Dignified Vs Undignified

Robert Lanky *

There is a very thin margin between being dignified and undignified. One's behavior which could be dignified for some of the people may be taken as undignified by others. Similar is the case with a woman's wardrobe.

The recent rape incidents on March 25 in Nagaland, where five miscreants had gone to rape a girl while at some other place a 10 year old girl was raped by her own father this aspect, needs consideration. National Socialist Women Organization of Nagalim (NSWON) has opined that "Our girls and women should go for preventive measure by dressing in dignified manner" and not make themselves more vulnerable to the men (News article published in local dailies on Apr 03).

The author, finds it very painful to read, that our own women organizations have gone about attacking a women's ward robe. There is no doubt that dress is the mirror of one's personality, morality, character and to dress decently according to one's own occupation culture and religion gives one an identity. There is nothing wrong to have decent dress code in an organization or in an institute but enforcing that to every one would be called as "Moral Policing".

Rape, the most under reported crime and the worst form of human right violation against that fairer sex has no justification. The problem is surely not because of "Short Mini Skirts" or "Tube Tops", but a mental illness of an individual.

Many scientific researches have been carried out in the past. They have given many reasons for sexual assault and therefore there are many types of rapists. What ever may be the case, anyone who sexually assaults a person without an affirmative consent is wrong regardless of the motive.

The fact is, our moral and social systems are collapsing like our political and judicial system which is a long drawn process and as such, the victim does not know, if by the end of it she will get justice or be able to live dignified life!

In the past our forefathers lived in half-naked form and many of the Naga traditional dresses still expose a large portion of women's body. But, that does not mean that one has the license to molestate or rape! Today, when society has developed to a great extent, influences also have stained the minds of people. But, it still can not be justified by saying that so-called undignified sense of dressing is the cause of attention from rapist to commit the heinous crime.

It is a fact that one can not speak, wear or behave out side in the public as one behaves inside (home, friend circle and private moments). But, at the same time it is sad to read that our own women organizations have tried to propagate their thoughts and put the blame on the helpless women for such heinous acts.

They should know that, the increasing multiple forms of violence shattered the myth that our own region is the safest place for women in the country. Nagaland, which was once considered a safe heaven especially for women and where rape was unheard of, has now become an unsafe place for women.

Streets, public transports or even public places are breading grounds of sexual assaults and perverted acts. From sexual abuse at home to the vicious circle of gender violence rape, has become widespread cutting across communities, tribes and classes.

It is sad that people choose to put blame on women. Everyone has his own opinion, but it should be seen in larger perspective, rather than targeting shorts, skirts, tube tops and high heels. It should be understood that, if some one will dress up in a 'Mod' Style but not obscene can not be branded as undignified.

Definitely, the media has an important role to play in this - with nude and semi-nude pictures splashed all over the television screen. This does not however account for what goes on inside a potential criminal's mind. If we think that the way a girl is dressed leads to rapist uncontrollable desire then we are wrong. It could be his mental sickness.

Most importantly what needs to change is the social apathy, that we find ourselves steeped in. Most of us read the news papers and move over the day's crime report and go on with our lives. The attitude is, "as long as it does not happen to me, it does not matter".

What we need to do now is; to tackle the real issues that leads to rape and such other crime.

We have to support the system and push the way through against these maniacs. We also have to make a vow that; we will give all we can and help others no matter what happens In place of voicing for dignified and not to be undignified, we should encourage our woman to come out and report any crime committed against them or likely to be!

We must ask law enforcing authorities to have better coordination between police and societies who value human dignity, giving due honor and respect to the fairer sex.