Need more gender equality? Look at men….

Amongst political turmoil, Delhi hasn’t forgotten the brave hearted rape victim who embraced death due to heinous act of rape last year. Most recently, media (both electronic and print) came up with various viewpoints on gender and crime against gender whether it is Supreme Court’s judgment on LGBT or sexual harassment allegation against former Justice (Chairmen of Human Rights Commission, Bengal). Gender has become topic of discussion at every corner of this country.

During weekend,  I came across few (my favorite)movies i.e. Dil Chata Hai , Zindgi Na Milegi Dobara and Nautanki Saala  I had already watched these movies number of times before also, but amidst of all these ‘gendered’ news , my interpretation of these movies got moved. Now I have different perception to look at news on gender or gender oriented crimes.

The common element in all these three was male intimacy. By male intimacy I don’t mean to be gay (homosexual orientation has different kind of debate fabric and for time being I want to sideline that) I am talking about the two-three friends who enjoy each other’s company, who work as team, who has differences of ideas but too has acceptance of that differences, who laugh at each other in even in troublesome situations and many more (bachelor) things ;) Why I am sharing this is to show that crime related to gender (especially with females) is related to male intimacy.

Sexual activity is such an act that no one likes share even with closest friend…than what makes three-four guys to have common sexual act (called gang rape). What is that which encourages such acts? Why gender experts are not looking at such relationship between males? What is that in Indian society which makes males to go out of home spent some time with other males at ‘nukkad’? What is that which is making to males to initiate informal (about politics or about cricket) conversations in public spheres (like bus stops, trains etc.).  Of course, all this acts do not lead to crime but it is very much needed to understand that psyche of males groups while we are talking about gender.

Interestingly, no one is talking much about males in gender discourse. Male relationship holds equal importance as females in gender discourse driven by media. It is these male groupism or male circles who (sometimes) encourage and discourage (most of times) crime against women.  Bollywood as well as real life is full of examples where male friends together tease women and at same time respected and protected women (see Sholay).

The relationships between males has its own connotation and needs to be addressed as well as  understood by the media. May be, links from that understanding gives hint out the methods for more gender equality..