I have been overwhelmed with turn of events that took place in India in last few days. The documentary film 'India's Daughter' was released by BBC ahead of time as India issued a ban against its release in India. This hour long film investigated and analyzed the events that took place in Delhi in December 2012 and tried to shine light on complex socio-cultural-economic context in which sexual violence against women in India is situated.
Like many viewers around the world, I was deeply sad, troubled and shocked by the atrocities of human behavior and lack of remorse or insight. I was boiling in rage and anger and I realized I was beginning to hate the male gender all over again. This was a warning sign. I needed to do something for my own sake so that I do not see all the Indian men in the same way as I see those convicts and their lawyers in the movie. That will be highly unfair to men in general because not every man in my country agrees with their world view. And to look at each Indian man with anger or paranoia is dangerous for my own mental well being.
I decided to consciously change my train of thoughts. Every time I feel, the anger and resentment piling up inside my mind, I decided to think of Indian men in my life who have set positive example towards gender equality and women's rights. As I started thinking about these role models, I realized, I needed to compile their stories for myself, an easy reference to turn to whenever I feel low and lost. That is how this idea of series of blog posts took shape..
The men described in this series are real men. I have met them in various walks of life, both personal and professional.. They have shaped my life and they have contributed to my journey. They are not extra ordinary heroes, but they are silent heroes of everyday life, champions of women's rights in everyday life. May be their sphere of influence was small and confined to the family but none the less, I do believe that any social change starts with us, the individuals and the families which shape our early growth and development...
I will not use their real names but it will be quite easy to recognize who they are as I describe how their path crossed with mine. I do not mind that their little positive actions and contributions will be read by the anonymous readers of this blog, I would rather like that.. I wish I could go to each one of them and express my gratitude for them in spoken words but that is not going to happen. Instead, I use the written words and the medium of blogosphere to express my gratitude..
I do admit, this effort has a selfish motive. I am doing it for my well being, to make peace with the ongoing emotional struggle, to prevent myself from being poisoned with anger and hatred towards the other gender.. but while doing so, I also take my responsibility seriously: responsibility to not harm any man intentionally either through my actions or written words...
I am curious, how will this series take form.. I guess we will see...
Like many viewers around the world, I was deeply sad, troubled and shocked by the atrocities of human behavior and lack of remorse or insight. I was boiling in rage and anger and I realized I was beginning to hate the male gender all over again. This was a warning sign. I needed to do something for my own sake so that I do not see all the Indian men in the same way as I see those convicts and their lawyers in the movie. That will be highly unfair to men in general because not every man in my country agrees with their world view. And to look at each Indian man with anger or paranoia is dangerous for my own mental well being.
I decided to consciously change my train of thoughts. Every time I feel, the anger and resentment piling up inside my mind, I decided to think of Indian men in my life who have set positive example towards gender equality and women's rights. As I started thinking about these role models, I realized, I needed to compile their stories for myself, an easy reference to turn to whenever I feel low and lost. That is how this idea of series of blog posts took shape..
The men described in this series are real men. I have met them in various walks of life, both personal and professional.. They have shaped my life and they have contributed to my journey. They are not extra ordinary heroes, but they are silent heroes of everyday life, champions of women's rights in everyday life. May be their sphere of influence was small and confined to the family but none the less, I do believe that any social change starts with us, the individuals and the families which shape our early growth and development...
I will not use their real names but it will be quite easy to recognize who they are as I describe how their path crossed with mine. I do not mind that their little positive actions and contributions will be read by the anonymous readers of this blog, I would rather like that.. I wish I could go to each one of them and express my gratitude for them in spoken words but that is not going to happen. Instead, I use the written words and the medium of blogosphere to express my gratitude..
I do admit, this effort has a selfish motive. I am doing it for my well being, to make peace with the ongoing emotional struggle, to prevent myself from being poisoned with anger and hatred towards the other gender.. but while doing so, I also take my responsibility seriously: responsibility to not harm any man intentionally either through my actions or written words...
I am curious, how will this series take form.. I guess we will see...
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