The youth today are very aware and responsive. They back causes, voice dissent and even take on politicians. And, many are proud feminists who crusade for equality. Sometimes, however, even those who intend to say the right thing, end up being sexist without knowing it.
Apurva Vurity, a graduate from TISS Hyderabad, gives a few tips for youngsters wanting to say the right things.
We are all human and even the most staunch feminist reflects some of society’s flaws which may not be easy to shed. Thus, it’s necessary for everyone to acknowledge that we make mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we are not feminists. We can, instead, learn from them.
Some of her tips
l Avoid saying “I am usually friends with guys because it is less drama”. That is sexist. Boys make good friends and so do girls. Stop glorifying male friendships.
l “I am a tomboy ”. No, you are not. You are a girl trying to fit into labels the world gives you. Unless you feel like you are a boy trapped in a girl’s body (in which case I suggest you start referring to yourself as a Trans individual), you are a girl trying really hard to be accepted. Don’t do that.
l “How do you put make-up/nail polish? I can never do that.” Apurva, who has spent two years on women’s studies says, “I made the list not just because I’ve also been guilty of making these comments.” She says that there is a common thread in all these comments. “By saying these things, you’re accepting that every activity a boy takes up is automatically superior. I, too, have described myself as a ‘tomboy’ and have said ‘how can she put on so much make-up, I can never’. When I said this, I did feel a sense of superiority. Later, I realised that this is not fair. If a girl wants to put on lipstick, she isn’t any less than a girl who doesn’t just because she is doing something that is believed to be ‘feminine’.”
