“Heyyy cutie, u look sexi”, “Cute pics”, “Wil u do franship wid me?”.
Ladies, ever received texts or pings or IMs like these? I am assuming it to be a resounding yes. Taking it a step further, ever received sexual advances by complete strangers on social media? Sadly, that too sounds like a yes.
In a country like ours, or rather all around the world, women battle sexual harassment on a regular basis. All so, because perverts can’t keep a hold on their perversion. So us ladies have to be whistled at, passed comment upon, groped or harassed and cussed.
In addition to the bullying we used to face on road, with the advent of social media, it is translated on the social media portal too.
Sample this. This guy asked sent a girl lewd messages on Facebook.
The audacity shown by this “genuine guy”, who in his own words came off as uncalibrated, baffles me.
But, it not just this girl. Over the past few years that I have been a part of social media, I have myself come across such warped individuals.
This random poet had messaged a full sexual poetry.
Another one wanted some “naughty phone fun”.
And, there was also this direct advance.
These are just a few examples. I remember once having received “I want to fuck you” and I was staring at the screen for a few seconds. They never cease to amaze me and insult me at the same time. And, I am sure every girl reading this would relate to.
The Others folder in any girl’s facebook account is a dirt hole, filled with pervs. Sometimes, it is so dirty a place that girl’s don’t even visit it. Ask any girl about it, she would have ample messages to point out.
This guy wanted my friend to join him.
Another received this.
This one took things to another level.
Be it a 16-year-old or a 60-year-old, sadly they are harassed in real life and now even virtually.
And, then you try debating on a social post and proving your point. There would be many ‘r**dis, *ch*ts, *be**n ki *la**is, kutiyas and other colourful cusses you’ve never heard of coming your way.
That’s just social media. In real life, we go through worse. And, then if you raise your voice or try justifying yourself, you are categorised as ‘feminazi’.
But why?
Why are we to go through this? What have we done to deserve this or be subjected to harassment? Just because we are women?
When will such harassment stop?