How low is too low?
The world seems to be collapsing all around. Day in and out when I read the Newspapers or hear the news, it makes me wonder what stage are we coming to? Actually I'll rephrase that. It makes me think that in our society today, how low is too low?
Recently we all witness the shocking incident of the Guwahati molestation case. Words fail each one of us the kind of disgust and horror which went through our minds. I sincerely believe that there is no decent human being; male or female; who did not feel their blood boiling after seeing the clippings of such stories. But what really leaves me in awe is the reaction we get after such incidents occur. Needless to say our country has the strangest way to pacify itself of any incident that comes by and no one seems to be responsible!
I read an article in the Times of India today; it was about a statement made by an esteemed NCW representative urging women to dress conservatively in order to avoid the possibility to provoke men from misbehaving with women. Funny isn't it? If you are molested or raped, it’s your fault not the person who assaulted you? And what’s more shameful is that this statement is made by a woman in the National Commission for Women who are supposed to protect the rights of woman of our country. The laid back action of the Police and concerned authorities also wasn’t encouraging. If we look closely to the case there are so many things that can be seen. The lawlessness of our society; that this incident took place at 10 pm; while the street was bustling.
Firstly, the fact that 20 people ganged up in front of a camera tells us what kind of fear and respect in general is there for the law. Secondly, the fact that this girl was a school student and was attacked by mob; kind of puzzles you what are our moral values after all? I really would like to know what the accused or the NCW members or the police officials would do if someone did the same to any female member of their families? What would be the minimum punishment they would give or request to the person who treated them like this? Then Would they tell their daughters, wives or sisters to dress appropriately and blame them for the incident?
Just because this incident was captured on camera, voices and fury has flooded the web. But nothing concrete happened unless an NGO offered to put a signage in public pleading witnesses to come forward and the pubic to identify the accused. My point is, there are numerous incidents similar to this that take place in women’s life where she is either eve- teased or touched. It might at the work place, while standing in crowd? How often it is that women are pushed around while waiting in a queue?
Our society has stoped down to the lowest of all times and one can’t help but wonder what can be done for women? If stopping late night parties, dressing conservatively, having a male escort for everywhere one goes is the only answer to this problem, who needs the law? When we read the Newspapers, we’ll find victims of molestation and rapes that are minors, school girls and many times older women. I am not against dressing conservatively and appropriate behavior. I believe that’s needed but is that the only solution?
We have to admit that the society we live in has become unsafe for women because of the lack of strict laws for the accused and lack of witness protection. Moreover women organizations like the NCW have to empower with better leaders and policies so that when they stand up for the rights of any one who pleads to them, their voice must be heard. Strict action must be taken instead of a tiring and prolonging blame games.
We have to learn to accountable for our actions. We can’t just ignore the lack of moral responsibilities that has overtaken this generation. And the ones that are responsible are quieted down by brutal force like in the case of Keenan and Reuben who paid the price of their life for standing up against goons for eve-teasing.
The hope of the public man hits rock bottom on the incidents that take place on a common day for which we as a society have no answer, the law has no measures and the authorities have no power. The price tag of life or dignity and respect has negligible or no value! It’s a long way to go for the law and attitudes of people within and towards our society to change. Until then; as I mentioned before; one has to question to make things work “how low is too low?”
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