Our society is full of paradoxes. On one hand, we talk about equality and the empowerment of women, and on the other hand, we subjugate them, treat them as lowly creatures whose sole purpose is to fulfill homely chores.

I have seen in-laws ill-treating their daughters-in-laws to such an extreme extent that it almost feels like she’s their maid or an outcast. And all of this happens while their husbands just stand and watch, sometimes even vocally agreeing with his parents.

But let’s put that thought on hold for a minute. There’s a new wave of feminism that seems to be taking over, or already has taken over.

Today, women proudly call themselves feminists. The definition of being a feminist has taken a rather different meaning all together. Today, feminists believe that they shouldn’t be performing anything or doing anything that won’t benefit them.

Let me give you an example. I’m at a friend’s place for a social get together. Her husband is busy in the kitchen while my friend is out talking to everyone. When she is called inside for her help, to arrange the snacks and to set up the dinner table, she is offended. And though her husband has managed his tasks well, he gets reprimanded for interrupting his wife and what follows, is a long lecture on women issues, equality and how she shouldn’t be responsible for handling the ‘kitchen stuff’. While the poor man, and some of their guests, are rendered speechless, she in the name of equality and feminism, goes off to enjoy another glass of wine.

Do you need another example? I’d be happy to give you one.

I’m at my daughter’s school. I’m here to watch her perform at her annual day function. She’s brilliant, of course, so are the other kids. But suddenly, I overhear a mother talking to another. She’s praising her own daughter, but has taken it upon herself to criticize the other kids. These words are not coming out of a middle-class woman, but what looked to me an educated woman with a reputed position in society and a moment of the Parents Teacher Association.

This made me wonder if charity begins at home, why don’t we extend it beyond? To the world that’s outside?

Indulge me, wasn’t this a form of racism or racism in reverse? We talk about fair and lovely, sell creams that promise to change the color of our skins, but if someone performs solely on talent, we can’t see that.

Nepotism seems to be the latest talk around town, though of course, it’s been around for ages. Nepotism doesn’t only mean that the rich and mighty get everything they wish for, but it somewhere also depicts the desperateness of the middle band in our society and how it’s their aim to please the affluent.

Our society is a microcosm that represent our great big nation. So seeing the things I’m seeing around, I wonder, we need to change this at the base level, otherwise this society is going to continue to remain a nation of paradoxes.

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