There has been rage on the internet against the Instagram chat group #BoisLockerRoom, where underage school students resorted to vulgar, degrading and misogynistic discussions on objectionable images of mostly minor girls posted without their consent. A pertinent question that arises in one’s mind is – is this a shameful act of amateur social media addicts swayed simply by an act of passion, or is it the malady of the entire educational system which has always shied away from discussing vitally important topics on sex education?
Besides the immediate annoyance against patriarchy and objectification of the female sex, thereby lowering female dignity and honour, it’s an ineluctable necessity to delve deep into the root of this issue. In this fast-paced social life, let this issue not fade into oblivion under a multitude of recent buzzes but be taken as a wake-up call for the reform of the education system at large.
Reflecting on this case, it has been reasonably clear that our education system as a whole has failed to quench the curiosity of young minds which has further emboldened its seriousness. It is producing literates but not educated masses who can sift right from wrong. Notwithstanding the fact that the users of the group are to be blamed for such sexist discussions thereby fueling rape culture, sinking the status of females into one of dishonour and lust, it’s a warning call for the educationists to make concerted and holistic efforts to include sex education as a part of the daily curriculum, especially for teenage students so as to enable them to accept it at a natural physiological stage instead of harping on toxic masculinity of a veiled mystery.
Instead of the vertiginous curiosity and portrayal of sexual intercourse as a taboo, there is a dire necessity of widespread sex education and public awareness right from the school level. These small steps can lead to a decline in rape culture, sexual assaults and humiliation of the “weaker sex” in the days to come
Lastly, from a female perspective, it could be stated that we don’t want sympathy, we want justice, dignity, equality and finally the freedom to choose. We are not objects to be pawned or bodies to be sold, we are souls to be nurtured, flowers yet to blossom just like the brave new world. Let us henceforth resolve that the lights of the candles are not used while marching on the streets against the demise of a sexually assaulted victim, but be a beacon light of human civilization where men and women complement and supplement each other’s positions in society.