The politics of chauvinism and sexism

The politics of chauvinism and sexism
The politics of chauvinism and sexism
Written by:

The News Minute| April 11, 2014| 5.12 pm ISTIt so appears that courting controversy with repugnant chauvinistic comments is not exclusive to Mulayam Singh Yadav alone. His colleague Abu Azmi is a serial offender. Even as his comment after the Delhi gang rape continues to feature in lists of insensitive things said by Indian politicians, Azmi has done it again. Read Buzzfeed: 22 Comments About Rape That Will Make You Really Angry.Somebody please explain what rape with consent isWe are at a loss to understand exactly what Abu Azmi means by: “If rape happens with or without consent, it should be punished as prescribed in Islam.”Azmi- The real feministWell, we suppose that feminism in India has reached new heights because Azmi has advocated that (hold your breath) men should also be hanged along with the women. But for what, you ask? Abu Azmi enlightens us: for having sex, with or without consent. (Somehow, he seems very particular about consent.)Before we get lambasted for quoting things out of context (as Akhilesh lambasted the media for misquoting his father), here is the full audio of Azmi put out by Mid Day, which has left us at least even more confused:“Rape is punishable by hanging in Islam. But here, nothing happens to women, only to men. Even the woman is guilty.”He further added, “In India, if you have sex with a person with consent, its fine. But if that same person complains, it’s a problem. Nowadays, we see a lot of such cases. Girls complain when someone touches them, and even when someone doesn't touch them. It becomes a problem then, and the man’s honour is ruined in this. If rape happens with or without consent, it should be punished as prescribed in Islam.”Azmi’s comments come even as his boss Mulayam Singh is facing the ire for saying, “Boys will be boys, and they will commit mistakes (rape). They can’t be hanged.” We had even compiled some statistics for Mulayam Singh to read. Read The News Minute- Mr Mulayam Singh: Look at what 'boys' have done in UP.If Mulayam and Azmi have shocked us with their sensitivity, there are also leaders like Deve Gowda who make shrewd political calculations before making any statement. When asked about Mulayam, Deve Gowda reportedly said, “Why should I comment on Mulayam’s rape remark? Every political party has got their own views.” Read Times of India: Why should I condemn Mulayam’s rape remark?Obviously, Mr. Deve Gowda is still dreaming of a third front with the SP as partner.While Mulayam and Azmi get enough media attention, there are many sexist and chauvinistic leaders who escape unscathed most of the time. The News Minute had reported about Kerala assembly’s chief whip P C George, who abused a woman accused a scam for almost 15 minutes on live TV in the most crass and derogatory language possible. George too is a serious offender. In fact there are many who have made uploading “George abuses video’ on the internet a hobby. Read The News Minute: P C George thinks he has the right to abuse a woman on live TV and otherwise.Like Mulayam and Azmi, even George was unrepentant. He later told us that he wanted even children watching news shows to learn ‘these’ words and use it on ‘immoral’ women.It is election time and the focus is on our political leaders 24*7. Even with cameras trailing them non-stop, they have no qualms displaying such repugnant attitude… We shudder to think what they are saying when the cameras are not recording.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The News Minute
www.thenewsminute.com