Do you feel the same way?
Is a man’s privilege that air-tight a right? I’d say NO. His privilege, in this case, brings with it its own set of expectations. It can turn out to be a limitation when the expectations associated with it, in turn, bog HIM down.
Can we assume that NO man wants to wear a fresh, new outfit to work everyday?
NO.
It has NOT been the man’s privilege to doll himself up. Even if he WANTED to. So, he has his share of problems too.
As history is witness, it has always been the woman’s prerogative to look good. While some took to it, others were left jaded by the expectations that came along.
But, can we assume that ALL women are worn down by what is expected of them?
NO.
Some might like it. In fact, I know women who love wearing something different to work everyday.
On Monday, Twinkle Khanna put out an Instagram post that spoke about recycling her favourite outfits and making the best of them. Now, here’s another side to the argument.
If women have the choice, they can always step out of the box!
Her post gives out a message that it is okay to wear the same outfit again. For a public figure, who holds sway over public opinion, it is quite a statement!
It tells me that I can choose to step out and make a choice to not give in to “male privilege’’. I can choose to repeat an outfit, if I want to.
However, our choice is usually based on favourable circumstances. So, I am not here to tell women what choices they should make and what choices they shouldn’t. All I am saying is, we can try and think beyond the male-female binary. We are not seeking to shift the power scales. We are seeking to eliminate the difference altogether.
Men are privileged, yes. The privilege has caused us a lot of damage. Yes. Some of it, irreparable. Yes. But...
A) What is a privilege for some, might not be so for many.
B) So, if you can help it, don’t get bogged down by what others feel or think (or by the precedents that history has set for your gender) and wear your favourite outfit to work as many times as possible OR wear a different one to work each day. Whatever works!
You can thank us (and Twinkle Khanna) later!
(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to fit@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)