The internet today, thanks to digitisation is a catalyst for change(s) we want to see in the world. Having said that, it is also the medium that sees resistance without any physical force and you’d be surprised the way it can affect the chain of opinion. Let me share an example and hopefully at the end, we will all leave enlightened.
Singer and music maker, Anushka Manchanda recently took to Instagram to join the #FreeTheNipple movement.
She posted a 3-set series, penning her heart out and putting out pictures to support her views.
1. Why is one okay and the other not?
2. Then follows the slut-shaming…
3. ‘We are born equal.’
But like I said earlier, all kinds of people shamed her for mind you, posting pictures of her body, the way she likes. See for yourself.
1. Saw this one coming, TBH!
2. I can’t roll my eyes any further.
3. I’m sorry? WHAT?
4. *slow claps*
5. It’s time to relearn the definition of feminism…
Good news is Anushka didn’t take any of that lying down. She hit them back with a powerful post that couldn’t have written better. She wrote,
I HAD to post this. Thank you @naujawan this is hilarious! And sadly the truth. To all the MORONS here who think I’m doing this because I want to post topless photos of myself..you’ve totally missed the point.
I can post topless photos of myself ANYWAY. I will do what I want, I don’t need anybody’s permission for it you see because it’s MY BODY. This movement is about EQUALITY. This movement is about women getting the SAME RIGHTS as men. This movement is about FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION.
About women EMPOWERING themselves to be who they want without judgement.
Do you know women get paid less than a man for the same amount of work?
Do you know society still expects a woman to drop her career when she gets married?
Do you know that because feminists have fought for you women can now get their rightful inheritance? They can file for divorce? Because of asking for equality now more women can get an education, be financially independent and support themselves? That dowry has been criminalised?
Do you know women get paid less than a man for the same amount of work?
Do you know society still expects a woman to drop her career when she gets married?
Do you know that because feminists have fought for you women can now get their rightful inheritance? They can file for divorce? Because of asking for equality now more women can get an education, be financially independent and support themselves? That dowry has been criminalised?
Ladies..we owe A LOT to the feminists. As Arundhati Roy said in an interview with @otherwarya (that really changed how I felt about feminism)…”I get so annoyed when I hear “cool” young women say ‘I’m not a feminist.’ I mean, do they know what battles were fought? Every freedom we have today, we have because of feminists. Many women have fought and paid a huge price for where we are today! It didn’t all come to us only because of our own inherent talent or brilliance. Even the simple fact that women have the vote, who fought for that? The suffragettes. No freedom has come without a huge battle. If you’re not a feminist, go back to into your veil, sit in the kitchen and take instructions. You don’t want to do that? Thank the feminists. “She goes on to say “It’s wonderful to see the emerging independence of women in India, but then there’s this dark undercurrent of conservatism running parallel to this revolution. Remember the women in Afghanistan? When we were growing up, they were doctors and surgeons, they partied and wore cool clothes. And now? We have to be alert to the dangers. We can be set back by centuries in no time at all.”
NEVER FORGET
#freethenipple #equality
NEVER FORGET
#freethenipple #equality
But there’s an irony that can’t be ignored. Shortly after posting this, she shared a screenshot showing how Instagram has deleted her picture citing ‘community guidelines.’
“AND IT HAPPENED. Oh, the irony.”
Hold on keyboard warriors before you jump the gun and declare war…take a moment out and read this article that delves on what #FreeTheNipple movement is actually about- not for women to openly show their breasts/nipples but having the choice to like men and not be penalised for it.
Now, you can make an informed opinion and hopefully, you’ll make the right one.