“Education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela
Watch the movie PINK! Every young Indian has to watch this movie. This film depicts today’s generation and it’s ugly truth so accurately.
How many times have you gone to a party, or someone’s house without really knowing who is the host because you tagged along with someone? You start a Saturday night at a known friend’s house, then go out to eat with the group, bump into someone known to one person at the table, who extends an invitation over to their place. There you meet more unknown people but still enjoy the party revelry together. Just because he or she is your friend’s friend, does it mean it’s safe? Does it mean a drink at this ‘stranger’s’ house will definitely not be laced with something potent? If your friend, who seems to respect women/humans, the host in question must do too?
This is a very common social scene all around the world. It is acceptable. This is in fact how young people make new friends, network and connect. This is how you find yourself dates.
But this works in New York. In India, you return from the night thinking what interesting new people, but honestly have no idea how they perceive you. It could take just a few seconds for the encounter to go incredibly badly.
This is happening. Every weekend. In every city. In every social circle.
Sure, the women today are smarter, stronger, progressive and can turn down advances. But the ugly truth is that it doesn’t matter how right or wrong she is, or if she can defend herself; the issue here is the mentality of a majority of the male population. In the film, the defendant argues she was drinking, smoking and agreed to dinner, which implies she’s available and “of loose character” and hence, he could have his way with her. His mother would never touch a drink, nor would his sister as they are decent and well brought up. Later in the film, Amitabh Bachchan presents photographic evidence contradicting that particular statement, at which point he goes ape-shit – an Indian man at his finest! When a girl says no, it means no. It has to be heard and respected. The fact is the man violated her despite her protests. It’s against a basic natural human right.
But unfortunately our country’s population does not have that understanding yet. Our legal system does not even have a punishment for “attempt of rape” – it is either “rape” or “outraging a woman’s modesty”.
The end point is, that the Indian women have modernised, in the sense that they have learnt to stand up for themselves, yet the Indian man is as chauvinistic, uneducated and indecent as always.
Girls, remember to keep your dignity, integrity and do not go anywhere where you have no idea who will be there and what they will be like. We have taken many steps forward, but unfortunately, some of the boys have fallen far behind.
Please go watch this film. Remember to always put your safety first, before a fun Saturday night.
Okay, now happy thoughts… I would like to end this note, with a perfect fall recipe with sweet potatoes, enveloping this lovely in-between weather change! Gently roasted with fresh rosemary and cumin, topped with feta and extra virgin olive oil. They are ideal for an hors d’oeuvres round with cocktails.
