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It's disgusting we've become a society that justifies sexual assault

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charumathi
charumathiJan 07, 2017 | 10:48

It's disgusting we've become a society that justifies sexual assault

“This is India and we are proud of our culture. Women who wear semi-nude dresses are so wrong. Why do we have to tolerate such vulgarity? It is an insult to our culture.”

And thus spake one more custodian of morality! The above comment was made by a person on an online news website. There were many more like him who chose to unleash more such disturbing comments that we get to read every day.

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But what is important is why and where, we as citizens of a “civilised” society, did we fail to address the real problem?

My intention is not to defame the person quoted, but to make you acquainted with the dark truth that such people exist in large numbers and it's their insensitivity that makes it more difficult for the unfortunate victims of sexual crimes. On the contrary, it is likely to encourage potential perpetrators who may get a wrong signal from the appalling level of rigidity and cultural bigotry we throw at such victims.

We take pride in saying "no sex please, we are Indians". Ironically, we happen to be a part of a society that largely justifies molestation, rape and unwanted sexual advances as a fitting response to wearing “uncultured western dresses”, something which inevitably invites unwanted attention and violations. And our women always find themselves at the receiving end.

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'We happen to be a part of a society that largely justifies crimes against women as a fitting response to wearing western dresses.' (Credit: PTI photo)

From the shocking incident of 2012 Delhi gangrape to the Bangalore molestation incident on New Year's Eve, the most disturbing fact that has emerged is that women's safety in India is still light years away. On the contrary, such crimes against women are even justified as a fitting consequence for wearing “inappropriate clothes”.

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The police too have faced a lot of flak (and rightly so) for their inaction. But where do we, the people of our society, stand on this issue. When it comes to crime against women, we (regardless of our gender) are so obsessed with the attire of the victim that we easily overlook the crime committed against her. 

So, we go on to validate that the crime was bound to happen since she was dressed "inappropriately". For many, the perpetrator wouldn’t have possibly carried out his abominable intentions had these women been sensible enough to wear the "right kind of dresses that symbolises Indian culture".

Surprisingly, they fail to prove this logic when a five-year-old girl or a 60-year-old woman gets sexually abused. What sort of “provocative” attire would a five-year-old or a 60-year-old woman possibly wear to incite her violators?

For these “culturally and morally conscious" people, the influence of western culture is surely to be blamed. While the short skirts, denims and crop tops take the centre stage, the crime and its enormity take a backseat.

There is no denying the fact that our judiciary and police have failed the victims. But right now what we need most are people with moral values. Sadly, the sense of morality is way too distorted. We associate morals only with clothes and lifestyles rather than our actions.

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We are far from being an accepting and a sensible society. Slogans such as Shinning India and Incredible India don't make any sense unless the country and its countrymen really turn out to be shining examples of humanity. A society which knows how to respect its women, and not just act as moral custodians imposing their whims on hapless victims.

Now, that sounds truly incredible!

Last updated: January 07, 2017 | 10:48
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