SEXUAL ASSAULTS:Blinders Still Worn

The infamous 'Nirbhaya Rape Case' had sparked tremendous agitation and vehement protests and rallies all around the country. But now it seems that nothing has changed for the good. The reaction had been a sudden furore and people had just gone with the flow. They had marched and had vociferous demands and opinion without any self -introspection at an individual level. The only change that i notice is that girls are now advised more to dress modestly and parents are now more concerned about their daughter's safety than they used to be. The onus of remaining safe seems to have shifted more to women, instead of being shared by society and law-keepers.

Official data in India show that rape cases have jumped almost 875% over the past 40 years -- from 2,487 in 1971 to 24,206 in 2011, given the fact that most cases still are not reported. So in a country where female Gods like Durga, Kali, Shakti are worshipped the condition of the women remains terrible. Also sexual violence against the transgenders don't make it to the headlines. Sexual violence by husbands is ignored.

 Sexual assaults can also be visual or verbal. There are many factors which act backstage and contribute to increase in growing number of sexual assaults, deeply entrenched patriarchy and misogynistic mindset of the male folk is the largest contributor besides other factors like objectification of the women's body in movies, songs, tv shows, racy advertisements in the print and electronic media; the growing culture of provocative clothing and revealing outfits; growing consumption of alcohol and drugs; the wide circulation and easy accessibility of pornographic content; such factors constantly envelops us in an erotic and titillating environment, constantly boosts up the libido and if the temptation overpowers the conscience(which is very likely to be the case)the basic human desire of mating often finds immoral and abnormal channelization in the form of rape, molestation, exhibitionism, frotteurism, voyeurism etc..

Rape is ubiquitous. i think it has very little to do with  the way women dress. Of course, Provocative Clothing could be the cause of sexual arousal but it should not be related to the act of rape which involves cowardly act of violent and non-consensual forceful sex.  Normal sexual urge and rapist mentality are very different. Even child girls are raped. Also the fact that sexual assaults are so common in places where women are covered from head to toe. So i think rape is more related to patriarchy and misogyny and male chauvinism. Patriarchy is rooted in our culture, societal structure and even religions. Boys are brought up to be sexually aggressive, dominant and conquering, as a way of affirming their masculinity. Most men and boys i know consider themselves superior and entitled to dominate their sisters or girlfriends. In many societies, men who do not act in this traditional masculine way are ostracized by their peers and considered effeminate. Even most religious texts support male-domination.

 -The media also objectifies the women folk. it is very clear when you see advertisements or music videos and even video-games meant for children .Nowadays, raunchy lines and double entendre have become so common in movies and almost every movie comes out with an item song in which a girl with skimpy dress would gyrate around lewd men to some vulgar lyrics.Even in Disney Movies, the female character is highly sexualized with large breasts,a thin waist,fluttering eyelashes and coy expressions.Such portrayal deeply influences the mindsets of growing children. 

-The wide and easily availability of porn provides an outlet for sexual impulse but pornography has traditionally been made by and for men, and women are just portrayed as sex-objects, lump of flesh for sexual satisfaction. Pornography has substantial sexual violence involved.

Social-stigma attached to the rape leaves many rape cases unreported and also harasses the girl mentally and emotionally. Our society is largely patriarchal and judgemental and it often reacts as if the victim is also to be blamed for it. Incidents like rape or molestation is thought to besmirch the reputation of the victim and her family.’ ‘Izzat lut gayi’  is how we’ve been reacting to the victims of sexual assaults. A complete nonsense...How can one relate a crime committed against someone to his/her dignity or reputation. Ignominy should be for the perpetrator and not the victim. And see the hypocrisy of the people they advise every girl to dress modestly but don't forget to ogle any girl on the street. So there is a visual rapist behind a facade of decency-driven moral policing.

Dressing modestly, getting back home earlier at night, keeping pepper spray or joining karate classes; fast track courts, castration, death penalties could serve as partial deterrents but could never be any step towards the cure of the menace because we are still hitting the wrong button.

To the females: Respect the sharp line between sexual liberation and immodesty.To the males: Your chivalry won't help unless you truly believe in equality of both the sexes.