So, we all have something or the other to share when it is about presenting the gruesome stories from our past. The incidences that are years old but the wounds feel the same even today. The untouched gash of those dirty, nasty hands have ruined many childhoods, the youth and the dreams of many. Today "ME TOO" is not just about some of the horrifying incidences from the past, it's about the faces we connect daily, who hides their negligent act leaving the victim in guilt, shame and fear forever. It seems like the same story that is repeating with different characters. Where everyone was harassed, touched without concern and forced. Where a human was not treated as a human. "Where every me is different with the same story."
One thing that no one ever asked, who is responsible for the harassment women face.
"Is it the woman, who is struggling to hold a position in the society, a child who is unaware of an evil touch or a right touch? Is it we as a parent who never talks about some of the topics because of embarrassment or our culture doesn't allow such frankness with our kids or younger siblings? Is it the fear we have for being judged and taunted? Is it the abnormal mentality of the beasts living as our neighbour, our relatives, friends or mentors whom we approach each time for help and support?
Who is responsible for these untold stories that are now coming one after other? No matter who you are, an ordinary person, a mother, wife or some celebrity, it feels the same to every individual who is treated as sexual prey.
Here it is not about sharing the incidence that I have faced years back for years, one after the other. It's about the courage that I never had to answer back or to question. Nothing much I remember about the childhood I had, but the face, the names and the offensive actions of those monsters are still alive as if it had happened yesterday.
And every time I have one question, 'is that the prominence he wanted in life?' They all are brothers, husband, father and son; still, they never tried to feel the trauma and question that were there when they are harassing someone.
That time I was not aware of what was going on, but today when I know, I don't have any evidence to prove my words. Again there will be the question, "why after so many years?"
Because that day I could not dare to fight back or to say stop.
Somewhere I had left behind those remembrances to live a normal life, but one thing I know is no matter whether it is a rape or sexual harassment, it feels the same. Every time I remember those hand touching me, I think I was being suffocated to death and left to be killed again and again for years.
I have a lot to talk about those scary incidences where the face was different, but the deeds were equally sinner. The beast was same with a different name who left me wondering about what I am and why is it happening to me each time. I doubted my self, my existence and my esteem but I know it was not my fault then.
Today, somewhere we are responsible for harassments a child faces. As an adult, we are coming forward today, but what about the kids who are unaware of the things going on?
At least now we should leave some of our cultural norms and talk about things. Talk to your child, your sister or brother and let them know what harassing and being harassed is. We have faced a lot, but we can stop it by being a friend, more than a guardian.
It's high time we should talk about the cure, not the disease. We have shared a lot of stories, now let's try not to create another.
Talk before something happens, because later, it will be just another story to tell.