- Joseph Jose and Archana P
The
word Feminism is not so uncommon today, in fact, it is quite popular. 'Feminism'
might be a word which is often misunderstood by many and thus some oppose it
thinking that it is a male-bashing ideology. However, as time passed and as the
internet became more prevalent many were trying to gain the right information,
thus making them 'feminists' rather than 'opposition to feminism'.
The
idea of gender equality is very much appealing and the world has taken a turn
where it has become a matter of pride or rather a quotient of status to become
a "Feminist".
The
growing empathy towards those who have suffered in life due to gender
inequality has enabled them to make more followers for Feminism. Thus, this era
can be considered as a transition period. Usually, in transition periods, most
ideologies are seen with a skeptical eye
and their implementation might create chaos.
Feminism
is not any different!
As
this idea spreads like wildfire, especially amongst youngsters, the
opportunists have turned their attention to the same in order to use others.
For
them, this idea of gender equality is a mere facade. They mask their evil
intentions from people by bringing feminism into the conversation.
As
a matter of fact, many are using feminism to manipulate and take advantage of
people, especially young men. It is true that for girls who really struggle in
their daily life from their own houses to their educational institutions to
their workplaces, a man addressing these issues and telling them that 'he is a
feminist' is quite charming. And they know little about these men who take
advantage of this to a great extent.
These
kinds of men can be spotted everywhere. But the sad part is they can be seen
even among students. There
have been several incidents where students, let's say a senior student who is
in a position to impart undue influence over a junior student, have used the
idea of feminism to get closer to the student, then build long conversations,
friendships and eventually the junior is being asked for sexual favours and in
order to add to the act, the junior may even get a romantic proposal.
Once
the "deal" is done, then the next step of the perpetrator is to just
leave that person. The victim wouldn't know about all of this until later when their calls stop getting returned; they get avoided in public spaces or even
get gaslit when any mode of confrontation happens.
Technically
speaking, was it consensual, yes it was. But the important point is that the
so-called obtained consent is manipulated. The
underlying matter about consent is that it cannot be obtained; it can only be
given in any given matter of sexual activity.
Here
the message is for young people, especially for those who are students,
perpetrators and manipulators can take any form, they can be your nerdy senior,
your friendly co-quizer from some event or friends of friends.
Things
like feminism and humanity are basic things, people who consider themselves
feminists are not doing any favour for anyone and a true feminist would never
think or say that "feminism" is an advanced concept. It is a basic
civilized concept, and anything less can be considered as barbaric. So please
don't fall for the charm of those who present themselves charming to trap
someone, just like a carnivorous plant.
A true incident had happened in a
university, where the perpetrator was a student, who had sexually harassed
several girls from different places, followed by manipulation and gaslighting
to prove the so-called "innocence", and the most surprising thing was
that "he was a feminist".
The ones who are using feminism as
a mere facade are actually delegitimizing the sanctity of the movement. Maybe, because of these scoundrels people will reluctantly label them as
feminists. Let us strip their wolf’s skin
and contribute to equality.
About the authors
Joseph
Jose is the co-founder and secretary of the NGO Asian MUN Circuit and he is a
professional trader
Archana P. P currently working as an Associate at Wadia Ghandy Co. Mumbai (Banking and Finance).
Disclaimer
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