When we Indians are asked
how we feel about our country, the answers will vary based on our mood. A
sense of sadness or disgust in recent times over gender violence, state
apathy, corruption, etc. And a sense of pride and happiness over Indian
culture in more "normal" times.
But,
I wonder if we have not just exaggerated Indian culture and reached to
this state. Are all our problems not a manifestation, misuse or
misinterpretation of our culture.
Women should not go out alone in the night. Women should not be working out late in the night. They should be nicely covered, shouldn't tempt men. They should not loose their virginity before marriage. They should be maintaining the household and accept the man chosen to be their husband?
What about the part of Indian culture where men were supposed to look after, honor and protect their wives? When it was the princesses who had their Swayamvar and chose their groom amongst the many eligible men? When rape, domestic violence and torture were unheard of. When it was a sin to lust any woman other than your wife?
But now we have given up the idea of 'Ideal Men'. We are talking about real men, men with lust and greed. And we are still talking about 'Ideal women'. Its an unfair comparison. Either, we should teach our boys and men to be ideal and deal strongly if they wander off. Or we should accept the reality and just honor one ground rule, you are not allowed to hurt anyone.
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