Also I don't expect any I'm sorry this happened to you, so don't bring my story up, because this is the world we are talking about.
Religion and Society -
This is not about the segregation of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, etc. etc. etc.
Its about one thing. One word, Patriarchy.
What is Patriarchy?
Patriarchy is a social and economic structure where men hold power. This practice has been very prevalent since forever. To understand this, think about how in most countries, positions of power are held by men. If that does not make it clear, think about the fact that most women have to take the man's last name to her own after marriage.
Most religions hold beliefs that men hold positions of power. Basically the bread winners who come back home their wives (home makers) who basically has to feed him and keep her legs open for him, so that he can put his seed in her, to grow a child. A child who is taught as he/she grows up that their father is the head of the house. I have gone through various beliefs and practices, and its very open to interpretation. However Interpretation has been done by men, which has led to the following things -
In Hinduism, let's talk about the Manusmriti. I will not cover the whole thing, but just some points -
- A bramhin should not have meals in the company of his wife, and should avoid even looking at her.
- A female child or an old woman are not supposed to work independently, girls are supposed to be in the custody of the father, married women in the custody of their husbands, and widows in the custody of their son (lets hope followers of this don't have any sons) .
- In no circumstances she should be allowed to ascert herself independently. A man, no matter how perverse or immoral must be worshipped and served by the wives.
- The only duty of wives is to obey and please their husbands (Who by now sound like animals).
- It is the duty of every husband to exert total control over their wives, even if the husband is physically weak he must strive to control his wife.
- Women are not supposed to recite Vedic mantras because women are impure.
In Islam, The following things have been reinforced by men -
- Men take multiple wives without the consent of the first wife, though they have to give equal property, time and love. (I personally feel this is to feel better about themselves) However! women are not allowed to marry multiple people.
- The testimony of a woman is also considered to be half of that of a man.
- A son gets 2/3 of a property while the woman gets 1/3 of the property.
- Righteous women are obedient to men, and for those women who are prone to disloyalty and illconduct, Islam prescribes admonishing them first, refusing to share their beds (woah they make it seem like not having sex is a punishment, nice!) and lastly beat them lightly (again... how does someone beat anyone lightly? like how?). However some interpretations of this interpretation think that interpretation is wrong (uh........). Though it does not matter what the interpretation is as many nations with sharia law have refused to consider or prosecute cases of domestic abuse.
In Christianity, The following teachings are there in the bible. There are many things, however I've covered only a few.
- Genesis 3:16 - In pain you shall bring for the children yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you. (Erm.... but I like girls.)
- Exodus 20:17 - Ten commandments mentioned the wife as property.
- Deuteronomy 22:23-24 - If a woman lies with someone she is not engaged to, stone her to death.
The reason why Christianity is not noticed much is because it somehow is not followed by most people. Though those who do follow it follow a patriarchal structure of living.
Let's come to the modern world. Where people who make up society and work. India has had its first woman president, who btw was downplayed quite a bit. US hasn't had a female president till now. Last candidate lost against Donald Trump, who we all know is oh so popular for his phrase "grabbing by the pussy"
But I am talking about India and its culture. Where people seem to not believe that rape is actually a thing. The first thing they do is not believe the victim. Even if they do, there are questions like what were you wearing? Why were you alone at night? You must have done something to trigger the rape.
Victim blaming is the first go to most people have.
Politics -
With patriarchy being so prevalent in the society, it is not surprising that rape is actually a very common thing. Add politics to that mix. Politicians using rape cases against ruling parties. Ruling parties belittling opposition by bringing out their rape cases. Almost like its a weapon to use against other people to gain power. This is where it bothers me. It almost sounds like rapes happen because of political unrest. They presume women are weak to actually stand up to this, and talk about consent.
Indian Judiciary, legislation and administration should be three separate functioning entities, however they have all become this epic cluster.
This has lead to the following things -
- Now we have rape cases being showcased as political agenda. *slow clap*
- There are people who start victim blaming.
- Rape is so common, that news doesn't phase anyone anymore.
- Rape is a tool to showcase power.
- Unrest between Hindu and Muslim communities are settled by who rapes who the most. This is so common, as this happens between riots, this happened during partition.
The solution -
Breaking down the social structures that has allowed Patriarchy to flourish even with evolution of human beings into the current modern society. Men who uphold patriarchy should be held accountable for their actions. Rape not being used as a threat or weapon towards women, political party. Victim blaming not being a thing.
The problem with the solution -
Men.
And that's why folks, we need feminism.
