বাবুঘাটের শহর, কত ঘাটের জলে!

I had always thought that rape is a result of illiteracy. Not perhaps as the only cause of it, but the driving cause. Now I see a bigger picture. I see how education and privilege of modern amenities can manifest as ill education. As many knowledgeable entities, have said: The problems of the society cannot be fully understood from within the society. Being marginalized is the only way of grasping the societal problems and then only a discourse can me made to find a solution. I as a meagre citizen will try to poiint out my views towards the recent rape incidents.

I strongly believe that social media is not the right place to propagate a blind revolt, revolution, or protest, as we call it. Hashtags look only good with Instagram clicks. Deviating from the radical mentality, I believe the world is very very grey, and hashtag protests or change.org petitions will only take you as far as replacing Ben Affleck as Batman, but unsuccessfully. I feel social media, now, just like Suhel Seth, is overdoing itself. I feel, Top 10 lists and Life Hack tips from websites and the striking documentaries are having the complete opposite effect on the people. Instead of awareness or a truthful portrayal of an heinous incident, it is raising a flurry of criticism, counter-documentaries, counter-judgement and political motives. The truth seekers like certain Frustrated Indians are trying to find the hidden lies and the rocked down truths. I feel, thus, the real crime and act is getting away with it: The act of rape.

Now, many of my friends have pointed out that India, is a country of rape. Thanks to you people, BBC slaps us with a mockumentary (that too with some really suspicious flaws). India is frankly a sovereign. And philosophically speaking, is incorruptible. What is coorruptible is society and young minds, And those which corrupt are communal rifts and communal politics and the sadistic pleasure that the society achieves out of juicy, horrendous rape incidents. I, a citizen of Kolkata know nothing about the Ranaghat incident. But yes, I feel why the virginity of a "nun" was compromised. I think it gave the rapists a chance to sensationalize the "lost virginity of a chaste worshiper." and obviously to be in headlines even if apprehended.

Coming to Metropolitan places like our beloved old Calcutta, I feel men are a danger to the species itself. Men, irrespective of age, education caste are subjected to public objectification of women. Example: Munni, Sheila, Pritam Pyare and Lord God Yo Yo Honey Singh. I openly blame mainstream Bollywood, mainstream Tollywood, Kollywood and whatever that remains. Cinema is no longer art that inspires. I really hope to see more like NH10, Queen, Zor Laga Ke Haisha. Thanks to mainstream Bollywood, all that Anushka is on NH10 is hot, and the girl from Zor Laga Ke.. is slim now. I object to the mindless circulation of pornography that eats up every frustrated teenager boy through internet (Ban it and there is a protest by AIB, ready.)

There is also something I object to. Women, please don't drool for stubbled, 6 feet tall men, carrying himself excellently topped with leather belts and shoes. All are not the exact real life replications from Romedy Now. I know, we all want good looking friends (I want them too, frankly). Boys are snubbed by "Out of the league women" but in the opposite case, all that glitters is not gold. ভেক ধারী নেকড়ে কোথায় নেই? Boys too are sometimes led into statutory rape by women, little known, and frankly, Fair and Lovely physicality is dooming the society, and leading India into a more pseudo sexual cheaper replication of the West.

Society has been a hypocrite. Rapists want virgin wives. And they will continue to want so. For years. If, only if, we pick up on true, rightful education, preaching equality and not religion, maybe we can scrape out of this mess. Perhaps if only we start by respecting elderly teachers rather than mocking them, we can still be a part of a better future. The country, that India is full of potential. I see my friends, some here, some abroad, trying to gain the highest levels of education. People we say they have run away and will never be back. I will like to keep faith in them. They will be back and will strive to make the country proud. I know this little guy, son of our domestic help. Ten years old. Comes to me, listens to music, wants to be a doctor, wants to help at Sunderbans, I have not lost faith in the country. I never will.

Sorry, for being preachy and lengthy.
Many of you will be offended. These are strictly my views and are open to heartfelt criticism, rage, anger. Please do spit hate and counter me on how I miss the "point".