Speaking against feminist biases - Social acceptability versus social responsibility
- In Society
- 03:29 PM, Aug 07, 2015
- Uma Challa
The inseparability of male and female entities in the Universe was recognized by Indians as early as the Vedic times.This beautiful sentiment is manifested through the representation of Goddess Parvathi and Lord Siva, the “parents of the Universe”, as Ardhanareeswara. This representation indicates that while both the female and male forms have their own individual identities and strengths, they are still interdependent. They complement each other and, it is only by combining their individual strengths that they are able to create and nurture life in the Universe.
Feminism is not only at odds with this timeless wisdom, but it also denies women the freedom to celebrate the natural gifts and privileges of womanhood. Feminism propagates low self-esteem, self pity, and self-centeredness among women. Feminism promotes the practice of blaming men and the society for all the lapses and failures resulting from its own irrational ideas and practices. Feminism thrives on spreading hostility against men and family.
The feminist movement is responsible for the passage of a slew of anti-male, anti-family laws. By using the vulnerable damsel in distress as its poster girl, it managed to unleash legal terrorism in the country. A look at India’s suicide statistics will reveal the gravity of the situation. The number of suicides by men past the age of 18 has been steadily rising in the last 15 years. Even the most recent data published by the National Crime Records Bureau* (for year 2014) shows that up to the age of 18, the number of suicides of boys versus girls is more or less equal. However, there is a significant rise in the number of suicides by adult men. Every year, twice the number of married men (59744 in 2014) commit suicides compared to married women (27064 in 2014). Anti-male attitudes and laws, and the lack of a system to help men suffering domestic abuse, false allegations, blackmailing and extortion are responsible for this tragic trend.
My campaign against feminism is met with instantaneous disbelief on the part of men and constant disapproval from the feminists. I was even threatened of dire consequences once on a live TV program by a feminist organization. However, a great number of men and women acknowledge the truth behind my assertions and cheer my efforts. To me, calling out feminism and its anti-male, anti-family biases is more about social responsibility than social acceptability.
Having worked in this area for close to a decade, I have seen the print and electronic media reflect and stoke the misandry prevalent in the society. I have also seen a section of media transform from being blatantly anti-male to genuinely sympathetic towards the sufferings of men. The judicial system has acknowledged the need for amending all women-protection laws to curb their misuse. However, there is still no acknowledgment of the fact that men also need equal protection under law. As we celebrate another year of Indian independence, the Government of India should free itself from the pressure tactics of radical feminist groups, look beyond gender-based, vote bank politics, and take measures to liberate our men. I also hope that more people will overcome issues of social acceptability and start speaking against anti-male biases of feminism.
*See http://swarup1972.blogspot.in/2015/08/ngo-for-men-why-suicide-increases-when.html for a summary of the NCRB statistics.
By Uma Challa
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