Tracing back its roots in the centuries-old structures, sexism and its evils sprout out of the very intrinsic belief, ideas and perspectives of the society. It is indeed accepted by the masses that our culture has been an accelerator of sexism. We are witnessing a rapid upsurge in the ideas of feminism and equality but one thing that still obstacles the force of feminism are our unchanged culture. These patriarchal and unaddressed beliefs and practices of society shield the survival of sexist structures. As the perpetrators of this structure, it is our responsibility to redeem and trigger a change in the culture so that we can dream of a more equitable world.
“Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture.”
― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Addressing the same issue, we at Orion square are regularly hosting VONG Cafe conversations; under the VONG ( voice of the new generation) movement. These conversations help the younger generation to get equipped with an understanding of the issues around us and work for a sustainable future. Orion square organized one such conversation as a digital live event named, ‘Does our culture shield the sexist?’ through its VONG movement. The event was well carried out by a team member of VONG as a host and two speakers from different backgrounds and diversified intellect on Instagram live.
The guest speakers :
MEHINA FATHIMA – Writer, Feminist and Marxist
SABAH SADULLAH – Women Empowerment Activist
The discussion was a series of questions backed up by enriching answers from both speakers. Following is a summary of the conversation on “ Does our culture shield the sexists? ”
What is the cultural and historical significance of patriarchy? Do you think this structure is also common in western countries apart from India?
Patriarchy is an ancient system that originated in Mesopotamia around 3100 to 3600 BC. Contrary to popular beliefs, patriarchy was an invented system and not something innate to humanity. It spread out throughout the world and finally found its home in the modern religion of our time. While talking about India, it got its independence in 1947 but to date, we are bound by the principles that imperialist forces left behind. The victorian patriarchal dogma of these imperialist forces views men as the powerful and the protectors whereas women as the frail and fragile members of the society who need to be watched over and taken care of.
It is this dogmatic perception that has been held high and flaunted by our culture but rather it has been by our oppressors. The scriptures that form the basic layer of culture in our society were written 2000 years back and they have lost their significance in the present time. In a time where most daily life activities are based on these scriptures, the question is not why our culture is sexist but rather how it cannot be.
Not only in India but if we talk about the western culture, there is evidence of patriarchy in the records of literature. Jane Austen elaborated on the form of patriarchy in her novel Pride and Prejudice. Female writers used a pen name that appeared to be male which again reveals the existence of patriarchy in culture.
It is the centuries of patriarchy that have been ingrained in the structure and have resulted in inferiority complexes among women. This patriarchal culture had essentially told men that their gender was essentially born to control and take care of those around them.
Do you think patriarchy has evolved throughout these years and what are the current ill effects of patriarchy in the present culture?
Patriarchy had changed its face throughout these decades. Years back, patriarchy was an essential and accepted system by the masses but now, awareness has been created against it. Despite this, there is no doubt that it still exists in an evolved form. Patriarchy has its influence over sexism and due to its evolved influence, currently, we are witnessing a more benevolent form of sexism where we see patriarchs bounding women within limitations backed up by justifications that they care for them and want to protect them.
Another evidence of benevolent sexism is the idea of putting women on a pedestal and associating them as celestial eternal bodies incapable of wrongdoing and are appreciated for their giving nature. Any woman who fails to or does not support such a structure of benevolent sexism becomes immediate baits for slut shaming and name-calling.
Rape is not only about sexual hunger but rather about the exertion of the power of one gender over another and overpowering victims against their will. The ill effect of benevolent sexism is the propagation of rape culture. Since it views men as controllers and protectors of women, it also inculcates wrong thinking in their minds that it is justified to rape when women are off track from the ideals set by them.
Dear society, we don’t want to be put on a pedestal, we are not goddesses and certainly not angels. Just let us be human beings like men, that’s all we ask for.
– Mehina Fathima
The binaries of gender roles and their depiction in culture.
Moving on to the cognitive side of things, certain mental images and ideas are associated with patriarchy. Mental images of men are often viewed as those who are in power, are strong and are the controllers of the society while women are viewed as submissive, mere caretakers and eternally beautiful beings.
The binaries are too deep-rooted that it is difficult to fight back patriarchy with such ideals situated at the base of our culture but it’s not impossible.
At times, it is so ingrained in the culture that it is often left unnoticed even by feminists.
Another evidence of these binaries in the culture is the myths associated with same-sex relationships. It is almost impossible for people to view a relationship that has no traits of submissiveness and masculinity in the respective partners. This is a depiction of hetero-normative culture which is itself a product of centuries of patriarchy.
We have such a rotten cultural mentality that we have assigned stereotypical gender roles which are rigid and conservative.
“Feminism isn’t a cloak that I put on in the morning and take off at certain times. It’s who I am. I look at the world through eyes that are very alert to gender injustice, and I always will.”
-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Is there any approach, a movement or a protest or a campaign that can change the patriarchal system?
Feminism is the largest campaign with the potential to influence the masses and can fight against the patriarchal system. It is appreciated that we already have it existing for centuries but all we have to do is to add more members to it. Other than that, we need to realize that feminism is not only a fight for women but rather it is for both as all genders are the victims of patriarchy. Any person irrespective of what lies between their legs, who believe that equal opportunities must be provided to all human beings irrespective of their genitals is a feminist and can be a part of the campaign. We need not subscribe to any one particular gender to be a feminist.
To strengthen feminism, we need to incorporate such systems in schools that sensitize students regarding issues related to sexism and the ill effects of patriarchy. Teaching about the rape culture pyramid and encouraging students to eradicate the bottom layers of rape culture which include catcalling, bullying and slut shaming of girls because of their gender are the ultimate measures to have a safer future.
CONCLUSION
We at Orion square are constantly talking about such issues related to sexism and its presence in culture. We aim at starting from the younger generation to eradicate these notions of patriarchy from the culture. We believe that the change lies in the hands of the youth and the future is at their stake. We are not only working for a better present but aim at leaving behind a better place to live in for our successors. VONG is organizing weekly live events, discussions and activities that encourage youth to dream and implement a better future.
Article by: Khushi Sharma, VONGle, Orion Square
Leave a Reply