It’s the all too familiar feeling of walking down the street and having that creep in the corner ogling you. Being on a crowded bus where “squeezing in” borders on molestation. Having auto drivers staring at you, as if they have X-ray vision. Girls, we are violated on a daily basis.
The reason for this post is because of a series of experiences that have been compiled over the past 6 months of my stay in India. I realize that it has become an inherent part of our societal existence to understand and accept that males treat us like this.
Granted, many argue that in some ways it is our fault for dressing in a provocative manner (although most of us don't), I still feel that the disgust of being objectified supercedes anything else.
Hence, as a group of powerful, communicative women with great futures, I propose the “Hit Back” campaign. This movement strives to exchange shoes and cross the border to the other side. If a group of guys felt uncomfortable and violated by a group girls, don’t you wonder how they would react? This may not necessarily prevent them from the continuation of their behavior, but at least we can hope it will offer them some insight on the ways that we are forced to accept their behavior in our lifestyle. This can be achieved simply by attaining a sample of boys our age, and speaking to them about things that make them uncomfortable, or by reciprocating the ways in which they make us uncomfortable. One of the many problems however, is that of the “male reaction” as it is so drastically different from the female one.
Very obviously, this is a framework for a greater idea- an unfinished exploration into one of the many ills of society. So as your classmate and friend, I am reaching out to you for help. I would love to sit down and iron out the details- and perhaps accord this campaign the attention and publicity that it needs.
Think about it ladies- we can make a difference!!
