Justice has been served. The four men guilty of the Delhi gang-rape on December 16, 2012 have been given the death penalty for their crime and the nation finally rejoices in what is considered to be a collective victory.
There is a part of the nation that has been feeling immensely satisfied since the punishment was pronounced. But thankfully, there is a part - a small part, that feels nothing but immense shame and disappointment at where our society is headed.
‘Death penalty will act as a deterrent’ - it has been the one statement that has become the opinion of millions, right from politicians to the common man. Do we as Indians really believe in those words?
No, I am not disappointed that four rapists will lose their lives. I believe that they deserve it. What I am disappointed about is the fact that this matter will be thrown around in the media for a few days, before it is completely forgotten about - to be resurrected only when another woman undergoes a similar ordeal. How can justice be served when millions of Indian women face sexual harassment every day of their lives! Rape is just the ugly face of an everyday ordeal.
Killing rapists is not going to change the Indian notion of patriarchy - where men believe that it is their birthright to subjugate women. No, not every man is the same - few have a hold on their horses, but unfortunately, that does not make a big difference.
Rapes, sexual assualt, domestic violence - it has all become an unavoidable part of living within India. Will the death of these four rapists change that?
There has been enough of an outrage, enough number of blames have been thrown around, enough number of women have lost their dignity, their lives. Protests, peace marches, laws - all these are evidently not being too helpful. Let’s try something new, let us just stop and think - do we continue to live in a society that in ways is backward, fighting our way through, always blaming the other person; or do we just look within ourselves for once and try hard to eliminate that little demon inside.
Justice still needs to be served - not for one, but for hundreds of victims. Take a deep breath, it is a long walk ahead.
