I write in support of Devika and her right to protest against the both the
use of sexist language within the context of the e-group discussions as
indeed against being sent threatening and violent personal mail as a follow
up. There is absolutely nothing humorous or ironic in being told that you
will be dealt with in a crowded bus, and any number of emoticons or other
cyber props will not make it so.
But since we are so holier than thou here, and anti "political correctness"
(read a woman's right to protest - as much of this vilolence erupted not
after Anand's first mail but after Devika's) - let me then say in the
accepted politically "incorrect" language that any arsehole who wants to
threaten should shut the fuck up as "we" (and I retain the right to use the
collective pronoun) are not interested in his crappy threats.
So let us not go for moderation or "censorship" (as it has suddenly been
deemed - and my word - how we protest against that suddenly though had it
been casteist or communal this entire group would have been up in arms!) Let
us all just spew invective....Nothing like giving some vent to one's spleen.
Maybe that might make one's position a little clearer?
Regarding the more moot question about Anand's question about matriliny,
gender and the public sphere - well - this little discussion itself will be
a clear indication of the hostility against women - intellectual and
otherwise - and their opinions. I have a lot more to say on that but shall
reserve that for that separate thread.
How the UCC links to the above discussion is unclear to me (unless its part
of the rather tiring and slightly boring critique of feminists and their
contradictions) - but it might be of interest to Bobby Kunhu to know that
this has been central to the discussions of at least some secular/feminist
initiatives from the early 90's (in Delhi and Bombay to my knowledge; maybe
other places too) and draft alternatives that could have a gender sensitive
civil code in a highly communal context were created and discussed. If these
have not been the centre of political discussions in this country that says
more about the priorities of parties in power than the perfidy of ginger
groups, or alternative movements.
G. Arunima
On 6/9/07, Bobby Kunhu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> right
> "we" at the margins can least afford to subvert democracy
> couple of anecdotes
> 1. the uniform civil code - which might ensure protection for women has
> gone on the backburner and none of us dare to argue for it because of the
> hindutva agenda
> 2. most forms of facsism, from whichever side of the ideological spectrum
> it comes from, operationalises with censorship, we in kerala are witnesses
> to it, the way CPM has operated itself
> Having said that.... and not sure whether I know Rajeender or Devika
> personally....
> on a limited way, i need to join issues with anand to the extent that I
> might be using sexist language in my day to day conversations.... not just
> sexist.... conversations with multiple prejudices that define where I come
> from....
> I really do not think censorship is the answer..... unless we engage and
> counter these arguments, we will let prejudices and anger and violence
> ferment within hushed spaces.
>
>
>
>
> On 09/06/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Oh, I do disagree, Sanil. Moderation is not censorship; asking for
> > non-abusive language and demanding the protection of other people's
> > privacy isn't censorship. Let's be clear. This is not promoting prudery.
> > Nobody's talking against sexually explicit language -- that is not the
> > same as language that stereotypes and reduces people of other sexes, or
> > people who think of sex differently, into passivity. This is like 'true
> > liberals' wringing their hands nervously when non-liberal action is
> > going
> > on! As a woman who has long fought sexual harrasment and gender
> > discrimination on campuses for many years now, I know this response too
> > well!
> >
> > The person in question may have taken off the offensive post and made a
> > quarter-of-an-apology (because his later mails clearly indicate he's not
> >
> > convinced of it). But that gives him no right to abuse personal email --
> > indeed make veiled threats as if it were a joke, and then try to get
> > away, asking whether I had 'no sense of irony'.
> >
> > Let's not enteratin romantic fantasies about democracy. I don't think we
> >
> > -- those at its margins, at least -- can afford it.
> >
> > Devika
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> --
> Bobby Kunhu
> C1/5, SDA, New Delhi - 110 016
> Phone - +91-11-46021460
> >
>
--
G. Arunima
Associate Professor
Women's Studies Programme
School of Social Sciences
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi 110067
Tel: 01126704178 (dir)
01126704166(off)
Email:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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