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We always talk about how a girl should grow up. Let's talk about boys now. Let's talk about to how to raise our sons.
We always talk about how a girl should grow up. Let’s talk about boys now. Let’s talk about to how to raise our sons.
“There is more to a boy than what his mother sees. There is more to a boy than what his father dreams. Inside every boy lies a heart that beats. And sometimes it screams, refusing to take defeat. And sometimes his father’s dreams aren’t big enough, and sometimes his mother’s vision isn’t long enough. And sometimes the boy has to dream his own dreams and break through the clouds with his own sunbeams.” ― Ben Behunin
Perhaps our society has always been obsessed about how a girl should be raised. Or to be more precise, Indians have always taken an intricate amount of interest in what a girl should do, and what she must envision as she grows into a woman. In every family, there are a set of rules and restrictions that are passed on from the ancestors. Some rules are beyond human comprehension. I wonder why boys do not have to go through these grooming sessions in their childhood.
They are a little lucky, I reckon.
I know I am an amateur at this subject, and oh, I have no knowledge at all in this area, but I really think it would be great if boys are raised like this. (Some of these rules apply to girls too.)
Let me also tell you this, lest I may forget – stand by his side during thick and thin, and talk about his mistakes. With a strong support system like yours, your son would turn out to be an ideal man. You can take my word for it.
First published at author’s blog
Image of two boys via Shutterstock
Just a storyteller making memories. Curly. Part obnoxious, part delusional. Prefers books to people. Lives for words and coffee. Plans to go on a holiday every month, and fails miserably. read more...
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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