Blog: A Message To Shibla Fara And Rahul Easwar.
Witnessing women being criticised by other women, even in cases of sexual harassment and cyberbullying, has left me utterly disheartened as it reinforces the very same toxic attitudes I had hoped we could overcome in this progressive era.
I’m writing about the recent controversies sticking around actor Honey Rose who sued businessman Boby Chemannur for his obscene comment in public. Following the issue, another actor Shibla Fara posted a qabalistic post on Instagram that has left me disappointed and anguished.
View this post on Instagram.
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease going through her post. Here we are, in the 21st century, still grappling with the same old attitudes that blame women for being harassed. It’s as if we’re stuck in a time warp, are women expected to dress and behave in a way that prevents harassment?
I don’t get it. On one hand, we have Honey Rose, who has bravely spoken out against online harassment and taken steps to hold her perpetrators accountable. On the other hand, we have Shibla Fara, who blames Honey Rose’s outfit choice and “posing” were “inviting” harassment.
By implying that women have a responsibility to dress and behave in a way that prevents harassment, we’re essentially policing women’s bodies and dictating how they should present themselves. I’m deeply troubled by her notion that women are somehow responsible for preventing harassment.
This mindset is not only misguided, but it’s also incredibly damaging, by blaming women for being harassed, we’re perpetuating a culture of victim-blaming and shaming that we are still fighting to shift the conversation and focus on holding perpetrators accountable.
Shibla Fara alleged that Honey Rose exploits the male gaze and the sexual frustration prevalent among men in Kerala, deliberately dressing in a manner that exposes her body in provocative angles.
I strongly believe that these comments are not only hurtful and damaging but also contribute to a culture of silence and shame that surrounds women who speak out against harassment because directly or indirectly it’s a blatant attempt to shift the blame from the perpetrators of harassment to the victims themselves.
We must do better, we should construe that Honey Rose, like any other woman has the autonomy to make her own choices about her body and her appearance.
It’s time to hold men accountable for their actions, rather than blaming women for “inviting” harassment. We need to create a culture that respects women’s agency, autonomy, and boundaries.
Regardless of how a woman chooses to dress or present herself, it is never an excuse for a man to speak disrespectfully about her. Shibla Fara’s comments seek help that she needs to recognise and challenge this harmful mindset.
This mindset falsely suggests that women are responsible for their own objectification and harassment based on their clothing choices. Even subtle thoughts like these can perpetuate harmful societal attitudes, distorting the understanding of a woman’s autonomy and agency over her own body and choices.
And let’s not forget, Shibla Fara has herself been a victim of online harassment in the past by posting her photos on Instagram embraing her body. You’d think that her experiences would have taught her the importance of empathy and understanding. Instead, she’s perpetuating the same attitudes that have been used to silence and shame women.
View this post on Instagram
Honey Rose’s bravery in speaking out against harassment is commendable. She’s showing us that women don’t have to tolerate and that we have the power to hold our perpetrators accountable. Shibla Fara’s comments, on the other contrary, serve as a reminder of the need for greater awareness and empathy even in this era that it shows women are still not empowered. And it’s time for us to recognise that women’s empowerment is not just about individual freedom, but also about collective responsibility.
Coming to Rahul Easwar,
Rahul Easwar’s derogatory comments about Honey Rose are unacceptable and warrant condemnation. His decision to mock her for her dress choices is not only a personal attack but also a reflection of the misogyny that persists in our society.
Also, read| Actress Honey Rose To Take Legal Action Against Rahul Easwar For Alleged Harassment And Cyberbullying
Women in this socity, continue to face significant barriers in speaking out against sexual harassment and bullying. The fear of being shamed, blamed, or ostracised often silences them.
It’s imperative that we create a culture where women feel empowered to assert their autonomy, make their own choices and express themselves without fear of retribution or ridicule. We must call out and challenge sexist comments and behaviors, promoting a society that values and respects women’s dignity and agency.
And yes, women are being held responsible for maintaining the honor of a patriarchal society, here. This narrative necessitates that women surrender their individuality to access justice. Conversely, men are rarely subjected to comparable scrutiny, regardless of the severity of their alleged transgressions.
Her choices, attire, or profession do not negate this fundamental entitlement. The onus lies with society to recognise and respect this right rather than unkindly shaming.
The distressing reality is that when women face humiliation and harassment at the hands of men, they often struggle to find justice. The barrage of online harassment and cyberbullying they endure is frequently met with deafening silence. However, when they muster the courage to file a complaint, they are subjected to further scrutiny and blame.
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The subsequent discussions inevitably shift focus from the perpetrator’s actions to the victim’s character, with their choice of words, attire, and even their television appearances being called into question. This culture of victim-blaming is the reason why many women hesitate to speak out against sexual harassment.
The fear of being judged, shamed, and blamed by society is overwhelming, and it’s a reality that Honey Rose is facing today. Those who ask, “Why didn’t she file a complaint earlier?” or “Why is she speaking out now?” need to understand that women live in fear of their repercussions……They live in Trauma and beyond!!!
