Rantings Of A Raging Feminist
I am often angry. I can't point to a trigger for why I am choosing to write this today, except the crushing atmosphere of patriarchy I find myself struggling to breathe in. It's a phenomenon of great occurence- to be uncomfortable when exposed to a hostile environment but accept it as the norm, when you, for your peace of mind, and before you notice, acknowledge the abnormal, by saying "it's just how it is."
Well, that's not okay. If this is how it is, it's high time that bloody change.
My college has a peculiar policy. Boys and girls are charged the same amount of hostel fee and yet, girls aren't allotted single rooms till their last year in the 5 year programme we are all enrolled in. Whereas boys have the right to, after their first year. I am angry when I hear a sitting Judge of the High Court tell us that this seething issue between the students themselves and against the administration, is actually an exercise in "women learning how to compromise from such a young age."
I am angry when the male teachers I am unfortunate to study under the guidance of, laugh and applaud that statement, with marvel at how such a major act of discrimination can be twisted around, to favour the oppressor, as usual.
I am angry when an advocate in the High Court, who came to judge the rounds for a competition we hosted in college, referred to a girl who was a brilliant participant, not by the colour of her hair (which was blue, btw) or the ruthlessness of her expression but as "the girl in the cut-sleeve top."
I am angry when a female teacher refers to girls as "victims of nature" and expects that to be accepted as an inconvenient but inevitable truth of our lives.
I am angry when I have to answer to the authorities about my choices in lifestyle, where I go, who I go with and what I choose to do.
I am angry when the mistreatment meted out to me by male guards is expected to be forgiven, "because they don't know any better." By that logic, sons who have witnessed their mothers be raped by their fathers, should continue to do so when their time comes, because noone taught them any differently.
I am angry when I have to witness insensitive and chauvinistic comments and jokes that the men I study with, find incredibly hilarious. Jokes that disregard the genuine struggle I face as a woman, fighting to survive in a social construct oriented towards my complete devaluation and disrespect as a human being.
I am angry when the word "feminist" is hurled at me, as a befitting abuse.
So let me ask you something. Are you afraid of me? Are you scared of the knowledge that on your best days I am most likely, and mostly am, far more intelligent, capable, driven, deserving and passionate than you can ever hope to be?
Does it petrify you, that I refuse to accept quietly what women have endured for generations and you expected to get away with, without question?
Does being challenged and stood up against by a woman, send your male ego into a state of frenzy because you're used to getting your way?
I mean absolutely no disrespect to the men out there who are equally frustrated by the inequality meted out to them and women, by virtue of our gender-defined social constructions. I am sorry you have to endure this and I am with you, in a fight to establish a far more equal society.
But to those, who choose to dismiss feminism as "feminazism" or "radicalism", hear this. You're a fool. Educate yourself before the next thing we hear about, is your pioneering of the next Anti-Romeo squad, from a position of undeserved power.
You could start by watching this- <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc>
Well, that's not okay. If this is how it is, it's high time that bloody change.
My college has a peculiar policy. Boys and girls are charged the same amount of hostel fee and yet, girls aren't allotted single rooms till their last year in the 5 year programme we are all enrolled in. Whereas boys have the right to, after their first year. I am angry when I hear a sitting Judge of the High Court tell us that this seething issue between the students themselves and against the administration, is actually an exercise in "women learning how to compromise from such a young age."
I am angry when the male teachers I am unfortunate to study under the guidance of, laugh and applaud that statement, with marvel at how such a major act of discrimination can be twisted around, to favour the oppressor, as usual.
I am angry when an advocate in the High Court, who came to judge the rounds for a competition we hosted in college, referred to a girl who was a brilliant participant, not by the colour of her hair (which was blue, btw) or the ruthlessness of her expression but as "the girl in the cut-sleeve top."
I am angry when a female teacher refers to girls as "victims of nature" and expects that to be accepted as an inconvenient but inevitable truth of our lives.
I am angry when I have to answer to the authorities about my choices in lifestyle, where I go, who I go with and what I choose to do.
I am angry when the mistreatment meted out to me by male guards is expected to be forgiven, "because they don't know any better." By that logic, sons who have witnessed their mothers be raped by their fathers, should continue to do so when their time comes, because noone taught them any differently.
I am angry when I have to witness insensitive and chauvinistic comments and jokes that the men I study with, find incredibly hilarious. Jokes that disregard the genuine struggle I face as a woman, fighting to survive in a social construct oriented towards my complete devaluation and disrespect as a human being.
I am angry when the word "feminist" is hurled at me, as a befitting abuse.
So let me ask you something. Are you afraid of me? Are you scared of the knowledge that on your best days I am most likely, and mostly am, far more intelligent, capable, driven, deserving and passionate than you can ever hope to be?
Does it petrify you, that I refuse to accept quietly what women have endured for generations and you expected to get away with, without question?
Does being challenged and stood up against by a woman, send your male ego into a state of frenzy because you're used to getting your way?
I mean absolutely no disrespect to the men out there who are equally frustrated by the inequality meted out to them and women, by virtue of our gender-defined social constructions. I am sorry you have to endure this and I am with you, in a fight to establish a far more equal society.
But to those, who choose to dismiss feminism as "feminazism" or "radicalism", hear this. You're a fool. Educate yourself before the next thing we hear about, is your pioneering of the next Anti-Romeo squad, from a position of undeserved power.
You could start by watching this- <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc>
Comments
Post a Comment