The 'Art' of Respecting Women...

It is sometimes disparaging to see that somewhere we are claiming to be the country with the highest youth population and on the other hand, we are on top of the lists and surveys, which scream about the condition of women in our nation. If we are actually progressing, if we are actually a bunch of aware and alert people, then where do such biases find their way from? Is it a thing of pride, to belong to a certain gender? We all, at one time or the other, have turned a blind eye to incidents of this chronic problem around us - among relatives, friends, and neighbourhood.

On rumination, I realize the fault lies in the upbringing of children in Indian households. I speak openly and I am not scared of stating the fact that we have a serious parenting problem when it comes to gender bias. It is a common sight to see parents around us contributing towards making their sons typical male chauvinists. Daughters are always supposed to serve their brothers, do the household chores, and not retaliate to any abuses or comments of their brothers. It is this attitude that leads to those kids becoming supremacists in future expecting the same from their own wives. At parenting, therefore, we are facing a serious problem.

It is not a fresh news that I am breaking, but a fact that women-even little girls- in our country, are constantly bombarded by negative, exploitive messages and unrealistic expectations in the media and world in which we live that exacerbate insecurities about themselves. They need to be reassured and reminded that they are beautiful, and that beauty does not mean perfection. When it comes to manners, open the door for her, or hold it open a few seconds longer if she is right behind you. It won't let you down in any way. Let her go first or pass in front of you. If her glass is empty, ask her if she would like a refill. Set or clear the table, and always pay for her meal. Ask her what she likes and dislikes. Chivalry is evidenced by thoughtfulness in action, such as those who pick up and drop off their wives or girlfriends near building entries/exits when it's cold or raining. It's not about men insinuating that women are weak or can't do things for themselves,rather, it's about showing that we care, and expressing kindness in tangible ways.

I am no authority or saint to teach anyone how to treat women, or how to respect them. If respect ever came by reading, then Google would have taught that to Indian men long back. We need to think about this a little more. Think about what women actually mean, and what they actually are... Our country can be on top one day, but for that day to come, we should first respect those brought us into this world.

I would close this perfectly, with a poem which is not mine, and I read it somewhere:-

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from within her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.

It is the caring that she lovingly gives,
The passion that she shows,
And the beauty of a woman
With passing years
Only grows..."


Yes, its the time for us to grow and change as a nation - https://www.facebook.com/sftimetochange

9 comments:

doodlepower said...

this is actually nice.. neevr thot u ll write this.. :P but its good to see the fact that somebody actually bothers.

Pawas Jain said...

hey thnx a lot for the appreciation, but first, may i know the name?, and second, why did you think i wouldn't write it? :P

doodlepower said...

first, u may not :P
and second, well i ve never thought of u to b associated wid chivalry.. dont get me wrong.. :P i ve just seen you as this offbeat fun guy.. so seemed different.. but guess i was wrong now, wasn't i :)
but good work wid d blog.. keep it coming! :)
wishes.

mamta said...

pawas let it be on springtide

nandini said...

this is good am gonna share it...after a long ..read somthing frm u...n really appreciate it..:)

Sarah malik said...

very maturely penned. Its very difficult so point out where the fault actually lies, but yes learning does begin at home. And if women start getting the respect they deserve..i feel the crimes will automatically vanish. A good thought. good luck!


sarah

Seema said...

Really a very thoughtful post.....all the best for the contest.

Khoty Mathur said...

Women are human and have a brain just like men. Thank you for your lovely thoughts.

Shreya Dhadda said...

Seriously touching!

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