http://blanknoiseproject.blogspot.com/
I think its remarkable that women are standing up for themselves and refusing to allow some stranger call them`mirchi' (hot!) on the street. Every woman has been eve-teased at some point. Maybe its just me but I feel that it happened more in India than in the US. But irrespective of where it happened I felt dirty, as if in some way it was my fault, even if I was conservatively clad.
To be appreciated as an attractive woman is one thing, to be viewed as a sex object, another. Most of these conflicts boil down to respect: eve-teasing, abuse and allied issues have a lot to do with how we view women and their place in society. And any real change can only come about if we treat women with the respect we would want our mothers and sisters to be treated with.
Thanks S, for sharing this website. One of the most potent lines of the Blank Noise Project is that `There is no asking for it.'
True.
11 comments:
its a terrific movement and the women behind it have such innovative ideas to combat sexual harrasment, I was privileged to watch a particular activity they engaged in to protest against eve teasing where many women took up the lounging spot of the street lothario's in m.g road(thats one of the busiest street and could be called the most popular street in bangalre) and if any man dared to stare at a women standing there a huge bunch would gang up around her and stare back at him till he moved away.
Megster: You find the most interesting and needful things to share...thanks for opening out eyes to things out there!
Suramya,
It is a great idea, and Bangalore is a good place to start a movement like this. At least women have some say there. I don't know the reception it will receive in some of the north Indian cities.
Wanda,
Thank you:)
i sometimes feel i used to be such an aggressive and belligerent a girl while growing up partly coz of the anguish of growing up years but mostly coz of the eve-teasing that i faced all those years..ever since i was 12 i have been so guarded....its crazy how an unhealthy society can change ur entire outlook.........nice post, Megster!!! keep them coming :)
Meg..I left a answer for your question on my comments. Wasn't sure if you had checked.
Megster, I will check the blanknoiseproject link soon, but I just wanted to say very quickly that I am really enjoying your blog. Your posts are thoughtful and I am learning so much, thank you!
Having grown up in India I have had my share of eveteasing. It started early...I remember being as young as 12 and having roadside romeos call out to us, "darling, give me a kiss" or "Baby, I lurve you" or even "Julie" and "Bobby" when those movies were popular. It was so common we didn't even think of telling our parents...but now when I think back on it, I wish we hadn't been so passive, we let them get away with their cheap thrills.
Nice post,thanks!
Moi,
Thank you:) It's good to hear from you:) The eve-teasing had the reverse effect on me- I was very shy.
Our childhood resonates in our adult lives which is why I'm delighted that women are taking a stance now.
Wanda,
To begin with, belated Happy Birthday!! I just read your response, and think you should contact a gallery- I have no doubt that they would love your work!
Lotus Reads,
Welcome to WC! Thank you v. much for the feedback..glad you liked it:)
I just cannot understand why people would do such a thing. If a woman is beautiful, admire it. But do it in a tasteful way! What exactly men get out of name-calling and desperate staring is beyond me :-(
I hope that eve teasing doesn't affect the way you dress now :-)
Yoda,
I couldn't agree more! And no, eve-teasing does not dictate what I wear- not anymore!:))
I don't think it has much to do with the way we dress. Our college girls are dressed quite conservatively with most of gals of our class are dressed in salwar kameez. Yet our batchmates pass the filthiest possible comments on them.
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