So S
texts me a usual women-always-bicker-men-can’t-breathe-courtesy-our bickering
joke. I reply with a 'LOL'. He replies ‘I love you for not over reactingJ’ I am like…overreact at
what? He tells me that he sent the same message to another gal friend of his
and…she blew the lid. I ask why. He says ‘she is a hardcore feminist…and feels
that people should stop joking at their expense’ what could I say…now I know S
very well and know he respects women to the hilt and would never spread a
message which would insult womanhood.
But that made me sit back and reflect on what the actual definition of
feminism is. Oxford says: noun
[Mass noun]
the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.
Now, how is a joke at the expense of womanhood denying the
equal rights to women? In fact, its an absolute equality since every other joke
is about male bashing! Now before u
think that I am some guy in disguise of a girl, allow me to present my opinion.
According to me, the definition of feminism is becoming shallow with every
passing day. I believe every woman has a feminist somewhere in her. And I am no
different. Do you get disgusted when you hear about molestation? Do rape
stories horrify you? Do you feel female feticide needs to stop? If your answer to even one of the questions
is yes, then you are a feminist. Irrespective of your sex. Now my knowledge
might be sparse but correct me if any law specifies that feminism can be
followed by a woman only? What would you call the thousands of men that stood
up and fought for the ‘Nirbhaya’ case? Chauvinistic pigs? Why can’t I call em
feminists?
These days women resort to feminism as an excuse for
whatever they cannot explain. You drive in the wrong lane, still YOU fight. Ask
why. Oh…you are a feminist. In south,
even today a girl’s maternal uncle has the first right as a groom. And FYI this
not some village or back alley thingy. It is an ancient tradition which
continues even today (although at a much lower rate) and happens in the most
elite of families. Shocked are you? Where is the feminism now? Just because
it’s a ‘tradition’ we are supposed to stay shut?
People feminism
is not an excuse to get away with something that is technically wrong! If you feel you are being denied what is
rightfully yours, feel free to fight for it. That is feminism. I agree men should be chivalrous but you cannot
fight with them for not opening the door for you. A disgusted glance would be
enough (maybe!).
So, be a feminist
enough to laugh at the next girl-y/wife-y joke you here :D
Loads of love,
Sakshi!
