In the wake of Mahesh Sharma offering to teach women how to dress in India, former Indian ambassador to the United States, Nirupama Rao, had some light to shed on how women ought to dress when in India.
In a series of tweets, Nirupama Rao went on to expound that women should dress protectively when in India because the mindset of Indians is far from changing.
1.
Can't help but say "when in India dress as Indians do": a thumb rule to enjoy the country. For women. My 2 cents. https://t.co/yH0n6CAm4j
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
2.
Women have right to wear what they want, but as fairer sex we operate in jungle. Protective clothing is a must. https://t.co/8GFD7PaBmy
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
3.
In any country, especially in xenophobic situations, best to blend in sartorially, without outraging modesty. https://t.co/QZFZkgAsz4
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
4.
https://twitter.com/NMenonRao/status/770836885837078529
5.
This is problem. We immediately assume that these are sexist comments. My approach: discretion better part of valour https://t.co/ciJs9nZYqL
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
6.
Until we are able to deter the louts be alert and aware. Dress sensibly. https://t.co/K4hum7OZ1n
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
7.
In all this debate about sexual harassment in India do we believe "Meri skirt sey oonchi meri awaaz"will deter louts?In some lonely street?
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
8.
Even in Washington DC I never (generally) see a woman walking the streets alone after dark. https://t.co/B0bXJVX4PT
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
9.
Cultural prejudices against women are deeply ingrained in our society. Detritus of centuries.
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
10.
Change has to come with better law enforcement, instilling respect for women within families, and zero tolerance in society for harassment.
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
11.
All this won't happen overnight. Until then women should be alert,risk aware, assessing risk. The GPS in each of us is best guide.
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
12.
I tweeted my views on women's dress not because I want anybody to agree with them. I hold no brief for anyone except myself.
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
13.
My view:till male attitudes change,till govt ensures safety 4 women,makes sense 4 women to be cautious/ careful,however unfair that may seem
— Nirupama Menon Rao, निरुपमा राउ, بینظیر (@NMenonRao) August 31, 2016
Naturally people weren’t pleased at her views and they tweeted back to her saying that they were apalled at such a train of thought by a former ambassador.
1.
https://twitter.com/plumpernickel/status/770843825174618112
2.
sexual assault is more about exerting power and control. Provocative dress is all relative. Jeans may be provocative for many.
— Somesh (@smashunits) August 31, 2016
3.
https://twitter.com/Aparna/status/770839373378117634
4.
Who decides what's sensible? As it's clear that sexual harassment in India isn't limited to skirt wearing adult women. @bainjal
— Saheli (@wistyloony) August 31, 2016
5.jasfg jsad sagd a a ajd a a aj
Very unexpected, coming from you @NMenonRao @bainjal
— J'accuse (@moi_artiste) August 31, 2016
6.
Problem is, tweets like these indirectly (implicitly) put the onus of safety on victims. Reinforces #victimblaming in a way.
— Zubin Madon (@ZMadon) August 31, 2016
7.
Get a life lady. Women don't have enough cloth to cover govt failure and sick societal attitude. @bainjal
— Arjun (@Taxi_Driver_06) August 31, 2016
8.
as citizens we submit our rights to govt so it'll protect us. They better do what they have to to do their job.
— Amee Misra (@ameemisra) August 31, 2016
9.
Fact is women get instruvtions on what 2 wear/not 2 wear all the time.State has absolutely no right 2 dictate it.
— Unknown (@accountnew7) August 31, 2016
10.
what a disappointment.Never expected such regressive tweets from you.
— Unknown (@accountnew7) August 31, 2016
11.
https://twitter.com/ParasMishra/status/770831891628863488
12.
https://twitter.com/nskaile1/status/770887701843308544
13.
and you are not helping it by saying you only wear sarees and pants but never skirts
— vivek raj (@vivekrajindia) August 31, 2016
14.
The more I read your tweets the more I am convinced yours is a n attempt to justify the Culture Minister's pathetic advice
— srinivas mohan (@smohan59) August 31, 2016
15.
Men must change their behavior, women raising children should tell all their children to respect all. Social change is required
— Ravi Nambiar (@ravi_nambiar) August 31, 2016
This wasn’t expected from a former Indian bureaucrat and the Twitter outrage is still pouring.