Men may be capable of moderate to extreme frivolity when interacting with women; their attitude ranging from being patronising to predatory. But many of the instances that have been exposed on social media (inviting for a drink, ‘inappropriate’ touch), could be termed as frivolity of yesteryears that is only now classified as sexual harassment, and has harsh legal consequences. If in the past, women were mute, men were ignorant, and perhaps blatant with their behaviour as a result of ignorance and silence. One can see large scale anger against the entire spectrum of frivolous male behaviour; a huge cry for respect perhaps. But, if this barrage is accompanied by insinuations and allegations that are equally frivolous and absurd (e.g. Aditi Mittal, and now Piyush Mishra), then it may not end very well for this serious issue. Perhaps, it may be time now to shift the gear from ‘metoo’ to ‘this will not be acceptable’.
Me Too is not seeking to give half the sky to women, 50% of the corner offices. That is a larger battle. Nor even to redress the power gradient between men and women, which gets reflected in so many ways, some of which are listed in this column. The limited purpose is to draw a Lakshman rekha before each working woman, whose sanctity should not be breached. If we can achieve that in our lifetimes, it will be a huge step forward.
Men may be capable of moderate to extreme frivolity when interacting with women; their attitude ranging from being patronising to predatory. But many of the instances that have been exposed on social media (inviting for a drink, ‘inappropriate’ touch), could be termed as frivolity of yesteryears that is only now classified as sexual harassment, and has harsh legal consequences. If in the past, women were mute, men were ignorant, and perhaps blatant with their behaviour as a result of ignorance and silence. One can see large scale anger against the entire spectrum of frivolous male behaviour; a huge cry for respect perhaps. But, if this barrage is accompanied by insinuations and allegations that are equally frivolous and absurd (e.g. Aditi Mittal, and now Piyush Mishra), then it may not end very well for this serious issue. Perhaps, it may be time now to shift the gear from ‘metoo’ to ‘this will not be acceptable’.
Me Too is not seeking to give half the sky to women, 50% of the corner offices. That is a larger battle. Nor even to redress the power gradient between men and women, which gets reflected in so many ways, some of which are listed in this column. The limited purpose is to draw a Lakshman rekha before each working woman, whose sanctity should not be breached. If we can achieve that in our lifetimes, it will be a huge step forward.