society

One evening, my son and I were at our local library. The place has one of those stubbornly heavy glass doors that basically require you to pull (or push, or vice versa, and yes, I always get mixed up!) and shove, till it slowly deigns to sulkily open. Basically, it is a door you tussle with, but hey, it's good for toning biceps.  Anyway, so there we were, browsing through the Crime section (me), the kids titles (my son), with me shushing him frequently when I heard a noise outside the glass door. A little girl was trying with all…

One evening, my son and I were at our local library. The place has one of those stubbornly heavy glass doors that basically require you to pull (or push, or vice versa, and yes, I always get mixed up!) and shove, till it slowly deigns to sulkily open. Basically, it is a door you tussle with, but hey, it's good for toning biceps.  Anyway, so there we were, browsing through the Crime section (me), the kids titles (my son), with me shushing him frequently when I heard a noise outside the glass door. A little girl was trying with all…

She seemingly had it all—the vitality of youth, varied and interesting career choices, a vibrant life, a vivacious personality. Yet she is now no more, after allegedly plunging off a Bengaluru high rise to certain, violent death. Her story is all over the city newspapers now. The question uppermost in peoples' minds (as my own) is why? Why did this bright, beautiful girl feel she had to end it all? To leave behind loved ones who are probably traumatised for life. What spurred her on to do this terrible act?  Today, we (at least most urbanites) live “always-on” lives. We…

She seemingly had it all—the vitality of youth, varied and interesting career choices, a vibrant life, a vivacious personality. Yet she is now no more, after allegedly plunging off a Bengaluru high rise to certain, violent death. Her story is all over the city newspapers now. The question uppermost in peoples' minds (as my own) is why? Why did this bright, beautiful girl feel she had to end it all? To leave behind loved ones who are probably traumatised for life. What spurred her on to do this terrible act?  Today, we (at least most urbanites) live “always-on” lives. We…

Should moms be expected to dress like, well, moms? Meaning, they shouldn't look like attractive women, avoid “sexy” clothing, and only wear shapeless outfits and er, those dreaded “mom” jeans. On the other hand, if a mom is comfortable with herself and, her body, shouldn't she wear exactly what she wants? Even if it is to pick up her child from school. Actually, the answer is not so simple. Because sometimes, a mom in sexy, figure-hugging clothing, is considered “inappropriately-dressed” and her parenting skills, called into question. Because sometimes a mom in a sphagetti top and shorts can be considered…

Should moms be expected to dress like, well, moms? Meaning, they shouldn't look like attractive women, avoid “sexy” clothing, and only wear shapeless outfits and er, those dreaded “mom” jeans. On the other hand, if a mom is comfortable with herself and, her body, shouldn't she wear exactly what she wants? Even if it is to pick up her child from school. Actually, the answer is not so simple. Because sometimes, a mom in sexy, figure-hugging clothing, is considered “inappropriately-dressed” and her parenting skills, called into question. Because sometimes a mom in a sphagetti top and shorts can be considered…

How do I slim thee? Let me count the ways... A while ago, I was getting my then-five-year-old ready for school. It was one of those beautiful and bracingly chill Bengaluru mornings where all you want to do is curl up with a mug of filter coffee sweetened with bella. Alas, the little fellow had school. I wanted him to wear a warm coat. He vetoed the one I laid out and instead, insisted he wanted a thin windcheater.  “The warmer coat will keep you nice and snug,” I pointed out. “No, I look fat in it,” he responded, matter…

How do I slim thee? Let me count the ways... A while ago, I was getting my then-five-year-old ready for school. It was one of those beautiful and bracingly chill Bengaluru mornings where all you want to do is curl up with a mug of filter coffee sweetened with bella. Alas, the little fellow had school. I wanted him to wear a warm coat. He vetoed the one I laid out and instead, insisted he wanted a thin windcheater.  “The warmer coat will keep you nice and snug,” I pointed out. “No, I look fat in it,” he responded, matter…

So an out-of-town cop beat up his daughter in public, over an alleged affair. People, including the girl's own mother, stood by and watched. I am sure the mother was distraught. But she did nothing. Two women passers-by (may their tribe increase!) came to the girl's rescue and called the local cops. But in the end, the daughter failed to file a complaint. No surprises there. Perhaps the daughter is used to this kind of behaviour. Perhaps the mother gets beaten up too, back in their home town. Perhaps both mom and daughter are conditioned to expect this abuse from…

So an out-of-town cop beat up his daughter in public, over an alleged affair. People, including the girl's own mother, stood by and watched. I am sure the mother was distraught. But she did nothing. Two women passers-by (may their tribe increase!) came to the girl's rescue and called the local cops. But in the end, the daughter failed to file a complaint. No surprises there. Perhaps the daughter is used to this kind of behaviour. Perhaps the mother gets beaten up too, back in their home town. Perhaps both mom and daughter are conditioned to expect this abuse from…