Written By: Hiranniya Yoga
It is safe to say we live in a more accepting, yet controversial world at present. Many countries have gotten rid of their caste systems, moved into fair democracy systems, and especially in countries like Canada, aren’t afraid to walk alone on the streets at night. However, considering the emotions surrounding recent events that took place in various parts of the world, a different perspective is sure to uphold.
The event that is causing a stir currently, took place in New Delhi, India. After enjoying a movie night out with her friend, 23 year old Jyoti Singh Pandey was raped and sexually assaulted brutally by 6 drunken men. A few of the gory details include the men each taking turns to rape the poor girl for over an hour, and inserting an iron rod into her body. Not only did this innocent girl endure severe psychological trauma, but she was also left with severe internal injuries, brain damage and a lung infection.
Many citizens around the world sympathized with Jyoti’s pain and suffering. Then there are some that actually blamed Jyoti for this pitiful event. The reasons being, they say it was her fault for taking public transportation at night, and for her dressing sense. At this point I ask, what has this world come to? It is not necessary to comprehend the pain she went through? Ridiculing it and accusing her of such a deed is truly horrendous.
What I found the most curious was that some of the ridiculing comments were presented from females themselves. After so many years of fighting for equality and freedom for women, it is absurd to still consider females as being inferior to men. Some women posted comments suggesting getting the victim marry one of the rapists! There are still some countries, which force the raped victim to get married to their attackers in order to pardon or lessen their sentences. In some cases, it has brought a certain peace and happiness to the victims and their families. However, in most cases it has proven to be disastrous as the rapists might consider this an advantage and continue to abuse the girl, or the girl takes her life unable to live with the given judgment. This sounds similar to giving a thief all the robbed goods to keep and take care of.
In Jyoti’s case, 6 men have robbed her of her happiness, innocence and dignity. How does one find the heart to say such insensitive things, or do such a heinous crime to a beautiful lady? As a society, we must recognize that women are not objects and they deserve to be treated with love and respect.
