masturbating while shamelessly staring at her skirt. Her whole being seethes with anger and she shouts at the driver to stop. She wants to yell 'my dress is not a yes', but follows the road that is always taken and walks away. He smiles and counts upon doing the same to the next passenger. He won. And she lost. Again.

Sometimes I am cruelly put to death as a foetus and when I do get to live, I am expected to tolerate such filth without uttering a word of it to anybody. I have the qualification to earn for myself, I am raped and I am burnt. I am a woman of independent India.


I am She.



She burns with rage when the authorities refuse to walk that extra mile to help her and blame her assumed provocative clothing. She becomes the talk of the town, is discussed over kitty parties by wealthy socialites while sipping their tea, the paparazzi sleeps outside her home for days only to get a statement that can be blown off in the next morning's newspaper.

No man ever marries her and she is served the bitter taste of brutal injustice.

Call me a feminist or a sexist if you must, but being a girl in her early twenties who is not allowed to go to the nearby chemist shop all by her self for the fear of getting marred or molested by a stranger, I don't have a better argument for you. A man once waved a 500Rs note and signaled me to get into his car when I was around sixteen, I felt utterly humiliated and started walking faster towards home. Even if I step out in a burqa covering every inch of my exposed skin, I would be humiliated if those perverts catch a glimpse. None of the incidents mentioned above have been created by my mind, they are well read and make me feel ashamed of being a citizen of such a country. Complaints are written, signed, investigated and then filed away to bite dust. In severe cases, the victim is blamed and boycotted off the society. Nothing that I write here would make a change, until we get out there and try to raise a voice against it. Their temptation exceeds their sanity, but we have to provide proof that ours doesn't. Eve teasing has become a frivolous term now, it is more of sexual harassment, filthy remarks, lewd comments and obscene gestures, be it verbal or physical. Any woman who steps out of her private sphere does not invite this upon herself, as it is quoted. It is not common anymore.

Keenan Santos and Reuben Fernandes are my heroes. Despite the apparent quiet of our youth, they fought against this evil act in Mumbai and were stabbed to death by the monsters. At least they had the heart to stand up and put up a fight. But it also plays with a lot of minds when they wonder will we also meet the same fate if we raise our voices ? After the recent twin rapes in Gurgaon, the police issued a notice telling women to stay indoors after 8pm if they don't want to get raped. It sure drew protests from across Delhi-NCR (or should I say National Capital of Rape ?) but to no avail.

If I could be the change I want to see in the world around me, it would be getting rid of this menace called eve teasing. As and how I'm growing up, I realize and understand why my father over-protects me. But I really wonder if that is the only solution ?


I very well know that a lot has been written and spoken about eve-teasing and sexual abuse, and a lot will still pop up on this contest as well, but since this contest came up at the eve of women's day, I wrote about the issue that is closest to my heart. I can never forget the humiliation that I felt when that note was waved at my face.


All the best to all those who are participating in this contest.

This post is an Official entry for Stayfree's Time To Change hosted by IndiBlogger.

Visit the Facebook page for further indulgence into Stayfree's campaign to bring about a change.

http://www.facebook.com/sftimetochange



159 comments:

  1. Delhi and NCR which is more known as National Capital of Rape is the worst city to live (I belong to Delhi) and I agree with you. If we don't stand for ourselves, noone else would.

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  2. That’s such a genuine write-up which i guess any girl can relate to.It’s these day2day things that are easily overlooked that need to be noticed and penalized because just being a girl doesn’t and shouldn't let anyone stamp u as the ever-tolerant one.
    Best wishes for the contest too ! Definitely a much needed change..in attitude...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its actually these day to day things that need attention and help. You're right.

      Delete
  3. This is a WOW post..everyone's talking about change but it's still the same,perhaps just getting worse by time..

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  4. Exactly. Most men do it so quickly and make it look like an accident; the girl doesn't even realise what had just happened.
    It's sickening.

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    Replies
    1. Whats really sick is that some do not even care to make it look like a accident. They're blatant.

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  5. If 'dressing properly' is the best way to eradicate rape, isn't castration an equally effective measure?

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  6. Replies
    1. I hope its mind boggling in a manner I wanted it t be.

      Delete
  7. i am a guy and i agree with you. also, it might seem like a far fetched argument but believe me good guys exist.

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  8. Very strong, precise and well written. Being a woman, we cannot escape eve-teasing. One way of the other we become the victims of foul play. I would be glad if this was seen in a more serious manner rather than just terming it as "eve-teasing" and telling women to adjust to the abhorring culture of groping and harassing that is spreading across our country.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They say 'Its common'. I beg to disagree, Its not common anymore.

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  9. it hurts that geting groped, pawed, touched is so normal that when you complain- ppl just shrug and say "it happens". ugh!

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  10. Every girl in any part of our country has to face such sick, cheap, third class behaviour if she is travelling by public transports like bus, train and so on.. Not metropolitan but also in villages such things are quite common. I wish this really cud be changed somehow..

    Good luck for the contest:)

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    Replies
    1. Only if more people thought that way mnet.

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  11. That is a really bad situation :( Even if you can meet the same fate, you have to stand up and fight. Fear is an excellent way to stop people, don't let it stop you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meeting the same fate is actually the worst fear regarding this case.

      Delete
  12. Just like you, many of us keep pondering over possible answers.

    This apathy, however, will subside if more women take such serious matters up instead of ones like when Russell Peters said something about Aishwarya Rai. The more women's groups come out and DEMAND normal treatment, the better the situation will get. (I refrain from using 'justice' because it is a birthright for women to be treated normally).

    I'm sure you'll agree we have to fight for our rights and self respect. Well, maybe more women have to come together to fight for this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not just women, It is the birthright of every human being to be treated normally and with decent respect, provided their deeds also say so.

      Delete
  13. Wow chillling and truthful and so so well put together. Definitely hope this triggers a change in all who read it!

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  14. @Serendipity: Hi , This is so amazingly written yar!Clearly shows ur angst and its told on behalf of all women
    Ages back i stopped going to morn walk all alone coz One such bastard who was going in full speed like on race-bike just pushed me so hard by my neck and I thought a tree branch fell on me. Quickly I realised and tried to hurl a stone at him bt he was gone with out forgettng to pass a quick smirk as he took a turn!

    Our parents always fear to send us alone. just 2days back I read abt a crime in Delhi/ GGN . what u told is true!
    But U cannot change those evil minds so its always better not to become a prey for those wild monsters and jst b vigilant

    Once again superbly written. CONGRATS!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doesn't that smirk ignite a fire inside somewhere ?
      I'm sorry for you had to go through that.

      Delete
  15. It's outrageous

    You are absolutely right about two things

    The authority rarely cooperates
    Only blogging about it won't change anything

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  16. I am a guy and i would say - Just HANG the Bastards who even dares to do things like that.... There should NOT be any other punishment for it... Develop the fear in Men who think of women just as sexual objects...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only if it were as easy to do as it is to say

      Delete
  17. Beautiful post!Hard hitting truth! These instances are documented,debated upon and even witnessed by some, yet the apathy is disgusting!

    Very well written!

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  18. A post with touch of reality that needs urgent change.

    A brave post.

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  19. I dunno wat to comment on this pathetic situation of the country...it seriously very well written post... :)

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  20. Good post. I like the way the issue was brought up. I have faced couple of issues myself.. groping, brushing past, being clicked without being aware.. Plus I have seen my friends face similar things. I had rage for a while. I used to carry a hand knife on the account of self defense and swore to scare the hell out of a guy who come anywhere close by. But, really there is nothing a parliament can do about it.. men and women who support such men should change. It is about the mentality.

    Where can I vote for this post? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And only women can understand how disgusting this apathy is.

      Delete
  21. This was wonderfully written. And it moved me. I hope you win :)

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  22. A beautiful and completely true post. In fact I thought a few of those instances were made up. At least I hoped it was, especially the auto rickshaw one and the bike one. Pathetic and clear facts that speak out it is high time to raise our voice.
    Now that I am out in the real world I totally understand what my parents meant when they said be careful while walking out. And Reuben and Keenan are true heroes. But I am sure a lot many people out there would fear the fate of both of them to themselves and as a result keep mum. A pathetic but true fact! From the bottom of my heart I hope it changes. Soon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. None Deepthi, None of those were made up.
      I wish the same.

      Delete
  23. Hard hitting post Missy, you were bang on all counts.

    A Saudi style example must be made of these offenders so that people think twice before even venturing into such an act but that requires the support of the justice and the police system in our country; the effectiveness of which is only too well known.

    Cheers :)

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  24. A post for which you deserve kudos! Very shameful and despicable acts of frustration which can unsettle the fairer sex for a long time! It is the psyche which has to change and this may take generations as the system is spineless to punish the offenders!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The after-effects of such incidents is what nobody cares to think about. Its a shame.

      Delete
  25. very well written..straight from the heart.. and most of us can relate to it..a brilliant post, good luck for the contest

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  26. I applaud you for writing about this. Shows the cruelty and unfairness of the real world. There needs to be a change. You're being so brave by talking about this issue and sharing it.
    <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wanted it to touch as many people as possible.

      Delete
  27. This is a beautifully strong post. Incidents like the above really diminishes my faith that that things will be better. I've had experiences like these a couple of times when I was a child but I never entirely understood it until I grew up. Now I'm just furious. But I have come to the conclusion that these things will never change and we just have to be extra cautious, every time.

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  28. your most powerful article yet. mind-opener writing

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  29. I think its all about feeling powerful. Men just like to show they can do whtever they want because they r men.
    Lovely writeup...strong!

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  30. What a wonderful post. People still haven't realised how serious eve-teasing can get. All the incidents you cited have happened to most of us... and it's scary like hell. I just wish my daughter would grow up to a better world.

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  31. awesome post... :) loved the way you narrated it.. and the post screams how filthy the community is now..! very bold and expressive.. loved it! :)

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  32. whoa !! got goosebumps after reading. Strong write up. It is degrading , and completely unfair when such offensive incidents are crossed off as mere 'eve teasing'.
    No place is safe *sigh*. Only education and awareness can bring some change. Good post. :)

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    Replies
    1. I wish there were some place we could call safe.

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  33. Nice write up. It's a big probs that dsnt seem to end or find a reason. All that we can do is unite and fight.

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  34. This is a wonderful post , shouting at the society loud about the present scene !!!
    yes delhi NCR has the poorest rate !!!
    I know this is a shame !!!!!!!!!

    Anyways I am a fan of ur blog now

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  35. The only way to stop this is "NOT TO ACCEPT IT". Do not keep shut when someone teases. Raise voice when in Public. If you dont, you encourage psycologically. The society too has a great responsibility!

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  36. We need to demand harsher punishment for crimes against women. It's preposterous that several molesters and rapists aren't even arrested for their crimes, while others are made to serve short, temporary sentences, or worse, are let out on bail. Doling out deserving punishment, i.e proper implementation of death penalty, non-negotiable, is the only solution to deter potential criminals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only demanding wouldn't help, something much more big needs to be done.

      Delete
  37. I applaud you for standing up for what is right. Great post and very well written.

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  38. It is so much a part of every woman's life that she learns to live with it.. People will write posts and support you and then forget about you. It is the woman who suffered who will still suffer. Acting back gives you the pride back but there have also been incidences where acting back has resulted in these eve teasers throw acid on the girl or kill her. So it is a huger problem than just about the insensitivity of people. The whole psyche needs to be changed!

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    Replies
    1. Exactly. The whole mentality needs to be changed.

      Delete
  39. I feel disgusted. Disgusted and ashamed. Really appreciate you for writing this. Brilliant post.

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  40. This happens only in India... is what I wish to say yet, nope, its not true. This happens everywhere and that generalizing definitely does not justify what happens in here. The problem however is also that women feel that elders, the wise ones, who often take the simpler path, who advice women in their homes to stay away from such mongrels and avoid such incidents are often the ones from whom these women seek "liberty" to regret later... when they say fire burns, some just want to touch it. "Personal space" that which is violated seems to be a luxury rather than a moral right which the rich only can afford... think about it...

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    Replies
    1. I agree. Sitting inside our homes has never helped and it never will.

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  41. Hard-hitting but unfortunately this happens everyday !!

    All the best for the contest !!

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  42. Lemem give you a solution , raise your voice and there will be many to help you . Suffereing in silence is half the problem . Your dad overprotecting you is probably why it hit you so hard . get out there , its a bad world bt as you said be the change you wanna see in the world , crying foul aint gonna help .

    FYI not all grls are gud , not all men are bad . Dont b a feminist if you preach equality , otherwise carry on its a free world , what difference does it make.

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    Replies
    1. I understand. As I've said earlier, I'm not blaming everybody here.

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  43. I really hope u win... both for the post and the cause!!!

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  44. This is one very nicely written post, very accurately describing the She! Few incident reminded me of what happened with my sister or my girl in the small and the metros of the county...just wish the Change be brought on grounds!

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  45. It is really a menace and is never going to stop unless we women go there and do something about it!!

    All the best for the contest !!

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  46. Serendipity, I am a woman too, I've been groped and teased too. But instead of crying hoarse about it, I did what I had to do. I protected myself. I raised an alarm in public. I understood my strength and I used it. Kindly stop painting women as the weaker, harassed sex. We are weak and harassed because we let them do it to us. And sadly in a country where women are constantly trying to achieve gender equality, there are women who just sit back and do nothing except complain. If you want things to change, you gotta do it yourself, sister. Change starts with us...

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  47. Every woman and decent man agree with you. I'm just one more. Won't waste my breath stating what these low lives need. We ourselves need to be alert, armed with pepper spray, a loud voice and a martial arts skill up our sleeve. Plus, we need lots of women in the armed forces.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wonder if that'd help but who shall say KayEm.

      Delete
  48. http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/keenans-girlfriend-describes-how-he-was-killed-146488 [If you haven't read it already. Old article though.]

    "Nothing that I write here in my blog would make a change" I'd disagree on that.
    Lack of awareness is the root cause and I noticed that you've managed to get a few, men and women, outraged. That's a small step forward.

    Not everyone is bold enough to express their views. As always, great post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope I played more than my part on creating the awareness.

      Delete
  49. A thought provoking post. It's really sad to know that women in our country are leading their whole lives amid mental (and sometimes physical) suffering. I feel ashamed that I belong to a country where the common man stands as a silent spectator instead of stepping in and providing a helping hand. Seriously, we don't seem to have even an iota of respect for our fellow human beings. Or for that matter, do we even have some self-respect?

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  50. This is something we need to talk about, a whole lot more. We can all relate to this.
    Well written. All the very best for the contest.

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  51. This blog post gave me goosebumps .. So wonderfully written.

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  52. Such a true and happening post.
    We really do have to raise our voice.
    It is such a sad thing you know. We call INDIA a MOTHER LAND and in this land Women are treated in this way.
    Such a shame.
    It is disgusting to even know such things happen, but yet it does.

    Girls have been given rights to do anything, yet they can't walk by themselves especially at night.
    They always have to be dependent if they wish to be safe.
    This is such B******T I tell you.
    So angry at the people.
    Hmm! Its time for the youths to strike I say. If only people would be brave. One alone can't do anything right?

    Hmm! Anyways all the best for the contest :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those rights only make everything worse. They make women feel more helpless.

      Delete
  53. The more we talk, the more we are closer to a solution. Great post, I promise that no matter whatever it takes I make sure I will try my best in preventing these things from happening from whichever way it is possible from my side...Hats Off for a great post.

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    Replies
    1. Thats highly encouraging. Thank You Prashanth.

      Delete
  54. NCR has actually turned into national capital of rape! And being over- protective is no solution, neither is covering urself up.
    A wonderfully penned post on something whose changing is the need of the hour. good luck :)


    sarah

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  55. I couldn't agree more.
    But you've ignored the all prevalent incidents of young boys getting raped too.
    Nonetheless, you've touched a raw nerve here.
    Bravo!
    http://myrootsmywings.blogspot.in/search/label/Rape

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  56. Nice post and very well written :)

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  57. excellent writeup---true and touching --nothing exagerated

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  58. Well written!!! And an important issue!! I still remember my experience in Mumbai trains as a young adult...even now I cannot get myself into Mumbai trains. Thank you for writing on this issue!

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    Replies
    1. A shiver runs down my spine when I hear a bike racing behind my back even today. Its awful.

      Delete
  59. i would have to follow you now,just in anticipation of reading something more like this one :)

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  60. Extremely well written! Short and Crip, best of luck for the contest.

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  61. This.is.insanely.good.
    I respect you doubly for putting it across in a not-so-monotonous and over stretched form.

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  62. It is really a pitiable state of affairs in our country, especially our capital, which shamelessly wears the crown of being the most unsafe region for the fairer sex.

    A beautiful writeup, aptly demonstrating how low people have fallen.

    Regards,
    Blasphemous Aesthete

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    Replies
    1. And the amusing part is that they don't even realize this.

      Delete
  63. I guess every girl/woman in India experienced this and can relate to your post...We all live in silent pain...Sometimes, when we do express, but our behavior is questioned and they blame its our fault and we entertain such things...That hurts even more...You've done a good job by expressing your feelings through this blog post..Great job! and all the best for the contest!..Hope there will be a change!

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  64. Very well written.. Its sad that such things keep happening even in this so called "civilized" society

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  65. Serendipity- this post actually made me tear up. It seems that being born an Indian woman is more trouble than it is worth. Be it your body, or your intellect, men are content to treat us as little more than walking cunts (forgive my harsh language). While I don't live in India, I do deal with chauvinistic attitudes from the Indian men my parents set me up with- and expect me to marry.

    You have my sympathy. *hug*

    Best,

    deviousDiv

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  66. http://jeevankuruvilla.blogspot.in/2012/03/girl-child-positive-deviance.html

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  67. I'm mind-boggled after such a balanced, well-informed and Well written Post..If we need some change in society..it's Rigt here!!Very touching post!

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  68. I read this post, quite sometime back, and tried to post a comment after that, but ran into some issues trying to do that. Now as I was reading through other posts for the contest, I am back here again.

    The way you have written the post, it is difficult to say that its a nice/good/great post. It is something that leaves you speechless, the way you have highlighted the apathy of women, it is so surreal. It makes you feel someone really close to you undergoing all the things that you have mentioned.

    The solution for this problem is though far far away. We should probably educate our boys about how to respect women and our girls to give one tight slap to anybody who does any mischief.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed your comment has reached here Asif :)
      I'm so glad that you thought my thoughts are worthy enough :)

      Delete
  69. I am not sure if my comment got posted, but I would like to add a suggestion as well, can you provide in your blog to leave a comment with Name/E-Mail ID/URL as well if possible. That is what i tend to use more often :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll change the settings asap :)

      Delete
    2. Very well written and thought provoking article

      Delete
  70. Education starts at home. It's important for parents to teach their sons to respect women. And also the daughters should to taught to raise their voices. When a woman is eve-teased, she should be brave enough to raise an alarm. Keeping quiet would multiply these bastards courage..

    I had goosebumps while I was reading your post. Can't tell you how much I loved your writing.

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  71. I know a lot of girls who faced very similar situations, why anyone else, Every gal including me had gone through some kind of such problems at least once in life..
    Brave post..
    I just want to mention about one of my friend (so called ) , who argued with me abt women's conditions. He was stubbornly saying that no such things exist, it all made up... When I met his girl friend after this , i couldn't talk 2 her, becoz all I could remebr was his words abt women.. I wonder hw can a girl endure a guy with such a pathetic mentality and why should she?

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  72. Every Girl atleast once in her life time must have been the victim of eveteasing...
    We Silently keep the anger inside us and do nothing...

    Anyways congratulations on winning the contest :)

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  73. Congratulations! It was my favorite post on the topic..and it won! :D

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  74. Ugh. I didn't have to go through something AS terrible, but yes, we all are victims, coz in everyday life, there are so many gropings and leering and what not, in buses/trains.. Sigh.
    But the worst is when people tell you to just take it silently. It is our good fortune Di,that we are born to literate parents and we know what is right and what to do..
    Amazing post and congratulations on your winning :D xx

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  75. The pain that the victim undergoes, the agony and the mental turmoil that rages in every feamle's heart whenever she reads/experiences such situations, is something that even a well-wishing male cannot understand. It is easy to say that man is an animal and so a woman has to be cautious.....but that can never solve the problem....it is deep rooted in all man-dominated societies.....it is not just the case of India.....what can help is the fear of punishment....a fear that can become real only with a sound execution of justice in an unbiased and fearless manner.....we need stringent laws....unforgiveable and unrelenting laws.....and we need them soon......

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  76. Sheer Brilliance. You have put all the issues very sensitively, smartly without making it loose the essence. I wanted to put a similar write up but owing to time n writer's block constraint, couldn't participate. But thank you for voicing the same opinion.Kudos...

    I am now a fan! blog rolling you.

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  77. That was quite a grim description of the fate dealt to females nowadays, especially in the early ages. Thinking of the illogical nature of such events, the question which comes to the mind instantly is 'Why?'. Nobody should police us to teach this, it should be clear enough for everybody. Very nice post. Keep posting :)

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  78. Although I don't actually live in India, I recall from my visits feeling so vulnerable to these disgusting eyes set on me.

    Still an issue :( Unfortunately...

    But well written and Im glad you won.

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  79. I came here after reading you topic on Indiblogger - "Does 'I am She' tell you that I tried to portray women as the weaker sex ?"

    Honestly, I read a lot of pent up fury and anguish on the post. Rather than portraying women as weaker sex (which I think is all bullshit as men being the stronger one)- I think you have made all men look like filthy loafers and rowdies.

    Yeah, I can understand your pain and hurt on that 500 Rs incident. if it's any consolation, all men are not like that. And I personally think that these men once had mothers who shaped them(No, I am not blaming them). It's just that they could have done a better job.

    When I read people saying - that we have to do something about it,(when anybody says that they need to do something about anything), I do get the good intentions and the honest outburst, but what I would like is to strike at the source of the problem.

    Do you really think that men when given harsh punishments will stop such activities?
    or- Do you want to live in a society that doesn't act like this?

    Do you really think that laws can change mins sets that have clotted over a century of prejudice? or- Do you think that people via awareness can make a change?

    Personally, as a male --- I felt quite bashed up after reading your post. Not all men are lust mongers - for god's sake, kindly try to grow over the incident that happened to you. Seeing your blog and stuff, I think you are more than that one incident. Why should it put you down. I think that the guy who perpetuates a crime against women does not hurt the girl but he hurts the entire fabric of the society.

    He is doing something that would not want his own mother, daughter or wife and sister to experience. Kindly don't take a feminist side to such an issue. I think that never is the solution. It just creates more walls rather than breaking them all.


    Also, I cannot understand why you have portrayed the issue as related to our country alone. I think, its about how we per-sieve gender as a society that decides how people react to each women. It has nothing to do with what language people speak or what god they pray to.

    I have a sister. I am extremely protective of her. I always caution her about men and how to behave in such places. But I don't want her to lose trust in all guys. That's not just right.

    And, when I read comments like of lost and found--- I am perplexed. Sorry, I just don't get the term "achieving gender equality". I think when people say they wanna be equal, they themselves believe that they are not equal. What you have brought up is a can of worms--- I just cannot put everything, I want to hear.


    Do try reading this-

    http://average-everyday.blogspot.in/2009/06/warning-highly-adult-content.html


    I would like to know what you think after reading all the 3 parts of the trilogy post.

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  80. Bitter truth.. they dont spare temples too.. when something happens girls dont go and tell their parents.. and if they want to, they cannot identify who.. it happens in a flash.. and even worst, they lose most of their freedom.. and even blamed for not being more traditional and being inviting.. no one is safe and we must be really strong for ourselves

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  81. As a woman, I feel for this topic just as you have mentioned. Its sad that the only way to avoid rapes is to restrict women from venturing out. Whatever happened to punishing the perpetrators? How can confining the victims be the right solution? Well deserved entry in the contest!

    I reached your post through someone's else's post. You might want to read it here.

    After Women's day, I had also penned a post called 'Women's Day? Really?'. It can be found here. I would love to hear your thoughts as well.

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  82. Great Post. I am not sure if the contest is over or not. If not, All the best for it.

    http://lovelybusybee.blogspot.com/

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  83. Apology from my side, for being guilty...No other words I have...

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