Wednesday 11 March 2015

International Women’s Day #MakeItHappen

       Last year we were going for art classes during our semester holidays. The instructor there was a middle aged man. He had a happy-go-lucky way of speaking and it helped him to mingle with all his students effortlessly. His mannerisms attracted students and the learning environment was good. Well, that was till we found out the truth! What would have happened that would make me think otherwise, you might ask. I will tell you two scenarios.

Scenario 1:

       Once during class, sir told us about an incident that happened when he had been to bank the previous day. There was a guy who was misbehaving with a girl in the bank. He had stood behind the girl in the queue and as the queue was moving ahead, he started behaving ill. The girl was getting really uncomfortable but she didn't utter a word apart from cringing when he touched her. Our dear sir, after seeing this, informed the security person in the bank about the incident and the guy was given an earful and was thrown out.

       We were really impressed when we heard about this. We felt that there are at least some people who have the courage to stand up for others.

Scenario 2:

      Two days back, I met a friend in college who was taking the same course this year. We were chatting casually and I asked how her art classes were going on. She seemed uncomfortable by the question. I asked her if everything was alright? She cringed and said that she would never lay her foot in that building again! I was shocked by the animosity radiating from her. I asked her what the matter was. She seemed reluctant to answer. But after asking for few more times, she finally told me that she had discontinued classes as Sir behaved inappropriately. I was shocked when my other friends confessed the same too. 'If you were in an all girls batch, then you would see his real side' was all they told me.

       The person who claims that he did the right thing when he helped a girl in the bank, does the same to other students in the class! I was shocked to find out! If he can see the girl in the bank being uncomfortable, couldn't he see his own students cringing away when he tried to appear casual and touch them? I have understood one thing. People who speak a lot about right and wrong, are not always those who do the right thing. Saying the right thing has become a trend. When you say something good, you attract people. That is the best marketing strategy. Say the right thing and people will start looking up to you. But what about practice? Is it not necessary to follow all the good things they say? Are words just that - mere words to be spoken but not converted into action? Do they think that if they say good things, their dark deeds will be nullified and the world will become a good place?

       It disgusts me when I come across such people. It disgusts me when I have to converse with them in my day to day life. And it disgusts me the most when I see them talking about women's rights and the men's duty, while in reality, these very people are the ones who rob women of their freedom. These are the ones because of whom the women have to live in fear; the very chameleons who hide their true nature behind their pretty words.

       There is no need to send feel-good messages on Whatsapp and Facebook about women's day and about how precious the life of a woman is. There is no need to fake rage or pity on social medias when things go wrong. Because they are just going to be words. It may earn some likes and some appreciation. But it will not change anything in the real world. If you do want to bring the change, then take action. Respect the women around you. If something is going wrong, raise your voice in real rather than showing your support just in the virtual world. Take a pledge to change the way things are and then #MakeItHappen.


PS: Linking this to the B-A-R's International Women's Day - #MakeItHappen post.

Until the next post,
Keep Smiling :)

Love,
Swathi :)

21 comments:

  1. It disgusts me as well to know that there are such scums out there. We need to let them and everyone know that such behavior will not be tolerated. Raise your voice, make it happen!

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    1. Yes Aditi. Have to do something to bring his real face infront of people! We will somehow Make It Happen!

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  2. I agree absolutely...Some people just talk.. Those who want to bring real change actually go ahead and do so instead of blowing their own trumpet

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    1. Yes Naba. As they say, 'Barking dog seldom bites!' People talking are just like them.

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  3. "People who speak a lot about right and wrong, are not always those who do the right thing."
    True! So true! They just speak but never do! disgusting people!

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    1. True Rupasi. There are so many such people out there! They just like to preach

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  4. Great to remember women. A timely "I"

    Janis
    GDP

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  5. Very true, Swathi. Talk is cheap. Everyone can do that. Many a times, it has nothing to do with what they really feel about the situation. It is more about projecting an image. It is high time that people need to stand up and act rather than just talk and preach.
    -Shantala

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    1. Yes Shantala. It's like people talk to blend in or rather have the spot light shine on them but not because they feel strongly about something! Because if they do, then they will act on it instead of preaching!

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  6. Good for you for writing about the two incidents and showing the sir for who he is.

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  7. It is interesting how one can preach and stand up for goodness and morality one moment and not act accordingly the next.

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    1. Interesting? I have some other word for that which I wouldn't mention here :D

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  8. Actions do speak louder than words. The same people who give gyaan to the world, molest women. It is actually very sad.

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    1. Yes. People hide behind the mask of their good nature. When that mask is shred, it is shocking to see the real face of the person behind it!

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  9. Very true, Swathi. Talking anyone can do. Putting those words into action, needs more commitment. Well written.

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  10. True Shilpa. Someone has to raise voice else he will continue his cheap antics!

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