Don't Abuse Your Privilege

As I walk on a moderately busy street on a sunny afternoon,

I notice a bunch of guys looking at me and whispering comments amongst themselves with a sly smirk lurking on their faces. I immediately found myself frantic with worry and start looking for ways to extract myself from the situation if anything happens. luckily, nothing does. Only later on did I realize that the street seemed safe enough with people that would rush to my aid, which made me wonder why I felt insecure and afraid.

The event plays in my head repeatedly, the fear never leaving. And I think about all the girls that have had it worse, those that have had such guys catcall them, stalked them or even touched them wrongly. I think about all the girls that have had themselves been drugged, poisoned, pulled, pushed, scratched at, bitten at, tied down and taken away; away to destroy her life forever. I form an image of this happening. I watch as this girl, helpless, screamed loudly with every last breath in her body yet not loud enough for someone to come rescue her. Pain stinging her everywhere but yet not willing to

back down, continuing to resist her fate that is to come.

The very fact that, I, as a privileged girl, reside in a safe home, a safe society, a safe colony with people that I can assuredly say will do anything to protect me.

Yet I don’t feel entirely safe, not only frightens me but makes me bitterly cry when I bring to mind a girl/woman that isn’t this fortunate. Whose parents could possibly turn against her during such times. Who might be brutally murdered for fear that she'll open her mouth.

Haven't we as privileged kids been taught to always "speak up for what's right&" or to &"stand up for yourself" but what about those who want to but are silenced. Who tremble at the very thought of speaking up for themselves or worse those who are silenced forever before they can even utter a word of defence. And more importantly what happens when someone does speak up but it takes 8 years for justice to be delivered.

It's very easy for a person in authority to publicly call out such behavior but shift the blame to unemployment or lack of education. Are you really naive enough to ignore that your very own sons from prestigious jobs and reputable universities are found guilty of such heinous crimes?

People also blame women by saying they dress inappropriately and are thus ‘asking for ‘it’ but how could you possibly justify such a statement when you're presented with news about infants and aged women being raped? When will society learn that what is wrong is wrong and that nothing can ever reason out a crime that murders one physically, mentally and emotionally?

When will society learn it is wrong to go to levels that humiliate and make another feel oppressed and scared solely by their presence?

Society will not only learn when we increase education or when our economy gets better, but also when we teach our sons and our daughters about what's right and what's wrong. When we teach them that even eyeing someone of the opposite sex with negative intentions is wrong. When we teach them that talking about how a girl dresses and how much of her skin is being seen is none of our business. When we teach them how sacred and holy our bodies really are and aren’t supposed to be defiled by someone else. When we teach them that they shouldn't fear going out late at night but reassure them that if something were to happen they’d have our utter support and can trust that we will condemn their perpetrators. When we make it affirmative that consent should be respected. When we teach them the importance and the power of a simple "no".

If you are feeling helpless, worried and have a constant urge to want to flee this country remember that it's only because of your privilege to be able to do so. Bring to mind all those who are unable to escape. Amplify matters that need attention and fight even in the smallest way possible against such injustices. Because tomorrow Nirbhaya, Priyanka Reddy, Manisha and the other numerous victims could be you but for today it's someone that doesn't have the rights or privilege to fight for herself, so do it for her.

I know there are times where we find ourselves wanting to go out of our ways to help and demand justice for wrongdoings and are unable to do so. But remember even the smallest action counts. If not too much, for starters, at least say a prayer to whoever you believe in. Whisper one softly or chant one loudly but do it. You’ll be surprised at how miraculous your support can be. Secondly, gain more information and knowledge about what is going on around you. Stay updated. Know what you're getting yourself into when you decide to commit to anybody in Authority.

Third, Educate. Education won't be provided to everybody only through a School with benches to sit on and teachers that will elaborate lessons. Education will be provided when each of us take our small but very powerful steps to letting each other know about what's right and what's wrong. Amplify information that needs to be amplified. Stress on what needs to be stressed on. Speak about it every day, every week, every month, every year. Never stop giving it the

attention it deserves till it dies down completely in victory alone.