We live in a free country and it is on us how we voice our opinions. Some believe, bullying people from the hideout of the computer and in the shadow of anonymity is being 'opinionated' . And there are others who think thrusting their opinions on others, just because they have a platform to serve their hollow and shallow thought process, is being 'progressive'.
I detest both vehemently.
Its been really long, since I wrote a post like this. But a recent incident urged me to do so.
And its the most talked about interview of "Mira Rajput" on International Women's Day, wherein she attempts to voice her conjectured thoughts on many issues, which are very sensitive in today's changing India.
In another of her recent appearances, in the frivolous celebrity talk show ‘Koffee with Karan’, she had subtly expressed her disgust on female objectification through Item numbers. She had worn a lot of composure and confidence to the show, emphasising, she had no issues with her husband’s exes. And believe me, I had started to think, she is pretty classy and mature for her age. But then her outlandish unveiling of her demeanour, as she discussed the issue of working women without an iota of empathy, left me dazzled. She proved that she was ignorant and immature to be commenting on such crucial concerns.
My first set of questions is to the organisers of the program.
ON WHAT BASIS DO YOU INVITE A GUEST TO ADDRESS AUDIENCE ON A DAY LIKE 'INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY'?
DOES BEING THE WIFE OF A BOLLYWOOD STAR QUALIFY SOMEONE TO BE GIVEN A PLATFORM, WHERE SHE CAN SPEAK WHATEVER SHE INTENDS TO?
C'MON, I BELIVE YOUR PLATFORM IS NOT AS 'FRIVOLOUS' AS TALK SHOWS, AND YOU DON'T INVITE GUESTS GUIDED BY 'NEPOTISM', DO YOU?
And my second set of questions is for the lady herself.
DO YOU THINK WOMEN WHO LEAVE THE PREMISES OF THE HOUSE TO FIND AN IDENTITY OR EARN LIVING FOR HER FAMILY, LEAVING HER LITTLE BABY AT HOME, IS LESS MOTHER THAN YOU?
LEAVE ALONE THE UNPRIVILEGED, WHO ARE FORCED TO LEAD THEIR LIVES A CERTAIN WAY, ARE THE PRIVILEGED WOMEN, WHO ARE CAREERIST MOTHERS, SINFUL OF DISOWNING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THEIR CHILDREN?
HAVE YOU ASKED THE INNUMERABLE MAIDS, WHO COME TO WORK FOR YOU IN YOUR LAVISH ABODE, IF THEY HAVE LEFT A BABY BACK HOME, TO EARN A LIVING?
DON'T YOU THINK, THAT MEN AND WOMEN, BOTH FORM PART OF A SUCCESSFUL PARENTING PROCESS, WHEREIN A CHILD IS NOT BROUGHT UP WITH BIASED THOUGHTS?
While its absolutely by choice that we embrace motherhood, it must be remembered that its not an 'agnipariksha'.
In this era, I firmly believe, that a positive change can come in the generations to follow, only when we inculcate gender equality in a very tender age. Its important for a child to understand, that both of his/her parents are essentially equal.
Lets not make these women, who are so judgemental, the representatives of modern womanhood. She was correct, when she said, that being modern, doesn't mean discarding traditions. But the problem is, she probably doesn't decrypt the meaning of those words.
While to her 'modern' might be gucci, prada or louis vuitton, but to us it means progressive. To her 'tradition' might be 40 days of leisure and having ghee, but to us it means upholding of virtues.
And just to enlighten her, working mothers do not think that their children are unimportant (or puppies in her language).
Its high time, we stop judging women. Let it be her decision or requirement, to be working or staying back at home, during her motherhood. Let the new age men and women, learn to share, all responsibilities. Its only then, that we can actually call ourselves 'progressive'.
Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta
