Misogyny in India: We are all guilty

December 31, 2012 15:37

Misogyny has long permeated our textbooks, our pedagogy and our parenting. In fact, it runs so deep that it reflects itself even in our linguistics. The Hindi phrase most commonly used to describe sexual violence or rape against women is "izzat lootna," which means "to steal the honor of."

Another Hindi word used for rape, "balatkar" (or "bad act"), is considered so erudite and technical that it's barely ever used. (Its English equivalent would be "coitus" instead of "sex.")

Read actress Leeza Mangaldas's column on CNN.com.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Tesla's India factory plan may materialise in 2025

Tesla's plan to manufacture its affordable electric car priced at $25,000 in India and Mexico could materialise sometime in 2025 or thereafter, with Elon Musk declaring that these models would be produced at its existing factories to...

How Pant-Kuldeep teamed up to restrict Tewatia

While speaking at the post-match presentation, Kuldeep said he was "happy" at the win and added that the team knew it was going to be "tight" when the match went to the last over.

Political Movies Surge before Lok Sabha Polls

'Elections and audience interest in specific movies are often independent factors.'

4 Times When Modi's Hindu-Muslim Rhetoric Backfired

Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com does a deep dive into four elections when Narendra Modi resorted to anti-Muslim fervour and points out that Hindu-Muslim politics does not necessarily mean victory for the BJP.

Ranneeti: Balakot And Beyond Review: India Shines Again

Ranneeti: Balakot And Beyond veers between intriguing and boring, observes Deepa Gahlot.