Last week, again, a woman was shot dead by a Taliban leader as a crowd of a hundred and fifty men cheered on. And this sick and dishonorable act is called honor killing; and since it is for the so-called honor of the community, it is justified, celebrated and cheered. One can understand the psychology of one warped mind. But how does one explain the sickness when it becomes legion?
This attitude is not just limited to strife ridden Afghanistan. An interesting essay, “Why do republicans hate Women” explains the regressive attitude of the republicans in America, on women related issues like contraception, abortion etc. In our own country, our own dormant Taliban, in the Ram Sene and its acts, are examples of the same psychology regarding women.
No surprise then that on Saturday, Muthallik has announced his plans of setting up a unit in Goa to protect the culture of Goa. The same man was in national news, not too long back, caught by hidden cameras, taking bribes to orchestrate a communal riot! Now the same man speaks about culture and the need to preserve it. He claims, “We are aggressive in our approach and that is the only way to protect the country”.
Cultures are constantly evolving, growing and changing with time. Can we preserve and mummify them? And can any culture be preserved through aggression?! And why are outfits like Ram Sene not aggressive towards eradicating poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, atrocities on tribals etc? Why are they not aggressive towards men who commit domestic violence, rape, child abuse?
Well to tackle all the above social evils, it requires great thought, unflinching commitment and personal sacrifice. And Ram Sene is not capable of that. What it is capable of, however, is beating a few defenseless women for merely indulging in social drinking in a pub, and then of, ranting from rooftops about how they are preserving the Indian culture by doing so. And now Ram Sene thinks they can do the same to the women in Goa and acclaim accolades?!
There are so many real grave hard core issues to fight against in this country oppressed with poverty, injustice and inequality. Amir Khan has just brought many to the forefront through Satyamev Jayate. And yet, Muthallik is only concerned with women, what they wear, what they drink and why they dance?! Funny man, this Muthallik. Needs help, don’t you think?
