Does she turn you on?

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I have friends who would get turned on by her just by virtue of the fact that she is in a Burkha.

So, why again are women given directives as to how they must dress?

The bigger question is:

Why should a woman's respectability depend on her choice of clothing?

What is respect?

Some cultures forbid a woman from showing any part of her body because according to them only such women get "respect"

In other cultures, a display of arms, legs and the slightest of cleavage is forbidden for the same reason.

So much so, that a man's misbehaviour is often justified by saying that the woman was dressed provocatively.

But, who is to define what provokes evil? What turns on men? I know of men who find no appeal in women who reveal all. On the contrary the mystery of a Burkha drives them mad. Some get turned on by vulnerability. Others by brazenness.

No harm with getting turned on. But why should getting 'turned on' or 'turned off' get translated into disrespect for the woman?

So, in stead of preaching to a woman about her choice of clothing, how about preaching to men about respecting a women's personal choice.

How about making women feel comfortable in anything they want to wear?

Comments

hamish said…
To an extent, such inane policies stem from a sense of inadequacy. It is a male dominated world. The scenario is changing, but not quite rapidly enough.

Unfortunately, in recent times, we find some social elements protesting women's freedom, and the distressing fact is that most officials are giving it a silent nod.

Even in cases of rape, one of the most common responses is that "She was asking for it"... Authorities need to realize that more often than not, rape is an obsession on control more than lust. It stems from some narcissistic bastard's perverted views that women should be in men's control.

If justice is equal, there shouldn't be a separate norm for women regarding their personal choices such as drinking, smoking, and the way they dress. The stigma attached to women pursuing their interests is disgustingly different from what the guy faces. This is a perversion of society.

Sometimes, I just HATE society.
31 March 2009 at 14:04
Pooja Nair said…
Hamish,

You are so right...sigh...what to do?

Anyway, delighted to meet someone who thinks like you.

i like blah blah yada yada...will take a detailed look soon.

cheers!
31 March 2009 at 16:32
kochuthresiamma p .j said…
a friend of mine went out in a burkha just for fun -later she was ecstatic about the 'freedom' it gave her!

this 'turning on' business - and laying the blame on women for turning the man on.only a weakling will surrender the turning on and turning off switch controls to someone else. a human being who is not in control is the most despicable creature.and a person who passes the buck for his weakness to someone else is equally disgusting.
20 April 2009 at 18:53
Pooja Nair said…
Hey thats putting things in a whle new perspective.
Makes me want to try that out too. :)

But, in a burkha, in this country today, i will have to beware of hindu fundamentalists...i have to beware of them anyway - they could come and beat me up during my next trip to a pub...

SERIOUSLY, its time we Indians woke up to the dangers of Hindu extremism!

Islmic fundamentalism is globally recognized as a threat but we may be in trouble if everyone ignors hindu fundamentalism.

cheers!
21 April 2009 at 11:25
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