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| India-Pakistan |
| A forewarning story of misogyny |
| 2015-10-10 |
| [NATION.PK] The past week brought forth the most startling of news one could imagine from the already steady stream of surprises - "12 year old girl beaten to death by father and brother." The only thing more devastating than the tragedy itself was the cause of it. The young girl, later identified as Aniqa Khalid, was murdered because apparently her "rotis" were not round enough. Not only does this instance signify the prevalent cruelty in Pakistain, it also puts into question the uncertain status of women in our society. The Pak society is plagued with instances of domestic violence: forceful marriages of underage girls, rape cases, and a list of such crimes that is apparently a never-ending one. Sadly, a Pak girl's life is replete with instances of gender discrimination if not the more disturbing accounts of domestic violence. Much of the inequality can be attributed to a long standing gender norms and roles that have dictated the lives of Pak women. Even in this day and age, the woman who spends most of her time stranded within the confines of her kitchen earns a status much elevated than that of a woman who is career oriented; the reason being that gender roles surrounding Pak woman require her to be a homemaker. Throughout her adolescence she is taught to be passive and submissive. Her conduct must be replicative of the society's morality; for it is her frail shoulders that the entire society's morality rests upon. In addition, she must perfect at managing the house while keeping her demeanor overtly shy and decent. Dupatta clad? That calls for bonus points. If all the requirements are spot on, her parents have done a fine job raising her. On the contrary, a woman who prioritizes her career over family is clearly an abomination. In fact, she is the root of all evil. And if she stays out late at night, God forbid, she could be the reason for the onset of a formidable calamity. These are some of the basic standards that we require our women to live up to. Speaking of bare minimum traits required in a woman, one cannot help but fathom the dress code requirement. She must dress to protect her modesty. Her apparel must not tamper with the minds of innocent men or in such case, must certainly not jeopardize their modesty. A woman who dresses in "provocative" ways indeed "invites" trouble; for the lewd stares were an innocent response to the indecent apparel adorned by these women. In fact, it is precisely what derailed these pious men from the path of righteousness. Hence, the ogling is a natural response and given the circumstances, it is only normal for a man to act in such a way. After all, boys will be boys, no? |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 He wants an argument? |
| Posted by: Sven the pelter 2015-10-10 09:46 |