Politicians, social activists and people with (non)vested interests have been raving and ranting, fretting and fuming for and against the ‘Pub Culture’, after the unsavory incident in Mangalore on Jan. 24, 2009 where women customers were beaten up and molested in a very outrageous manner for being in a pub and consuming alcohol. Before blowing the issue out of proportion, have a glimpse at social reality: Press Photos of Patiala incident on 25 August 2008, where seriously drunken girls were dragged by police in front of the watching public after a messy & shocking scene.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kaushikbiswas/3101284599/in/photostream (Photos uploaded by Kaushik on 11th Dec 2008)
Beyond the issues of taking up the responsibility or wriggling out of it, by acknowledging or contradicting the incident, what has to be considered with paramount priority is understanding whether pub culture is good for personality development of ANY gender; whether physical manhandling, either in public or in private, a solution for anything and finally, is revolting by means of “Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women- sending across pink innerwear’s & appealing females to go to pubs and raise a toast to Indian Woman “, an actual decent and non provocative means of protest with good intent?
If you are a Female with a lifestyle of pub and party culture, who supports the “Pub-Going, Loose & Forward Women” Concept and upholds that drinks and dance floor at pubs are safe & sound to declare ‘freedom’ and advocates that it is inevitable to have fun, friends and icon identity without alcoholism and pub going, then you need to have a second thought. Over 18 years, you are an adult citizen in the eyes of law and society, having the ability to behave yourself in a mature and independent manner. Our freedom should never be to ruin our future. You are your own judge. The concern is more about health and safety of existence rather than culture meddling or restrictions on woman. Clubbing, alcoholism and feminism isn’t what makes a woman modern & feminine, but it’s her abilities, character and identity that makes her sensible, smart and respectable in a crowd. A modern woman is the one who has the insight of Relationship, Etiquettes, Self dependency, Elegance and Attitude.
On the other hand if you are a Male member of modern society and if you have a sister, a girl friend or a wife in your heart & life, answer to yourself whether you will whole heartedly allow your beloved one to adopt a pub and party culture and watch her walking out in semi conscious state, time after time. If the thought by itself provokes you, then it’s not westernisation that you are concerned of; it’s the concern, love, safety and well being for your precious ones. When a mob in society intimidates on ANYBODY, as apostles of culture and ethos, it is nothing more than ‘Vandalism’ and ‘Goondaism’. But the solution to prevent it isn’t using mighty physical force. Nobody has the right to hurt the physical or mental existence of another human being, what so ever your relationship with the person might be. “Your right to throw your fist ends at the tip of my nose” is a common formulation in law and ordinary life.
Everybody has got the freedom of choice in personal matters. Pub culture seems to be a euphemism to criticize girls drinking at pubs and bars. When it has been questioned and intruded by outsiders in a very undesirable manner, as in Mangalore incident, the rage and spontaneous reaction of moral brigade is natural. But it is overwhelming to see the support gained by Campaign for “Consortium of Pub going, Loose & Forward Woman” in a very short span of time. IF THIS UNITY is showed by the youth and aged of our country for constructive long term changes, for curbing every known menace ranging from alcoholism to abuse, corruption to terrorism, we can have a productive social network. The voice of society should be for bringing about laws required for social change and its proper execution; for a capable government and a better society rather than to make frivolous and fanciful campaigns and propagandas.
The best way to get any message conveyed is through effective and widespread articles; awareness programs and live examples, which one can find all around. Making youngsters understand the difference between fun & faking, friends & foes, fantasy & fact, promoting cultural backing which is at par with social norms, developing more family oriented values and relationships etc. is what is required rather than physical violence or making protest that are misleading and misrepresentative. Acknowledgement of existing issue, making awareness of consequences and action to curb the flaws is what is required if we really intend to bring a change in society.
Footnote: NOBODY IS PERFECT, NEITHER ME NOR YOU; BUT WE LEARN FROM EXPERIENCES, OF OURS & OTHERS!!
Sources:www.businesstravellerindia.com/200310/rovingeye01.shtml;www.zeenews.com/video/showvideo1229.htm; http://www.thepinkchaddicampaign.blogspot.com;www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7880377.stm
VOICE OF SENTINEL LEADER 