One fine day, as the boys were discussing their woes:
Sheldon - How am i supposed to know the difference?
Ryan - Huh!?
Sheldon - Between a lip gloss and nail paint.
Ryan - Oh. This happens.
Sheldon - Or a kajal and black lipstick.
Jason - Ask women if they know what a PS3 is.
Ryan - It's like asking us what peep toes are.
Rahul - I am a peeping Tom, i admit(he shouts).
Sheldon - Easy man, don't shout. So, what is a peeping toe?
Jason - Peep toes are a style of shoes.
Ryan - Right, they are not actual body parts.
Sheldon - And how come both of you know?
Jason - Oh. That's a funny story.
The power dynamics between men and women never stop, do they? Player or no player, peep toes or ballerinas; men are just about nothing without women. But still it's hard to find words to write something about women who leave a mark on our lives. The women I know may leave an impression of being submissive, but confidence is something they don't lack. And that is really what woman-hood should be all about.
A woman has strengths that amaze men. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love and opinions. She smiles when she feels like screaming. She sings when she feels like crying, cries when she's happy and laughs when she's afraid. Her love is unconditional.
There is only one thing wrong with her, she sometimes forgets what she is worth.
--Some feminist(who never claims to be one).
Happy 'belated' Women's Day.
PS - Belated, on purpose, because she 'is' often forgotten (like this post). Btw, this post is titled 'Vogue' for the exact reason.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Angels and Demons.
Every time we hold hands with our current squeeze, there is a disapproving tap on our shoulder. Every time we step out in a mini skirt we are forced to think twice about our choice of clothing. The moral police are killing our freedom of speech and expression, but not anymore! We are raising our voices against baseless claims.
Moral delusion #1
An unmarried girl cannot possibly have guys in her life who r just friends (minus the quotes)
Bitter truth #1
These are just excuses to curtail a girl's sexuality and choices, thus ensuring that they don't end up realizing what today bums guys really are, and thus don't dump them for a better deal. This stereotype is regularly reinforced by the media where the evil vamp is shown as the lady who smokes, drinks and has all male friends as opposed to d ever sacrificial heroine. But in all fairness, what's sauce for the goose had better be the sauce for the gander.
Moral Delusion #2
Valentines' day is an evil influence of the west. Unfortunately, Rakhi Sawant cannot be passed off as an evil influence of the west, and neither will she shut up despite all the controversy that surrounds her. so move on to softer targets! Down with young couples sitting together on 14th February exchanging an innocent teddy bear or some harmless jewellery. Guys n girls must enjoy each others company if they r married or related to each other. Sheesh!
Bitter truth #2
If religion and politics can be stuffed down every one's throats, why cant a little love? People grab their 15 secs of fame by stomping over insignificant issues like those to cover up for their inaction on more pressing issues. Party workers manhandle young couples and use it as an excuse to extort money from them. Yes, valentine's day is yet another corporate conspiracy, but hey, it's one we love to celebrate! After all, hasn't every other occasion become one? Mother's day, Fathers day, Childrens day, Teachers day, Rose day, Chocolate day, Peace day, No smoking day, Aids day. Phew! Besides, why should it concern anyone if consenting adults are sitting around holding hands? As long as they aren't making out in public, roughing them up is a violation of their individual rights.
Moral delusion #3
Girls who dress in skimpy clothes (read sleeveless tees) or spend time outside their homes at night, are inviting men, if they are misbehaved with, molested or raped, they must have been tempting the man and how dare they object to d incident!
Bitter truth #3
In a case of he says vs she says situation, its much easier to have a scapegoat; and what better way to maintain the male race's superiority, than to pin the blame on the girl? This argument actually does nothing to stop such heinous crimes. For one, it reduces the 'man' to an uncivilised being ruled by animalistic urges. Second, its logic cannot justify why women who are covered from heat to toe, like elderly ladies in saris with their heads covered or even young girls, incapable of 'sexual overtures' get raped.
Moral Delusion #4
Guys and girls should not show any signs of affection or fondness in public. A kiss in public, no matter how innocent, causes life scarring mental trauma to people who witness it, and encourage their little children to replicate such horrible, culturally demoralising acts. Love and sex are matters of the innermost recesses of one's bedroom and should stay there.
Bitter truth #4
We don't understand why the most celebrated of human emotions must be kept veiled at all times. It's just a matter of holding hands, a hug or a peck on d cheek, not a full blown make put session! Sex is on our television sets, on the internet, in magazines, in all our hormone fuelled conversations, and yes, its a hot topic amongst the politicos of our country. Yet, a simple gesture of affection is sees as violation of a woman. These guys have it all messed up.
In conclusion all I can say is that reform starts at home. So, if you're annoyed enough by these purveyors of unwanted intervention weed out such elements if you know them personally. Get them to see the light of reason.
Moral delusion #1
An unmarried girl cannot possibly have guys in her life who r just friends (minus the quotes)
Bitter truth #1
These are just excuses to curtail a girl's sexuality and choices, thus ensuring that they don't end up realizing what today bums guys really are, and thus don't dump them for a better deal. This stereotype is regularly reinforced by the media where the evil vamp is shown as the lady who smokes, drinks and has all male friends as opposed to d ever sacrificial heroine. But in all fairness, what's sauce for the goose had better be the sauce for the gander.
Moral Delusion #2
Valentines' day is an evil influence of the west. Unfortunately, Rakhi Sawant cannot be passed off as an evil influence of the west, and neither will she shut up despite all the controversy that surrounds her. so move on to softer targets! Down with young couples sitting together on 14th February exchanging an innocent teddy bear or some harmless jewellery. Guys n girls must enjoy each others company if they r married or related to each other. Sheesh!
Bitter truth #2
If religion and politics can be stuffed down every one's throats, why cant a little love? People grab their 15 secs of fame by stomping over insignificant issues like those to cover up for their inaction on more pressing issues. Party workers manhandle young couples and use it as an excuse to extort money from them. Yes, valentine's day is yet another corporate conspiracy, but hey, it's one we love to celebrate! After all, hasn't every other occasion become one? Mother's day, Fathers day, Childrens day, Teachers day, Rose day, Chocolate day, Peace day, No smoking day, Aids day. Phew! Besides, why should it concern anyone if consenting adults are sitting around holding hands? As long as they aren't making out in public, roughing them up is a violation of their individual rights.
Moral delusion #3
Girls who dress in skimpy clothes (read sleeveless tees) or spend time outside their homes at night, are inviting men, if they are misbehaved with, molested or raped, they must have been tempting the man and how dare they object to d incident!
Bitter truth #3
In a case of he says vs she says situation, its much easier to have a scapegoat; and what better way to maintain the male race's superiority, than to pin the blame on the girl? This argument actually does nothing to stop such heinous crimes. For one, it reduces the 'man' to an uncivilised being ruled by animalistic urges. Second, its logic cannot justify why women who are covered from heat to toe, like elderly ladies in saris with their heads covered or even young girls, incapable of 'sexual overtures' get raped.
Moral Delusion #4
Guys and girls should not show any signs of affection or fondness in public. A kiss in public, no matter how innocent, causes life scarring mental trauma to people who witness it, and encourage their little children to replicate such horrible, culturally demoralising acts. Love and sex are matters of the innermost recesses of one's bedroom and should stay there.
Bitter truth #4
We don't understand why the most celebrated of human emotions must be kept veiled at all times. It's just a matter of holding hands, a hug or a peck on d cheek, not a full blown make put session! Sex is on our television sets, on the internet, in magazines, in all our hormone fuelled conversations, and yes, its a hot topic amongst the politicos of our country. Yet, a simple gesture of affection is sees as violation of a woman. These guys have it all messed up.
In conclusion all I can say is that reform starts at home. So, if you're annoyed enough by these purveyors of unwanted intervention weed out such elements if you know them personally. Get them to see the light of reason.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
The Option.
Why 'marry' when you can 'live-in' is the option.
Decades back when the concept of live-in relationship first cropped up; society was
flabbergasted. How dare a couple cohabit without being legally bonded in matrimony asked a conservative lot. But those who dared to rebel, still chose to live-in. Today, with the number of live-in pairs having increased multi-fold, it is deeply ingrained in the DNA of the metro-culture, making it a norm. So much so, recently a supreme court bench headed by Justice Arijit Parayat declared that children born out of such a relationship will no longer be called illegitimate.
"The word marriage puts me off" would be a rude or not-so-satisfying reason as to why couples opt for live-in relationship over marriage. Fear of being taken for granted may be the other reason. Or marriage being defined as the boys getting their prey. Saving money, thrill and convenience also finds itself among the reasons. There are also excuses supporting the couples decisions to go for live-in. "I have the greatest respect for marriage and I guess I'll get there someday" or "There's just a piece of paper missing. May be someday, We'll get around and get that piece of paper. But to me, we are as married as we'd be if a priest read out some shlokas". These excuses contain a lot of guesses and maybe's, if's and but's which make this live-in option a bit 'wild'. For some, just the sheer thrill to be the odd one out has made them choose the 'wild' option.
While some feel marriage brings with it security and commitment others could feel boredom to go through the rigmaroles of filing in papers in the court of law.
India has still a long way to go to accept such a Bohemian lifestyle. It is taking baby steps towards it.
Whether one chooses to sign on a piece of paper and believe that their relationship is more authentic or one defies it for precisely the same reason it is a personal choice. Each couple has their own reasons to stay in that arrangement. But what's surely refreshing is the way the society is accepting radical changes.
Imagine the concept of a 'bastard child' being eradicated completely. Way to go!
Decades back when the concept of live-in relationship first cropped up; society was
flabbergasted. How dare a couple cohabit without being legally bonded in matrimony asked a conservative lot. But those who dared to rebel, still chose to live-in. Today, with the number of live-in pairs having increased multi-fold, it is deeply ingrained in the DNA of the metro-culture, making it a norm. So much so, recently a supreme court bench headed by Justice Arijit Parayat declared that children born out of such a relationship will no longer be called illegitimate.
"The word marriage puts me off" would be a rude or not-so-satisfying reason as to why couples opt for live-in relationship over marriage. Fear of being taken for granted may be the other reason. Or marriage being defined as the boys getting their prey. Saving money, thrill and convenience also finds itself among the reasons. There are also excuses supporting the couples decisions to go for live-in. "I have the greatest respect for marriage and I guess I'll get there someday" or "There's just a piece of paper missing. May be someday, We'll get around and get that piece of paper. But to me, we are as married as we'd be if a priest read out some shlokas". These excuses contain a lot of guesses and maybe's, if's and but's which make this live-in option a bit 'wild'. For some, just the sheer thrill to be the odd one out has made them choose the 'wild' option.
While some feel marriage brings with it security and commitment others could feel boredom to go through the rigmaroles of filing in papers in the court of law.
India has still a long way to go to accept such a Bohemian lifestyle. It is taking baby steps towards it.
Whether one chooses to sign on a piece of paper and believe that their relationship is more authentic or one defies it for precisely the same reason it is a personal choice. Each couple has their own reasons to stay in that arrangement. But what's surely refreshing is the way the society is accepting radical changes.
Imagine the concept of a 'bastard child' being eradicated completely. Way to go!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Perfect Ten.
Cricket is said to be a teams game and it happens very rarely that a lone man wins matches on his sheer brilliance.
On the 7th of feb, 1999 one man won India a test single-handedly. Anil Kumble against arch rivals Pakistan became the second man to take all ten wickets in an innings.
Pakistan in its second innings at the Ferozshah Kotla in Delhi fell like nine pins to Kumble's guile. The karnataka spinner who is known for his aggression and fighting spirit, took the talented pakistani batsmen heads on and like a warrior annihilated the entire batting order in a matter of few hours ending up with beautiful figures of 10 for 74.
Chasing a mammoth 420 Pakistani openers Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi gave them a solid start but then Kumble got into his act, demolishing the batting order which included Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ijaz Ahmad, Salim Malik and Mohammed Yousuf. From 101 for no loss they were 128 for 6. Pakistani showed some resistance for while when they added 58 runs for the seventh wicket. I guees, they were playing for pride.
But Kumble son polished off their tail in a clinical fashion to equal Jim Laker's feat after 42 years and draw level in the two match series.
What's the harm in electing such a man to be the captain of India, at 37.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Answers Are Within.
Stephen covey, in the seven habits of highly effective people, shares an experience that he once had while travelling on the new york sub way.
Imagine you are riding the subway early one morning, and everybody appears to be comfortable--people are drinking their coffee, reading their newspapers and magazines, working on their laptops, talking on their cell phones. Everything is normal and peaceful. At each station, a few people get off, a few people get on, everything is calm and sedate, until the train stops at a particular station and a man walks onto your train car with his children. He finds seats for them and then sits down in a reflective mood. While he is in deep meditation, the children begin to run up and down the aisle, screaming and shouting, running all over the train car.
How do you feel? Are you mad at the man?why are you mad?you are perhaps thinking, this man should take care of his children in public. If he does not know how to take care of children, why did he have them in the first place! Are you mad at the children for making so much noise? Spoiled kids! You might think. You notice there is no mother. Now you might be thinking, i bet the mother left this man with these undisciplined children. See yourself going up to this irresponsible father and confronting him, saying "excuse me, sir, would you mind tending your children? They're being so disruptive, and i think everybody is getting a little upset." The man looks up at you and says, "Two hours ago these children lost their mother in the hospital. She just died, and ever since then i have trying to explain to them the death of their mother, and their only reaction is this."
Now how do you feel?
Situations in themselves do not produce feelings. It is our perception of them that makes us feel good or bad.
Imagine you are riding the subway early one morning, and everybody appears to be comfortable--people are drinking their coffee, reading their newspapers and magazines, working on their laptops, talking on their cell phones. Everything is normal and peaceful. At each station, a few people get off, a few people get on, everything is calm and sedate, until the train stops at a particular station and a man walks onto your train car with his children. He finds seats for them and then sits down in a reflective mood. While he is in deep meditation, the children begin to run up and down the aisle, screaming and shouting, running all over the train car.
How do you feel? Are you mad at the man?why are you mad?you are perhaps thinking, this man should take care of his children in public. If he does not know how to take care of children, why did he have them in the first place! Are you mad at the children for making so much noise? Spoiled kids! You might think. You notice there is no mother. Now you might be thinking, i bet the mother left this man with these undisciplined children. See yourself going up to this irresponsible father and confronting him, saying "excuse me, sir, would you mind tending your children? They're being so disruptive, and i think everybody is getting a little upset." The man looks up at you and says, "Two hours ago these children lost their mother in the hospital. She just died, and ever since then i have trying to explain to them the death of their mother, and their only reaction is this."
Now how do you feel?
Situations in themselves do not produce feelings. It is our perception of them that makes us feel good or bad.
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