Sunny Leone is all over social media – but before you judge her for the wrong reasons, yet again, let me tell you, she has made us all proud.
Faced with sexist questions about her ‘past’ from a television anchor, Sunny responded with grace and panache.
But hey, isn’t being judgemental a timeless Indian trait? And if you are a woman, living, walking, talking in India, then God save you.
And the reasons for this judgement range from the bizzare to the flimsy:
Wearing a Short Dress or a Deep Neck Top? – She Was Asking For it
‘Sharm aur laaj toh aurat ka gehna hota hai’ – if you are an Indian woman who grew up in the country, then you must have heard this phrase over the years.
If you wear that little black dress and think you’re looking sexy, think again. The hint of your cleavage might just ‘tempt’ that man in the party. And no, that’s not his fault, it is YOURS.
Surprised? Why, isn’t that how women are judged every second?
Got a Promotion? –Obviously, She’s Been Sucking up to the Boss
If you got a good raise or a promotion early in your career, chances are your colleagues might give you the ‘we-know-how-you-got-it’ look, your solid work ethic notwithstanding.
I’m definitely not oblivious of the fact that there may be women who take advantage of their gender, but not all women belong to that category. There are many who work really hard to reach the pinnacle in a male-dominated workspace.
And generalising them is just not fair.
Have Too Many Guy Friends? – What a Characterless Girl
If your crazy male friends turn up at your doorstep for a surprise birthday party at midnight, you might just end up getting a warning from your landlord or your neighbours the next morning.
Because even in the 21st century, women are judged if they have male friends. Now, what does that say about our society?
Do you Drink or Smoke? – Such Wannabe Chicks
I have often been asked – ‘You’re a journalist, don’t you smoke?’ and I have always found that judgement ridiculous.
Whether a woman smokes or drinks, it is her choice. How does that determine her character? And what has any profession got to do with it?
Not Married by 30? – Poor Thing, She’s Not Getting Any Guy
There is no good a guy can do in a woman’s life that she can’t already do herself. Why can’t we simply take spouses as companions? Equal companions.
If a woman chooses not to marry at 30 or 40 or 50, it is her wish.
Does society have any business prodding in her personal life?
Career-Oriented? – What a Selfish B****h!
A girl works as hard if not more to study and make a good career. And if she chooses not to sacrifice it for a baby or a relationship, it is her wish.
Would you ever put a question like this to a man? Think, think.
Doesn’t Cook? – She is a Spoilt Child
I am a foodie but I don’t like cooking. So, I order. But, sometimes I cook when I feel like it.
I’m often asked – ‘ What will you do when you have children?’ My answer to them, ‘I’m smart. I’ll figure out a way.’
And no, my behaviour or my thought process doesn’t reflect my upbringing. Neither does it have anything to do with my being a single child.
When are we going to break away from the shackles of the age-old mentality that only women are responsible to cook?
(Note to men: Women love men who can cook. Give it a try!)
In a Live-in Relationship? – She is a Slut
If two adults make a decision to live together and decide about their relationship before getting married, it is THEIR choice. We are no one to judge them.
So, stop judging women always.
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