Much of the writing by women that revolves around the events in Mangalore have tended to focus on the hypocrisy in which the "culture war" is steeped - basically, that women are the only ones who are made to feel like they are caught in some ideological cultural whirlwind. Sagarika Ghose shies away from being a woman-writing-about-women (not that that's not a glorious/beautiful thing.) and instead takes a firm and well-articulated stance on the class war which, she contends, is manifesting itself as a 'culture' war. She argues that the newly wealthy class of India is wasteful and frivolous in its spending. And that the neo-conservative religious outburst is being played out against this backdrop of monetary vulgarity - basically, these young unemployed men could give a rat's ass whether or not you're going to a bar or hugging in a park...they are more upset that they are jobless in a dying econoomy while the affluent no less than flaunt their assets (err, interesting word choice, I know). A nation of les nouveaux riches. Sigh.
I'm not writing off the dominant argument that there is some very sinister misogyny, outdated cultural restoration and blatant religionism (that should really be a word) acting as serious inspiration for these folks, but the idea that the privileged are leading lives of frivolous waste and in a manner that has become offensive to many people is something that is worth considering. I don't think Ghose is arguing that we all give up our monthly paychecks to start up soup kitchens and orphanages (though what a grand idea, no?) tomorrow or that we declare abstinence from alcohol, parties and spandex. I think what she is calling for is what Barack Obama also reminded us of. The adoption of a lifestyle of modesty and compassion. One in which we don't spend a million dollars on cricket players in the IPL while poverty is rampant and hundreds and thousands of people are losing their jobs every month. One in which we don't judge other people or their children based on which corporate company they work for and how many lakhs they earn, but what their ideas are, how hard they work and the goodness of their hearts. A rethinking of modernity and independence. One in which, as women, freedom doesn't come from wearing bikini-top-cholis at weddings but realising that not getting married at the age of 26 is a viable option. Imagining a nation where a female journalist can pose controversial questions to government leaders in the smallest villages without fearing for her life. Where, as a man, going to a bar to talk to women or zooming through the streets on the latest Japanese-imported Mitsubishi motorbike to pick up women isn't a marker of personal freedom - but being able to take part in honest and true conversations with women around you, including them as fully in your life as you would any man...that is modernization.
While that ideal India marinates, I shall courier my pink chaddi (a flowery, frilly one no less) to Mutalik. Also, can I just say that I don't like how Ghose trashes the movement/idea/facebook group and then bangs out the disclaimer that she's a part of it. Err, defensive much? Sure, Sagarika, it won't change too much. But if their dramatic outburst is based on some concocted notion of vulgarity, let's up the ante. Also, it's symbolism...remember?
Update: Muthalik retorts. Apparently he has a sense of humour. I'll gladly wear that sari. But only if I can pair it with a blinged-out strapless choli and then go to a flashy bar. And also, only if he promises to wear a dhoti-kurta for the rest of his life. Done deal.
P.S. - Consortium of Pubgoing, Loose and Forward Women blog [i.e. The Pink Chaddi Campaign]
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