How many times have we seen in our society social activists crying out for human rights or children rights or animal rights and more recently gay relationship rights? Yes we applaud when laws are passed that make sure that every human is made to feel one and that it's a "free" world where every human being has the right to choose their way of life, sexual preference etc.. But how many of us really, truly internally believe so and agree so? Do the so-called educated actually have the tolerance to live and let live? Do we, as a society really welcome people who are 'different'? Do we, as a society allow these people to be integrated as one of us?
I had a very saddening experience today- at a theatre... I am probably feeling a mixture of sadness and anger...
I was having dinner after watching a movie when there walked in a transsexual man along with a lady friend... He was a handsome guy n dressed like a girl... Yes, the immediate reaction is maybe of shock or surprise and I too felt the same... They came and sat right next to our table... After a second or two, I recovered and when I looked around all the people in that place was staring at that guy... Yeah he's probably used to those looks but well I thought the staring was a bit much excessive... I did well meet his eyes once and I smiled at him- He smiled back and that smile probably gave away all that he is internally feeling about himself. We cant even begin to imagine what it is to feel uncomfortable and trapped in a body we don't identify with! But there are such people and it happens- for numerous reasons.. I felt something for him and I cant describe it... It wasn't pity, maybe I was a little sad... Or I think I just wanted him to be happy if it was possible for him...
So anyway, later there was this group of some young 20 year olds who passed by and they started laughing right in front of him and went on... We finished our dinner and left to get some ice-cream or something at another corner in the food court. And then suddenly these youngsters came back and complained to the manager about allowing that guy to enter the place. They were a group of seven and they gheraoed that guy and his 2 friends and started calling him names and shouting at him. They humiliated him and started commenting on his sexuality. It was horrible and it all happened in a span of 3 minutes. The manager who was trying to get it all sorted but somehow he couldnt intervene. Before people realised it, it was over as well. I have never seen such obnoxious behavior in my entire life.
I dont need to paint a picture any further... However, I would definitely like to say that it was very brave and supportive of his two friends who sat by him and supported him throughout in this verbal slinging and fought for their friend. That is real friendship. It is not easy being such a friend- and without raising their voices, those 2 friends stood by what they believed in. In a time of just 3 minutes, those youngsters caught up in their wealth and pretentious life just went about trying to shatter someone's existence.
It happened and ended so quickly that all I could do was to go up to them later to offer some encouragement and support. I am glad that I at least did that because no one else went up to them but I really wished I had gone and slapped those people. Not sure if that would have helped either.
And these youngsters were from "cultured" well-to-do families. Not that I ever believed that money has anything got to do with culture but anyway Education certainly has something to do with it or maybe that too was an illusion for me thus far. It was crass mentality and it was horrible to see them humiliate that person this way.. It is unimaginable that 'educated' people behave this way- zero tolerance. They are actually uneducated and uncultured- the so called rich and high society people of Mumbai. And they probably have a very vital organ missing in their body- a heart. Aren't they the real stigma and blots on our society- such thoughtless foolish people? I have never been this sad and angry in my life. I wish I had done something more but I couldn't...
The stigma attached to transsexuals runs very deep and is rooted in lot of probably religious beliefs and what not... But to deny a human being (some people don't even consider them human- appalling again) a right to live in a society, that is just horrendous. Stigmas usually arise from ignorance, irrational fears and yes lack of 'eduaction'. Transsexuality is one issue not touched upon in our society even today- would a documentary help? Would a movie help? Would a book help? I dont know. Our society needs to grow up... We need to grow up... We need to learn to be courageous and stand up for what we believe in. We need more tolerance...
I wish that guy gets happiness in whatever way he wants and believes in. I hope that our society can have more people like his friends who value the correct things in life and stand up for them.
I hope those youngsters realize what they did and I hope that they will regret and learn from it some day...
