The stereotype of women with questionable character is alive and well in the 'sanskaari' Indian society who might not say anything about them, but won't agree to make them part of their family.
The stereotype of women with questionable character is alive and well in the ‘sanskaari’ Indian society who might not say anything about them, but won’t agree to make them part of their family.
The feminist Bollywood movie ‘Pink’ has beautifully supported and described a group of women who have been labelled by Indian society as “women with questionable character” for their activities and lifestyle.
Since ages, women have been judged for their every action, whether it be their desire to wear clothes of their choice, or their freedom of choosing their friends regardless of gender.
Although society is now changing, when it comes to selecting a “bahu” for the family, girls who prefer wearing clothes of their choice (especially when their choice is non-traditional clothes for Indian women), girls who are outspoken, who have their own opinions about things and believe in speaking out their view on almost every topic, girls who have male friends and do not mind sitting behind them on bikes, having meals with them or going for movies with them, no matter how simple and friendly their bond is; are rejected for marriage in the first instance.
The feminist movement might have caused society to stop saying things about such women, especially openly, but people still do not want to make them a part of their lives. Such a girl is often rejected as a daughter in law.
If a girl wants to live her life her way, she has to pay a lot for that, and the first installment of this payment begins at a very young age, when she does not even understand the meaning of character. Her every action is considered symbolic of her character.
All the women who are not following the set pattern of society, and are living their life their way, are women of questionable character!
Every woman who believes that friendship is not gender specific and she need not limit her friendships to other women… is a women with questionable character!
Every woman who allows her male friends to visit her house, when her parents or husband are not at home, is a woman with questionable character!
Every woman who pens down such articles, and supports such women, is a woman with questionable character!
But if getting this title allows me to have friends of my choice, have my opinions, gives me the freedom to live my life my way, I am very happy to be a woman with questionable character!
Image source: movie promos Cocktail
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If in-laws treat their daughters in law differently, it can certainly lead to a very traumatic and sticky situation in the family.
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