With the recent
Connecticut school shooting massacre , where 20 kids were shot dead, the debate on Gun control bill in news again. I was surprised to
see the media here voicing an opinion on the bill. Or perhaps this was a prime example
why Facebook is famous. We were more interested in the bill debate of the USA rather than
worrying about our own problems. Precisely,we were more interested in other's
life. Now I might have a personal opinion that the law and order is better in the USA and the society is more civilized so
they do not really need Guns , but again I want to worry about what happens here first so I wont
go in those details.
There were 3 incidents reported in the last 2 weeks that I would like to touch upon. First, a girl gang raped in Delhi with her beau beaten and thrown out of a moving bus,second, a bunch of thugs killing a young boy who came to help the girl who was been teased by those thugs And third,when an elderly lady of around 40 walking with her husband and son was subjected to cat calls in public and then the male duo thrashed by those thugs. Doesn't give us a pretty picture right? I have always been proud of my country, India , and have given the good side of it to my friends overseas. Needless to say, they and the rest of the world would be in for a shock if such despicable truths continue to rear its ugly head.
There were 3 incidents reported in the last 2 weeks that I would like to touch upon. First, a girl gang raped in Delhi with her beau beaten and thrown out of a moving bus,second, a bunch of thugs killing a young boy who came to help the girl who was been teased by those thugs And third,when an elderly lady of around 40 walking with her husband and son was subjected to cat calls in public and then the male duo thrashed by those thugs. Doesn't give us a pretty picture right? I have always been proud of my country, India , and have given the good side of it to my friends overseas. Needless to say, they and the rest of the world would be in for a shock if such despicable truths continue to rear its ugly head.
So, is the common man in this country really so safe? Are we portraying ourselves as uncivilized? And that is where the thought arises of me owning a gun in India, nevertheless being unknown of what could happen if I own one in the US.But certainly, I feel the need of owning one here for the safety sake of me and my family. Unfortunately I spend a lot of time trying to earn money to give my family a decent living. Unfortunately, surviving in this booming rat-race of a metropolis called Mumbai doesn’t leave me much room to learn martial arts or other forms of physical combat. That’s when the coveted gun could take its charge. If ever I see myself in such situations, wherein a woman is being eve-teased by a handful of goons, I will brandish the gun, deeming that would be the best way to cow them into dispersing.. On the other hand, it is equally appalling to see a dozen ‘onlookers’ who do not bother to take up the cudgels against those involved in such petty anti-social elements. Perhaps they are to be blamed too.Why is that when the husband and son trying to guard the lady of the house were getting over powered and beaten by those goons, the remaining people around deny to save them??
Like the rest, I would be pleased if my country's law and order became one of the best in the near future. However, I do not expect these abhorrent individuals to become civilized.They know they belong to a country where the Minister says that girls should dress up properly to save themselves from being eve teased. They know they belong to a country where a few institution[ bars girls from wearing denims to keep them safe. They know they belong to a country that is made up of selfish and self centered bunch of losers. And so I need a gun and I do not feel my demand is unjustified.
All I want is to stay in a civil society. A society where, when your car gets crashed, the person doesn't come running to you hurling abuses ready for a fight, but like the one in the Europe or the US where human safety seeks an utmost importance.And I do realize that owning guns might rather take us away from forming such a civilized society. But then what are my options if the educated and civilized people around me choose to look the other way when an innocent girl is eve teased.
Life always gives us options. Either we continue to live in misery or we decide the need to stop this. And for that we, the common men, will have to raise them to the occasion . Do not expect anyone else to bring us out of this. So let’s decide, do we want to stop this shit by getting involved or shall we all have a GUN
You have posed very difficult questions Kapil.We are really at a loss to know what is the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteOur society is undergoing rapid cultural change.The girls have become emancipated(at least the city bred girls have),but some of those around them are still living in the dark ages.Sex has come out of it's hiding & these bums want immediate gratification.
Maybe the values their parents give them are lacking.It is a power play--showing women their proper place--which results in these acts.They were made to believe that they form a superior class when compared to women.
I agree, most of the classes have this discremination for sure.
DeleteOr maybe there is a fault in the upbringing of the men of the society..Its a shame...
DeleteGood blog. you have let go your anger out atleast by writing. Generally you get good comments pretty quickly but surprised to see that I am the first one. May be you have made people think about what you have written and that is really a good sign. Or may be they are thinking to react cautiously which is quite obvious. Specially when looking at consequences happend due to commenting and liking comments on Fb, people will be very cautious to respond.
ReplyDeleteTo answer to your question, my option will be to have a gun. I think we have gone long long away beyond being civilized and all. Doesn't mean there is no way back but We can't expect people to change now. What can certainly happen is if our kids gets good education then they will become civilized. But for that, the attitude towards education needs to be changed. but i don't see that happening yet. It's becoming more and more like business. The reason for more civilized people outside is, their education, right at the pre-school level. They TEACH kids to share, to say thanks, to say welcome, to be polite while talking, to wait till the another person finish talking, to hold door open if anyone else is following. Seems very simple, but this is what MAKES you civilized. Imagine, every kid in house doing this. and the fun is, the kids EXPECTS the same things at home. They want their parents to do the same thing. and tell me who won't do it for their kids ? revolutionary is it ?
coming back to the point, yes, currently we definately need a gun, but eventually we should/can go towards better side...
The problem is we teach our kids to do so..But since we don't practice all that..The kids end up taking us as an example...
DeleteWell said Kapil ... it is really a pain to be a 'Stupid Common Man' .. we talk a lot after such incidents and then live with it ... don't know whether 'Gun' is a solution or not ...
ReplyDeleteAgree Agni.Gun may not be a solution..But the fact is what are the other choices if the onlookers keep mum...
DeleteI'm too angry to say anything. On the appalling things happening around us and on you.
ReplyDeleteIt's sickening to see Indian politicians beating their chests over a Rape. Thirty one per cent of the 4896 politicians who elected Pranab Mukherjee the President of India had Criminal Cases against them, rape is also among the charges many of them are accused of. Now, if that's a reflection of the society they represent, it makes us a barbaric society. So shouldn't the cleaning up process then begin in our Parliament before we talk of owning a gun and debate on the apt punishment for Rapists?
ReplyDeleteI agree Ramya...And for all that the common man has to wake up....
DeleteMuch as I appreciate your angst Kapil I am unable to agree with your "demand" for a gun. What is needed is a change of mind-set and this is more easily said than done. We need more good schools - good schools which are spread across the country - good schools with committed teachers. And that is just the beginning. I would also ask for good schools with committed teachers and where boys and girls are able to study together about a world without prejudices - a place where the best aspects of different cultures, different religions and great thoughts are taught to the students along with good manners and good conduct. Above all where the students are taught to respect the individual and the state.
ReplyDeleteGuns are dangerous things - especially in the wrong hands. Just imagine what would have happened if the rapists had been armed with guns as well?
I agree with you..But the point sent across is what are my options if the onlookers continue to keep away from such things just cause it is not their mother, sister or wife...
Delete