An Open Letter To Sexists From A Concerned Woman

Wear a saree, not pants – This was the ‘motherly advice’ that actor and BJP leader Moushumi Chatterjee gave to the female anchor presenting an event in Gujarat and we are wondering why women still continue to be at the receiving end of such sexism in the 21st century. Here’s an open letter to all sexists who think the same way. God save us all from them!

Dear Madam and Sir,

With utmost respect for your care and concern, I hereby want to present my thoughts about your advice regarding that female anchor’s choice of clothing. Madam, if you saw the anchor as your daughter, you could have had a personal interaction with the girl rather than talking about her wardrobe choices over the microphone. But it doesn’t seem like concern, rather a need to project a ‘pure and pious’ image and the need to show your contempt for the next generation. You lectured that the clothes worn at work and at a temple should be comfortable. Well, who are you to decide the comfort of other women? And as for maintaining the sanskaar and legacy, why does the burden always fall on the women? Do we see the men easily strutting in traditional dhotis besides the fashion shows? It’s a piece of traditional wear for men and pretty good for Indian summers too, why don’t men wear it to office then? Why are they not questioned for wearing pants?

Why We Wear What We Wear

We wear traditional clothes, lounge clothes or western clothes whenever we feel like – it has got nothing to do with our character or lack/abundance of values. We wear clothes for comfort and to look good – is that a crime?

Women – The Disappointing Sex

As for you sir, esteemed Kerala Congress leader K Sudhakaran, on the day that your Congress party brought a woman like Priyanka Gandhi to the fore, you chastised CM Pinarayi Vijayan saying that he had failed to act like a man and performed ‘worse than a woman’. I have just one question for you sir, how would you rate the performance of the women in your life? Your mother, sisters and wife – did they and all women you know disappoint you in every way possible for you to make such a remark Your Highness? You have apologised saying that the remark was taken out of context but the evidence is very much there and the context is very much clear – women can’t do anything properly. Am I right Sir?

Don’t Miss This: Why Is Everyone Objecting To Being Called A Feminist?

Oh My, My Dress

Now this one takes the cake. Actor Aisha Sharma stepped out and another woman flew into rage over her outfit. Have a look at the furore created over her dress:

View this post on Instagram

Swipe right for context : To say that what a woman wears is an insight into her looseness and availability is grossly irresponsible of you. No wonder so many men in our country commit such heinous crimes towards women and treat us as objects when people have attitudes such as this. I wear and should be able to wear what I want without people making assumptions about me. You don’t like what I’m wearing or wouldn’t wear it yourself that’s perfectly ok ; however making accusations about my (or anyone’s) character and morales based on the way they dress is beyond ridiculous. A girl can still be ‘available and easy’ wearing a sari. Your comments are clearly a lashing out from some kind of anger you are feeling deep inside. Your comments about my body is a reflection of an insecurity about yours. If I were you, I would do better things with my time 🤗

A post shared by Aisha (@aishasharma25) onJan 20, 2019 at 7:17am PST

Dear Enraged Madam, before calling a woman easily available, did you pause to ponder what gives you the right to judge her so? To comment on her career on the basis of her clothes? Kindly be a bit more productive and concentrate on the issues concerning us na? Kindly try to bring up your kids to respect women and their freedom na? You say she needs to draw the line but madam why don’t you draw the line and stop impinging on the freedom of other women na?

Thanks and regards,

A Very, Very Concerned Woman

If you too are enraged and concerned over what’s happening to us women then make your voice heard, fight against sexism, fight against patriarchy, read about inspirational women who fought against the rules and join in the club @HerZindagi.