Hang On: A Social Stigma OR A Sick Mentality?

The case has been done months back and after 7 long years of wait, finally hails justice. The four convicts of the Nirbhaya Case were awarded capital punishment for the heinous crime they committed. But the impending question which lingers our mind still goes on: Is this a social stigma or a sick mentality?

How to Define Social Stigma?

British Association for Psychopharmacology [BAP] has stated, “Social stigma, also called public stigma, refers to negative stereotypes of those with a mental health problem.” As per Mukesh Singh, one of the hard-core convicts, “A decent girl won't roam around at nine o'clock at night. A girl is far more responsible for rape than a boy.” He further continued, “When being raped, she shouldn't fight back. She should just be silent and allow the rape. Then they'd have dropped her off after 'doing her', and only hit the boy.”

These are the just instances where there is no remorse or grief of the actions committed on December 16, 2012. As a remedial step after this incident, the highest judicial body has announced the new anti-rape laws and legislations effective from March 13, 2013. This also expanded the definition of rape sans a physical struggle without consent.

The struggle of women creating their niche has come a long way. While stepping out of their homes, they are not intending to suppress the male counterpart in their terms. What they all wish to create their own distinct identity amongst the male-dominated society. Due to these gender-biased roles, men and women are often labelled and differentiated as being strong and volatile respectively.

Are there any of the Mythological Excerpts?

The act for suppressing the power of women has prevailed since time immemorial and India has been at war with the dignity of girls and women. From the mythological era, Draupadi has been molested and her dignity was at stake for feeding the ego of the Kauravas. Similarly, Ramayan also mentions the kidnapping of Goddess Sita by Ravana without respecting her part of honourability. In other mythologies, there are such instances like as per an Arcadian myth, Demeter was severely molested by his younger brother Poseidon which resulted in the birth of Despoina and Arion.

In India, there are other inhuman incidents including the planned occurrence of the eight-year-old girl, Asifa by several policemen and other men. Additionally, to destroy the evidence of the barbaric act, they burned the clothes and other significant things related to the incident. Also, similar was the instance of Unnao, Lucknow wherein a 17-year old was being brutally raped and burnt to death.

As per the National Crimes Records Bureau for the year 2016, the rape of minor girls was escalated by 82% as compared to the previous year. Another chilling fact of these inhuman acts is that 95% of the accused in all the cases were amongst the immediate circles. Such was the level of cultural degradation of women in our country that the Honorable PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi had to launch the Beti Bachao national programme in Jan 2015.

In such instances, there is a social pressure of not to report such incidents to authorities as this would lead to harming the family social status. However, the question that still persists is: Does the family social status and dignity hold more importance than the victim’s self-honour? Perhaps, this is the only thing that should matter instead of all materialistic things and concerns prevailing around. This is where it all matters whether to consider it a Social Stigma or not.

What is India’s Prevailing Condition?

As a woman in Indian Subcontinent, I am less traumatised by the violence in the streets and society than the instances of women molestation. The oppression starts from within: when my mother says not to wear short clothes, avoid interaction with strangers, and behave properly in front of the opposite gender. This limitation is innocuous. However, this very thought is the birthplace of the men’s domination wherein they start to rule.

This may happen within our home, within families, within society, and within any limits that I might not know of. This is just the start of a horrific era! The violence is so horrific that it is buried deep in the minds of us and accepts the fakeness of being in good womanhood which compels us to invite unnecessary human rights violations.

A sick mentality can be termed as the total of the individual’s perception of the surroundings inclusive of his/her upbringing and observations. As per Psychology Today, “Anatomy is Destiny.” In this context, the Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi has stated on January 6, 2017, that the people who allow women to wear short clothes disrespect them, Also, he added that it is the responsibility of the women to ensure their safety and security.

Earlier, the Samajwadi Party leader had stated that exposing skin has become a new trend in India. Also, he extended his statement that if any girl stays outside after sunset, then she does not deserve to be respected. If that is the case, then does allowing a boy to do as per his whims provides them with a silver spoon to live? Does this not apply to the boys to stay in their limits and respect all the women like their own sisters? Is it only on the women’s shoulders to respect the family’s dignity? And above all, why are all the restrictions are for the women and not for the men?

Apart from the infamous Nirbhaya instance, there have been multiple examples in India that need immediate attention. In recent times, the #MeToo Movement also gained significant momentum affecting the celebrities. Very recently, Lady Zamar had reported against her former partner, Jabulani Hadebe alias Sjava. The incident happened on September 9, 2017, at Royal Heritage Festival, Venda. Not only her but also Salma Hayek and Lady Gaga also reacted to the sexual exploitation in a similar fashion while being vocal about the injustice done.

In yet another heinous case of tarnishing a woman’s character, Harvey Weinstein is found guilty of the charges for the first-degree and third-degree act. He has been awarded 25 years of rigorous imprisonment. The complainants included Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, and Salma Hayek who are an inspiration to act against the powerful.

The most unnoticed reason why people from all ages avert the reporting of sexual harassment might be due to various reasons. One victim might argue that the exploiter has not matched the notion of that of what is termed a “rapist.” Others may restrain quoting that there was no physical resistance and violence unless the activity is normal.

In a nutshell, it is crucial that we understand the red and the thin line between being in a sick mentality and a social stigma. With the gradual development of sick perception, social stigma will persist and expand gradually. It is more important to understand that society is balanced on the equilibrium of both the genders. If this situation continues to blame the women as the only factor responsible for society shaming, one day is bound to come when the earth will become a living hell.