On Real Men

The debate on what makes a ‘Real Man’ is colorful, varied and will go on through every generation. Physical attributes like strength, muscle, a moustache are some commonly cited ones. Characteristics such as protective instincts, courage, the ability to provide, shoulder to lean on and honor are more markers of a real man. But one that always comes up and the one attribute that is usually listed to rank above all else is a man’s ability to respect women.

In a country like India with such diverse cultures, religions, traditions and with such varied socio economic divisions of society, a man’s respect for women does not often meet the standard expectations, yet that does not mean that it is not prevalent. If we take the case of the average middle class family and the primary male members of one, we will see the ways in which men respect the women. Fathers give their daughters equal opportunities, husbands encourage their wives to pursue their own careers or ambitions and brothers no longer tell their sisters what to wear. The average Indian man is caring, considerate, encouraging and honoring of the women in his life, but is he fully respectful?

In the traditional sense maybe, yes, but there is one large glaring caveat to that statement. Most Indian men do not respect the right of the women in their lives to vote. It’s not that they bar or discourage it, but it’s the fact that they do not encourage or facilitate it. As a primary influence in a wife, daughter or sister’s life it is the duty of every man to educate and encourage her to vote. Weather it means explaining the political system to your little sister or running around to get your wife’s voting card it is time the men of this country facilitate the power of women who make up 49% of the registered vote bloc.

The general elections are fast approaching in 2014, will the real men please stand up?