What is the problem?
Let’s not pretend that we haven’t known this for ages. Even today, a girl can’t walk alone on the streets because of some mentally failed people. Until and unless we eliminate and eradicate these elements from our society, incidents like the RG Kar Medical case and other heinous activities won’t stop.
People are educated, but don’t be misled into thinking that those involved in rape are uneducated. The problem is that they have been raised and educated with a patriarchal mindset. Objectifying women is still considered a form of fun and comedy. Indian movies and pop culture play a pivotal role in this and are celebrated widely. In a country like India, where women are revered as princesses and compared to goddesses, yet are also demeaned with terms like “whore” or “slut” if they refuse a proposal from a guy or go somewhere alone, they face a serious contradiction.
We live in a deeply flawed society. Today, we are protesting against a heinous rape that has shaken the country, and people have taken to the streets collectively. But the sad part is that we will likely forget this soon. Many women, like Abhaya (Nickname for the Kolkata Doctor), have been sexually suppressed, oppressed, harassed, molested, and killed. This country and its people keep forgetting and forgiving these atrocities and get busy with their own lives.
We have failed as a society in many ways. I remember our teachers used to separate girls and boys in classrooms, and often skipped teaching about biology and reproduction chapter. Still, doctors wrapped sanitary pads in paper, while rape incidents were reported in small print in the corners of newspapers.
Our constitution also plays a role in perpetuating this issue. Why should a rapist be allowed to live even when there is clear evidence of their crime? Why can’t we adopt stricter laws, like capital punishment for rapists, as seen in Saudi Arabia or Egypt? It seems unlikely that such measures will be implemented anytime soon. Our sisters and daughters will continue to face these issues, which is the harsh reality.
Today, we are protesting for justice for “Abhaya (Nickname for the Kolkata Doctor)”, whom we have learned about through social networks. But what about those whose voices cannot reach us? How would a three-year-old or an eighty-five-year-old raise their voice? The root cause is the deep-seated mentality and traditional thinking in our society.
We are taught that women are weak and voiceless and should never be given freedom. Men are often portrayed as dominant, and to maintain this dominance, they teach the next generation how women should be treated. Women are instructed on how to eat, talk, walk, and behave, but few teach their sons to respect women.
When I see groups of boys chasing girls and using inappropriate language, it reflects the toxic environment around us. Their behavior is a result of inadequate education and guidance from their parents. Unless these attitudes are addressed and real education about respect and equality is provided, the rape culture in our society will persist.
— This article is written by Baharul Islam.
