If the title of this post sounds rude, well, it is supposed to be. I have grown tired of that set of people who choose to look at women as if they are objects. Although a huge crowd of men and women are going out of their way to push the simple message of treating women with respect, a few “special” people, irrespective of their gender, are having a hard time comprehending the fact. They believe that women should have no voice of their own and they MUST follow the set of rules that society imposed on them, ages ago. According to these geniuses of the society,”What’s the problem in following the “simple” rules? How hard is it to keep one’s mouth shut and eyes down? What benefit can come out of wandering on the streets at the night? Why can’t women sit inside their homes, raise their kids and cook for their family? Television and movies have created all the problem and planted this disgusting idea in their heads that they should contribute to their family by earning. Huh, as if any honorable man would accept the fact that the food that he is swallowing has been bought by his wife’s money.” Of course, demanding shamelessly for dowry at the time of marriage must be a different kind of honor, which my tiny brain is unable to absorb. My fault, definitely! After all, these “wise” people must have spent a significant amount of their “splendid” existence in researching these “facts.” I can choose to forgive the ignorant and illiterate people of the society; what I can’t tolerate is when such remarks are made by well educated and traveled people. If a woman chooses to stay at home and participate in nurturing her family, then that’s her choice, but at least, give her a choice. Why should she give up her career just because her “amazing” husband gives her no choice at all?

There are many cases of acid attacks on the news every day. For those of you who are not aware of this phenomena, I am referring to the disgusting act of throwing acid on the face of the girl, who dared turn down their love proposal. Some “supermen” of our society believe that girls were created to say only one word: yes. If they have the audacity to reject their divine proposal by saying “No” then they are asking for a total destruction. Do you see, how stupid I sound? If yes, then you are among the sensible crowd; however, if you don’t then please take my word for it when I say, “Women are not objects! Believe it or not, they possess an organ, same as yourself, that enables them to think. Strange, right?”

The object of your desire is not an object. -Jack Gardner, Words are not Things

I don’t think that Jack Gardner wrote this quote to refer to the women, but it helps me in making the point that I am trying to make. The object of your desire, a woman, is DEFINITELY NOT an object; she is a human being. You do not own her and you, most certainly, do not have a right to disrupt the smooth flow of her life.

If a woman is raped, her culprit may spend an eternity in prison, but the woman is burned in the fire of disgust and shame throughout her life. For what? She was in a wrong place at a wrong point. The society must embrace her with open arms, instead, they seem to figure out some way to blame the woman. Sadly, the woman surrenders to this senseless reaction of the society and hides forever or kills herself. Mahatma Gandhi once said,

“I will far rather see the race of man extinct than that we should become less than beasts by making the noblest of God’s creation, woman, the object of our lust.

I believe that parents should plant the seed of respect for women in the hearts of their kids, right from childhood. The deformed mentality of thinking less of a woman comes from the home. Next time, your husband shows the courage to hit you, grab your things and decide to live with respect. Educate your girls; teach them to stand on their own feet and not be a parasite. With the advent of technology, they can take care of their family and build a career from the comfort of their home. Respect the ladies of the house and set an example in front of the future generation. Remember, a woman is not an object. If she chooses to be with you, treat her with respect, love, and care; if she chooses to turn down your romantic proposal, let her go.

And ladies, it takes a lot of courage to pour out your feelings in front of another person; therefore, turn down a man easily — and not arrogantly. Do not surrender to animal-like beatings of your husband or anyone, for that matter. Don’t request for respect, demand for it. Above all, respect yourself.

P.S. I dedicate this post to the daily post prompt of the day: Object