It’s going to be the 78th Independence Day for India and while we as a country have made immense progress in many factors, women’s safety and respect are lacking somewhere. While women around the country suffer from violent crimes, casual sexism is something which is experienced even in the most privileged and protected society. Both things are equally crimes against women which people should be aware of. But do we even try? Most women, when they start talking about these things are shut down and called “feminazi” and other BS. So this Independence Day, we write 8 statements that we as women DON’T want freedom from. Yes, you are reading correctly!
1. You Should Smile More
Ah, the age-old classic. Women everywhere are simply overjoyed by unsolicited advice on how to display their emotions. Nothing says “freedom” quite like being told to adjust your facial expressions to make others more comfortable. If you are not smiling, then you are not welcoming at all. And if you are not welcoming, then you are the old maid that no one likes.
2. Is it That Time Of The Month?
Who doesn’t love having their mood swings or physical discomfort reduced to a monthly cliché? This charming line forever works in a workplace or if one is lucky, from their boyfriends or male friends. Because if you point out something or are not in a good mood, then this is the reason.
3. Rape Threats On Everything
It’s an often overlooked privilege to endure threats that undermine personal safety and autonomy. Women everywhere are thrilled to not get this particular freedom, as it serves as a constant reminder of the dangers they face. If I say I don’t like Vada Pav, then I definitely deserve this from that random 50-year-old man who sent me a random threat that would casually destroy my being.
4. Not All Men Freedom
Nothing says liberation like having to defend half of humanity from generalized criticism. Women absolutely adore not having this freedom, which allows them to sidestep real issues and engage in endless debates about individual male behaviour.
5. You’re Just Being Overdramatic
It’s an unparalleled joy to have one’s genuine concerns dismissed as melodramatic. This freedom could have been cherished for its ability to silence women’s voices and invalidate their experiences with a simple wave of the hand.
6. She Was Asking For It
Another freedom that we want is the one that involves blaming victims for the violence they suffer. Women are grateful for this particular gem, as it shifts accountability away from perpetrators and onto the victims themselves.
7. You’re Too Emotional for a Leadership Role
Who wouldn’t want the freedom to be excluded from leadership roles based on outdated stereotypes about emotionality? Women fully appreciate this freedom, which ensures their voices and talents remain sidelined.
8. Nice Girls Don’t Speak Up
A classic favourite, this freedom dictates that women should remain quiet and agreeable, particularly when they have something important to say. It’s a cherished liberty for those who enjoy the comfort of conformity over the discomfort of advocacy.
Also Read: 5 Things Women Feel Guilty About But They Shouldn’t. Stop Being So Apologetic, Girl!