Had an infuriating conversation with my mum’s physio today about the #MeToo movement.
As she finished her treatment for mum, as part of her usual chats with me, she said today, “I am so tired of all this drama surrounding #Sabarimala and #MeTooIndia”

@IndiaMeToo #TimesUp

Excerpts: “If something happened 25 years ago, why didn’t people speak up then? Why keep quiet? All for negative publicity now.”

Perhaps because the ostracisation that existed before isn’t as vicious today. Because finally, there are people to listen.
#MeToo #TimesUp

“As long as you are dignified in your behaviour and dressing, nothing will happen.”

I was 11 when someone first touched me the wrong way. It was at my own house, I wore a half sleeved Kurta (free-sized because I was a plump kid) and jeans.

What would you tell 11yo me?
#MeToo

“People at the top level are complaining about those in power. But ask the receptionists, the nurses, the cleaners etc. You will find a hoard of stories there.”

Yes. We should. Why does that mean the stories of women like @Amala_ams or @Chinmayi don’t matter?

#MeToo #TimesUp

“Now, just because @Amala_ams says this has happened to her, everyone will speak about her and in a few weeks, a movie will come up.”
Why shouldn’t it? If hers and @sruthihariharan’s are honest, if they are open to enquiry, why shouldn’t they work? #MeToo #TimesUp

“I always tell my students and my juniors, if anyone tries doing something to you, slap them. You can walk away from the job, you’ll struggle but will find other things.”

Multiple questions:
1. What if one is too poor to have the luxury of that choice?

#MeToo #TimesUp

2. What happens if the situation is too forceful to slap and walk away?
3. What happens when you stand up to people who can jeopardise your life or career?
DO NOT bring up the ‘it only happens in the movies’. We know that not to be true.

#TimesUp #MeToo #MeTooIndia

It is so easy to belittle someone’s experience just because we think our way of handling something is the only way. It is infuriating to see women perpetuate this movement to hush survivors and discourage owning their truth, calling it a cry for attention!
#MeTooIndia @TIMESUPNOW

She also spoke about the #Sabarimala issue. I am not going to say that i stand for a forceful takeover of the temple by women. I welcome the verdict but I don’t understand the urgency or the lack of preparation. A conversation with my uncle showed me these obvious problems.

She said, “for decades, the men safeguarded this tradition so closely. There must be a reason for women to be kept away. They’ve allowed us women to go after 60. Why can’t we just wait?”
Why should we? Why should it be assumed that this will soil your faith? #SabarimalaForAll

“You just wait. Boyfriends will start taking their girlfriends there.”#Sabarimala
Why does including a woman automatically point to pornographic, titilating circumstances for men? Are you all that weak? Is your God that weak? I pray to him too and I don’t think so.
#TimesUp

#Patriarchy and its defence is so deeply engrained that throughout her 10-minute rant, she kept pointing out everything a woman should do to not piss off the man. It i this attitude of subservience, this automatic submission that #feminism seeks out to kill.
FRUSTRATED.