Out of fashion

August 27, 2006

Take the following statement:

It’s chic and modern to espouse equal rights for women.
And now try:
It’s chic and modern to espouse equal rights for black people.
It’s chic and modern to espouse equal rights for Indians.
It’s chic and modern to espouse equal rights for minorities.
It’s chic and modern to espouse equal rights for Dalits.
The other four statements are seen as the obvious examples of prejudice that they are. But doesn’t it amaze you that even today, a newspaper report can begin with the first statement?

No it’s NOT chic and modern to espouse equal rights for women. It’s an obligation that society wilfully ignored for too long. It’s on old, old demand - so old that it has become unfashionable in some quarters.

As for Anita Nair’s remarks about Sabarimala and tradition reported in the article? Far be it from my mind to imagine that her defence of so-called tradition may have anything to do with creating a stir for her new book.

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