Why are you staring mate?

I decided to go to Forum yesterday. It is a very routine activity in my life, since it is one of the few places that offer some kind of entertainment and relaxation. The only thing not routine was that I went in shorts, T shirt and flip flops. This is what I felt comfortable in. So, India being a democratic country and all, I think a citizen has the right to wear what he or she wants to. It is not the dress that measures a human being; it is his personality that should be used to measure him. I could be a hardened criminal or a good sort, and just because I wear shorts and slippers things are not likely to change in a hurry.

Man, if there was a staring contest in the world, I am sure Indians would win hands down. The men, the women, the children, old grandpas, all stared at every part of my body. This was not a zoo, mind you. It was the Forum, a shopping mall in the heart of Bengaluru. Why for the love of god, can’t I wear shorts and walk around? I am not exposing my genitals by doing so am I? I wish I had one of those T shirts girls wear which say “Don’t stare too much, you’ll go blind”. Is this what society measure s decency by? You wear slacks and a shirt with shoes, and then you are decent is it? It is again that unnecessary sense of stigma and stereotyping that have been passed down since I don’t know when, that has now caused our dear shoppers and Bengalurians to engage in staring matches. I was dressed decently ok!!! Not a dirty T shirt with torn shorts or flip flops with chipped edges. I was neatly cropped in my “out” look [pun intended]. Resistance to change is like antibiotic resistance, especially in India. Change carries the same imprint an untouchable carries. BOO!!!

I am in one of those stages in life that I have to rebel against anything I find unfair and unjust. This is just one of those. Anyone who thinks that wearing shorts and flip flops is wrong can take a hike. I am so not bothered, like sooo…… not bothereddd!!! After all they say the pen is sharper than the sword.