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An Easy Guide to Spot Everyday Sexism

Here is a practical guide for you to spot sexism as you battle the turbulent tides of misogyny and patriarchy in India

How do men in positions of power and influence bring themselves to say the most detestable things about women? And they do it with appalling confidence, without second questioning if what they are saying is suitable for public discourse. What else explains statements like ‘women who wear jeans give birth to transgender’ or the fact that a prominent politician like Azam Khan calls a fellow politician, Jaya Prada ‘naachne gaane wali’. When Ali Anwar says that Smriti Irani has done quite well for herself by receiving the “tan dhakne wala department” (Case in point: Ministry of Textile), his words aren’t meant to applaud her achievement. When a former DG Police HT Sangliana says, “When I look at her (Devi, Nirbhaya’s Mother), her physique is very nice. How beautiful Nirbhaya may have been, if her mother is so well-made by God,” he becomes a part of the larger ‘male gaze’ problem that is behind sexual objectification of women. And yes women too are part of this problem. Sexism can come wrapped in a mild rap, a patronizing little statement or a hostile threat. In fact, sexism is so internalised and ubiquitous that it’s even difficult to spot it. Here we break down for you. This is your ultimate guide to spotting sexism.

Also Read: How Respectful Are Our Netas Towards Womensayi