The Indian middle class is known for its adherence to culture and traditions. Over time, the new generation tends to adapt to the changing landscape of trendy lifestyles and the behavioral shifts they entail. Many resist the changes, while a few welcome them with open hearts. The middle-class value system is perplexed in this era of adhering to the past while responding to future calls. The Sanskari brigade of Middle-class uncles and aunties is determined to keep the value system intact. Meanwhile, the new generation is trying to normalize every woke culture as a harmless, opportunistic trend.
We were raised with specific values as middle-class individuals. Partying hard late at night and sleeping in the morning are not among them. Of course, this lifestyle contradicts middle-class values. The health issues arising from this lifestyle are significant concerns for middle-class homemakers and mothers. Why not? A healthy lifestyle is crucial for maintaining mental well-being and reducing the need for doctor visits. It’s a win-win situation and answers the middle-class question of ROI. Then, someone asks what the problem is with having some fun. It’s okay to have fun as long as one does so in moderation.
Then why are all the middle-class sanskar being judged for women? It’s an Indian tragedy. Everyone can judge a woman over her choices of dress/fashion. They judge her behavior, walking style, conversation style, and eating habits. But society doesn’t scrutinize men. Why does society always suspect and criticize women over little incidents in Indian middle-class households? The sanskar is limited to women only!
The idea of equality prevails over the Socio-political paradigm. It has cascading effects on the day-to-day lives of the Indian middle class. It is nice to see men and women taking accountability and responsibility together. They strive for a better quality of life. They uphold middle-class values rather than succumbing to self-obsession and arrogance. This wholesome Utopian society never existed as it’s divided between the ideas of age-old patriarchy and ultra-modern feminism. Feminism is beneficial when it advocates for women’s rights, particularly in addressing gender inequality. But the extreme case of feminism tends to bash men for no reason or for the slightest reason. By doing so, they disrupt the prevailing peace of mind and overexert themselves. It can lead to chaos. A clear distinction should be made between feminism that uplifts women and the onset of woke culture. The latter often involves bashing men without purpose, which is mistakenly deemed acceptable.
Feminism should be promoted in Indian middle-class households as long as it doesn’t become woke. The middle-class value system should be promoted. This promotion should not entrap freedom. It must preserve independence amid the current social trend. Both can coexist by preserving Indianness. And that’s a beautiful thing to achieve!
The Witty Stride 