La belle femme

The foundation of society is based on one strong factor - HYPOCRISY. Anyone accepting this, well, is already an outcast! Anyone denying this can be considered brain dead. (Literally!)  I have the good fortune of interacting with a lot of these zombies on a day to day basis. (Imagine my excitement! aargghh) Most of the interactions have caused friction, which I tend to ignore, owing to my principle in life - 

"Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level and beat you with their experience!"

One look at the statement brings a smile on your face. But when you delve into it, you can see the profoundness in this simple, easy-to-read sentence. If you live by this principle, you can easily eliminate most of your problems at work or even elsewhere! But you know it's time to stand up when the water surpasses your neck level. This post is about one such incident.

It was a lazy Friday afternoon when a 23 year old male colleague (not to mention – with a death wish) decided to rake up a sensitive topic. Since, I was having a blast of a day (I think I just puked!), I decided to share my “joy” (and give him more than what he asked for!)

He says, “Women who rather concentrate on their career than getting married have some serious problems! If they are “all fine” then they would have been happily married and would be taking care of their family. After all, women need not take up responsibilities. They can just tag along with their "better half". Men can handle the responsibilities.”

Ideally, I should have jolted his “nuts” right off! But as I always doubt potency of such men, my action would cause not much of harm! (Evil grin) This set of a serious argument, enough for the sick prick to shut his trap. But this also got me thinking. Who is to be blamed for such appalling notions? Is it the up-bringing? Is it the society? Is it just men, who have a sense of delusional power? Or is it the women who abdicate their position to pave way for the men?

Working in an Indian MNC has helped me understand, why we are popularly known as "bloody Indians", around the world! (Ooopppss.. this controversial statement deserves a separate post altogether! So let's take this up some other time!) Contrary to the popular belief's, MNC's are almost like a modern hub for gender discrimination! I've often wondered, what is illiteracy? Whom can we consider as illiterates? What about the well educated people whose "deeds" question the educational system? During my school times, I remember this quote being used every now and then – “men and women are equal”. But the contradiction in this statement is what I’ve witnessed while growing up. Probably that was told to the kids time and again, to instill a new thinking, in their moldable minds. Or probably it was just based on one more principle – “A lie, when told hundred times, becomes the truth!”

The kids did grow up. But how many of them actually remember what they were taught? It’s always easy to be washed out by the “herd mentality” of the society. By products of this can be seen everywhere in form of men who believe they are superior and women who have accepted their so called “inferiority”.  Men are bread winners and women are bread makers - this status has somehow leeched on! Sounds funny doesn’t it? But this “just for gags” is the hard core reality. What irks me the most is when well educated men of today are still stuck in their “ancestral era” and expect their counterparts to oblige! Please note the use of words here – there is no mention of words like fairer sex or gentler sex or any of the demeaning synonyms.

Why is it that a woman has to be judged on her external beauty or her gentleness? After all beauty lies in the eye of beholder. So if you ever wanna question a woman’s beauty, you might wanna take a good look at yourself in the mirror first, followed by a quick eye check up! Does she become appalling if she decides to go ahead and conquer the world? Aggression in not a sought after trait in a woman, is it? Defeat is not something that people can gracefully accept, more so ever if it is encountered at the hands of a woman!

I was watching a dance reality show on TV. This is what a beaming mom had to say about her daughter – “She is not my daughter. She’s my son." There were applauds and tears and blah blah. But my first reaction to these “emotional” words – WTF. It’s almost twenty years and you still haven’t realized that YOU HAVE A DAUGHTER! Not a bloody son, but a beautiful daughter. She has brought you on this stage, won accolades and she is the very reason why you are beaming right now! Yes, the reason for your pride today – DAUGHTER. A lot was said about how daughters are better than the sons, but how many of them truly believe this? If so, then why can’t you just say, “she’s made me proud. That’s my daughter,people!”  This is just one of the many incidents that I’ve come across. Guessing you have to, sometimes ignoring, sometime not caring, sometime just saying “this is how it is, nothing can be done”

One wise man had once told, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right”. I truly believe we can make a difference. Yes, it will take time. Dumping age old trash might take another era! But it is possible.

I am a woman of today. You avoid me coz I am too aggressive for you. You judge me coz I am different. You insult me coz I stir fear in you. You are scared of me coz I have a mind of my own. You wanted to tame my soul but you pushed me to free myself. I made a choice and I am living by it, on my terms!  I am now a free spirit. Lemme remind all the beautiful ladies, I am no different from you. Time to embrace your life.

Not to forget the men, all the men who don’t believe in this – go fuck yourselves!

P.S: Wind beneath my wings, reason for my flight – my sailor.