Madhya Pradesh (MP) minister Mr. Babulal Gaur said that rape is a social crime and it is sometimes right and sometimes wrong. Whereas it is not surprising to hear such stupid statements from politicians, it is definitely surprising to see how frequently such statements are made. It's not that long ago when some politicians from the Samajwadi party made some derogatory remarks displaying their ignorance and male chauvinistic attitude. One can not avoid feeling dismayed after hearing such statements that too from elected lawmakers, displaying the deep male chauvinistic attitude prevalent in our society.
These types of disgusting statements make us wonder whether we are really living in the 21st century or not? These statements are largely criticized at least in social media which is somewhat comforting and a sign of encouragement. But in India, no politician has ever lost his ministership or resigned accepting their mistake after making such derogatory remarks. Politicians always try to offer some type of explanation to justify such statements and their respective governments or parties seem to be perfectly fine with their lame justifications. This shows the trivial attitude of India's political class towards such issues, they don't consider the issue of sexual violence serious enough to sack a minister or at least warn or reprimand them. Incidents of rape and sexual violence happen all over India, it is not a problem of some particular state as some people might think. This problem is rooted in male dominant nature of society and patriarchal culture where women are largely viewed as objects, not as persons. Women are treated with respect and dignity as long as they behave like women, and the definition of "behave like a woman" changes from region to region. They are supposed to remain within their limits. The moment they cross the imposed limit they are targeted, victimized, and abused in whatever way these bigots feel appropriate. Rape and murder are the result of this misogynist mindset. To stop or at least minimize such crimes any such misogynist statements must be condemned with the strongest possible words and perpetrators should be dealt with sternly, both legally and politically. Any sympathetic statement especially from people who are in government or hold any political position sends a wrong message. It derails all efforts by many organizations and individuals to create awareness about such crimes. As such it is not easy to curb these types of crimes in any patriarchal society where women are considered second-class citizens. This is why such statements are dangerous, they make the struggle of victims and their families more difficult. This is the reason I don't take any such statement lightly, these are not harmless or ignorant statements but are very detrimental statements. They are like verbal sexual assaults and should be condemned no matter who does it. The collective silence of the entire political class and their selective reactions are very worrisome. Most political parties are trying to seek some political gains from such incidents, they only criticize when it suits them, this is disgusting and sickening.
People like Mr. Babulal Gaur need to be reminded that rape is wrong, there are no exceptions. Rape is sexual violence, it is an attempt not only to injure a person physically but also psychologically. Age, clothing, gender, and desire to have sex, don't matter, rape is a crime and it is always wrong, period. Any sane person won't try to justify rape. Any such attempt should be challenged and defeated. All people like Mr. Gaur need to learn this lesson. This is important and we all need to play our part in it, if we don't fight this battle who else will? So, let's send this message loud and clear, rape is always wrong, with no exceptions, it's a heinous crime.
These types of disgusting statements make us wonder whether we are really living in the 21st century or not? These statements are largely criticized at least in social media which is somewhat comforting and a sign of encouragement. But in India, no politician has ever lost his ministership or resigned accepting their mistake after making such derogatory remarks. Politicians always try to offer some type of explanation to justify such statements and their respective governments or parties seem to be perfectly fine with their lame justifications. This shows the trivial attitude of India's political class towards such issues, they don't consider the issue of sexual violence serious enough to sack a minister or at least warn or reprimand them. Incidents of rape and sexual violence happen all over India, it is not a problem of some particular state as some people might think. This problem is rooted in male dominant nature of society and patriarchal culture where women are largely viewed as objects, not as persons. Women are treated with respect and dignity as long as they behave like women, and the definition of "behave like a woman" changes from region to region. They are supposed to remain within their limits. The moment they cross the imposed limit they are targeted, victimized, and abused in whatever way these bigots feel appropriate. Rape and murder are the result of this misogynist mindset. To stop or at least minimize such crimes any such misogynist statements must be condemned with the strongest possible words and perpetrators should be dealt with sternly, both legally and politically. Any sympathetic statement especially from people who are in government or hold any political position sends a wrong message. It derails all efforts by many organizations and individuals to create awareness about such crimes. As such it is not easy to curb these types of crimes in any patriarchal society where women are considered second-class citizens. This is why such statements are dangerous, they make the struggle of victims and their families more difficult. This is the reason I don't take any such statement lightly, these are not harmless or ignorant statements but are very detrimental statements. They are like verbal sexual assaults and should be condemned no matter who does it. The collective silence of the entire political class and their selective reactions are very worrisome. Most political parties are trying to seek some political gains from such incidents, they only criticize when it suits them, this is disgusting and sickening.
People like Mr. Babulal Gaur need to be reminded that rape is wrong, there are no exceptions. Rape is sexual violence, it is an attempt not only to injure a person physically but also psychologically. Age, clothing, gender, and desire to have sex, don't matter, rape is a crime and it is always wrong, period. Any sane person won't try to justify rape. Any such attempt should be challenged and defeated. All people like Mr. Gaur need to learn this lesson. This is important and we all need to play our part in it, if we don't fight this battle who else will? So, let's send this message loud and clear, rape is always wrong, with no exceptions, it's a heinous crime.
Thanks for reading and please share your views on this topic.
[Copyright: Vinay Thakur. Please contact the author for re-posting or publishing]
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