The world is ready to celebrate one of the most important days of the year, International Women’s Day. It is in stark contrast to one of the least noticed days of the year, that is 19th November, International Men’s Day. But then, the fairer gender does not carry the historical burden of eons of unfair treatment, discrimination and inequality. Hence, the significance of Women’s Day, to remind all men to pay their dues, and give up the high throne.
Feminism is all about equality. But are women feeling entitled to their rights? After all, the basic notion of rights comes with the notion of duties on the other side of the coin. Even if human history is a history of inequality, does it mean the present generation of men has to compensate for all the wrongs that their forefathers did?
Feminism is walking a thin line between what is due and what is entitled. Especially, the modern notions of women empowerment. Many man-haters would do well to be reminded of the intrinsic quality of equality in women empowerment, equality of rights and opportunities.
For instance, when Hillary Clinton was trolled for leaked emails from her private account as a former Secretary of State during her campaign for the 2016 US Presidential race, many tried to colour this scam in a feminist shade. By suggesting that she was being heckled because she is a woman is distracting the issue from the main concern, which was unethical conduct in a public office.
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Even when Priyanka Chopra was blasted for wearing a dress with bare legs in front of Modi, many supporters of women empowerment took her side. But one wonders, how many would have stood by an actor who would meet the Prime Minister in shorts with bare legs. That would definitely have been a fodder for the meme makers.
These instances show that when women ask for equality, they should do so without the subverting the cause to their benefit. The supporters for women empowerment should do so without a feeling of entitlement and without paying victim cards.
Many jhola clad feminists spend the day protesting, but leaving their mothers at home with a pile of laundry and dirty dishes. They want equality, but heckle elderly men for occupying seats reserved for them in public transport. They body shame and call names to other women who don’t fit into their cliched notion of women empowerment.
Indian women face the double whammy of patriarchy and a transitional society. They are brought up with notions of equality, but then suddenly pushed into stereotyped roles at home and at work. Their modern education does not prepare them for the harsh realities. And hence, when they demand equality, they come off as shallow and brash. While they are only being naïve and idealistic.
Women have the fundamental right to ask for equality. But once equal opportunities and a level playing field is offered, they should stop feeling entitled or play the victim card to get by with mediocrity. It just denies women with real talent their genuine dues. And gives a leverage to men who stereotype women.
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