The right to exist in public spaces

I have been following the recent events in Karnataka (the attacks on women in Mangalore and the resultant discussions) with alarm and dismay. Perhaps because it hits closer to home and the realization that I may have easily been one of the women who were attacked is not a pleasant one. Although, I must admit that seeing the number of protests and campaigns against these self appointed "moral police" i.e whackjobs has been immensely satisfying. But the news today about 3 women being harassed and attacked for the ridiculous reason of wearing "western" clothes really pushed my buttons.

I've observed that discussions about this issue usually gets derailed with statements about what women should and shouldn't wear, whether western culture is a good thing or not, whether "pub culture" is good or not, whether women should drink or not and so forth. When the crux of the matter is really about women's right to exist in public spaces without the fear of violence. What is really at stake is not my right to wear jeans or to consume alcohol, but my right to be out on the street and in public without looking over my shoulder or clutching a can of pepper spray.

Let me explain that a little further. Let us for a moment assume that wearing "western" clothes is a bad thing. Let us next assume that punishing people committing this grave crime is justified. Why then should not we not assault men wearing shirt and pants? Is that not "western" attire? Should we not force all men to wear dhoti which is the traditional Indian attire? While we are at it, men who bathe in public should be harassed and beaten up because they are exposing too much skin. Also, men going to pubs should be called names, slapped and dragged by their hair, and if thats not possible, then at least by their shirts.

My point is that none of these reasons are logical. Any human being with even half a brain would see that. What these numbskulls are really saying is that any woman in a public space is fair game for violence and assault and the reason is really just an excuse.

I had a wacky thought. Instead of all these crappy "father's day" and "mother's day", which are just gimmicks for stores like Archies to make sales, lets celebrate something meaningful. Lets celebrate "women's right to be in public" day. For 24 hours, every year, only women would be allowed to be out in public and not men. Any man who is seen outside will be harassed, assaulted, beaten or murdered and it would be perfectly legal. That would be like a breath of fresh air! We'll see how that goes and maybe extend it for more days every year! What say?