A misogynistic social construct – The Hindu

Can one imagine belonging to a community that feels suffocated from both inside and outside? If one were born into such a community, how long would the individual survive?

Yes, I do not only belong to one such community but also dare to survive — the women’s community. This community once had a strong say in socio-political spaces, but the position has depleted at a fast pace and continues to do so. Extreme social standards are leading to mass mental and physical exploitation. Women community is one for whom even the demeanour is socially constructed. Deep-rooted divides thrive from birth and last till the very last breath. The way one shall laugh, sit, walk, and talk is all socially decided. This ‘body shaming’ is rapidly shifting to ‘mental shaming’. Here, one is not only judged from the outside but is also often given a character certificate based on one’s behavioural traits.

This is no less than mental bullying, as it takes a huge toll on the mental health of the individual who is repeatedly lashed by the stick of judgments just because she biologically belongs to a certain sex. Remember the incident in which a 10th standard topper was trolled for “hair on her face”? Well, how does it matter? This socially constructed gender overshadowed her intelligence.

Medical conditions such as PCOD and PCOS are beyond the social construct. How can it be difficult to understand that a female’s body goes through significant hormonal changes every second? No matter how scientifically backed a fact is, society thinks beyond it.

It is a matter of realisation that our true self is throttled each time we are reminded of belonging to a particular gender. We often forget to cherish and celebrate each other’s differences. To pass through the sieve of social parameters is hectic. Human life is meant for a higher purpose, as also mentioned in many of the holy texts, and is much beyond the realm of socially designed “gender”.

The removal of the concept of “gender” from the social fabric requires empowered voices. The reduction in cruel social stereotypes would foster a safe and free-spirited society, creating a happy place for all. There is an urgent need for open discussions among the members of this society, and here comes the vital role of the youth, the torch-bearers of change.

A trend continues to grow till the time people choose to follow it; breaking the chain of this trend of gender stereotypes is in our hands. It is vital to understand that it is high time to move beyond such stereotypes and focus on the substantial issues existing in society. Often, people forget to work on the inside while pretending to be perfect on the outside.

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