From #BelieveAllWomen to #Can'tBeHim: Hypocrisy galore in #MeToo era
What's the story
Man is a complicated creature. He must be the only living being who wants constant attention, whose actions are determined by his surroundings and who thinks he is the chosen one. Inside every man, there is a revolutionist, till the time you don't question him or his actions. And, when you do, you smell hypocrisy. In the wake of #MeToo movement, we decode this behavior.
Akbar Story
Case 1: The way Modi handled MJ Akbar
It is now an open secret that anyone who worked with eminent (?) journalist MJ Akbar has an 'Akbar' story - someone's bra strap was pulled, someone was forcefully kissed, and some had to see him in his underwear. Allegations were many, but the silence of Modi government was deafening. The former MoS External Affairs filed a defamation suit. But, when the pressure mounted (and this time, Akbar wasn't mounting), the owner of 56-inch chest finally reacted. 'Beti kaise bachaye, Sir?'
How rules changed
Case 2: The very liberal Nandita Das, and Mallika Dua
Keeping politicians aside, how do you deal with liberals Nandita Das or Mallika Dua? By their own admission, they have been strong supporters of #MeToo movement. Till the time, their own is named. And, then everything changes - the rules, the allegations, the (diluted) movement. One understands it's tough to take an impartial stand when your father is alleged of sexual misconduct. But, at least don't call them a hero, Ms. Dua. Ask the girl whose face he slobbered? #MyDaddyStrongest?
Facebook Post
You can read Nandita's post here
Bad 'Dua'
Case 3: 'Wire' did what it is best at: Hypocrisy
You knew I would talk about 'The Wire', didn't you? Vinod Dua, the "actor" from 'Jan Gan Man ki Baat' called sexual harassment as "pareshani", allegations as "keechad" and has given a week's time to his employer to investigate. Talk about entitlement? And, while we are at it, what happened to their co-founder, Sidharth Bhatia's case? Here's my unsolicited advice: If they're planning to file a defamation suit, they should approach a lawyer together. Perhaps, they can avail a group discount.
Do you know?
Case 4: The curious case of Tavleen Singh
And, then we have Tavleen Singh. She wants to look past the 'flaws' of Akbar, and appreciate his contribution to journalism. It is tough being her - she herself is a product of elitism, and she has to write about 'durbaris'. It is a tough, dichotomous life.
Twitter Post
They are elitists for a reason, you see
By the standards of MeToo we will have to stop reading Hemingway, Ghalib, Faiz and Manto. MJ Akbar is flawed. But should we remember him as a sexual predator or an editor with an immense contribution to journalism.
— Tavleen Singh (@tavleen_singh) October 16, 2018
#YoTanmaySoWoke
Case 5: The 'wokest woke' comic boys
The worst kind of hypocrisy is what the woke boys of comedy showed. They came from humble backgrounds, worked hard for their success, nothing was given to them on the platter. But, they took our emotions and did business with them. In their 'All India Genius-ness', they thought that 'women empowerment' sells, and hence, pretended to be passionate about it. But their closets had skeletons too, some of the skeletons belonged to women like you and me.
Conclusion
Not the smartest, 'intellectual-est', but the bravest
In conclusion, every brave woman will have to fight this battle alone. Any group- be it religion, media, politics or Bollywood - they will save their own. Hypocrites, worldwide, get offended by the truth. In a second, their #BelieveAllWomen becomes #IStandByHim. But, we don't have to worry about these powerful intellectuals. It isn't about them today, it is about all the girls who were taught 'ladka ladki ek samaan'.