The Indian Rape Culture

The recent assault on a female doctor in Kolkata has reignited a painful and persistent conversation about rape culture in India. This case has reminded us that beneath the veneer of progress and modernity, deeply ingrained societal attitudes continue to perpetuate violence against women. Although such crimes are alarmingly frequent, they often fade from the headlines until a particularly horrific incident brings them back into the spotlight.

To understand the persistence of rape culture in India, we must delve into the cultural and societal factors that sustain it. Indian society, steeped in patriarchal traditions, often views women through a lens of objectification and control. From a young age, children witness the disparities in how men and women are treated. Boys see their fathers dominate and control their mothers, while girls are conditioned to accept their subordinate roles. This early socialization enforces the notion that men are entitled to dominance and women are expected to comply.

Media and entertainment further entrench these norms. Bollywood, for example, often portrays women as either virtuous but passive figures or as seductive objects of male desire. This dichotomy reinforces the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to her sexual appeal and domestic role. Films, advertisements, and television shows frequently depict women as accessories to male protagonists, a reflection of a broader societal view that women are to be controlled or owned rather than respected as individuals.

This objectification spills over into real life, where societal attitudes justify and trivialize sexual violence. Victim-blaming is rampant; women are questioned about their attire, their behavior, and even the company they keep. The brutal 2012 Delhi gang rape case highlighted this disturbing trend, with the media and public focusing on the victim’s presence at night rather than on the perpetrators’ actions. Such attitudes reflect a dangerous belief that women are responsible for preventing their own assault, rather than holding men accountable for their violence.

The issue is compounded by the normalization of misogynistic attitudes in everyday interactions. Catcalling, for example, is so commonplace that it is often seen as a benign or even flattering form of attention. Yet, this behavior is a symptom of a deeper problem: the pervasive belief that women are objects for male gratification. The casual dismissal of such behavior as harmless only serves to perpetuate a culture where women’s autonomy is disregarded.

Legal reforms alone cannot address the root of the problem. While laws are crucial, they must be accompanied by a cultural shift that begins at home. Marital rape, for instance, remains a legally gray area and a taboo subject. The expectation that a wife’s consent is always given is a glaring example of how deeply ingrained patriarchal norms continue to undermine women’s rights. If a man cannot respect his wife’s right to refuse, how can we expect respect from strangers?

The journey towards change starts with acknowledging and challenging these deep-seated attitudes. It requires a cultural transformation where respect for women is ingrained from childhood, where media portrayals shift from objectifying women to celebrating their agency, and where societal norms no longer condone or excuse violence against women.

Education and awareness are crucial. Schools should teach gender equality and respect from an early age. Media and entertainment industries must commit to portraying women as complex, autonomous individuals rather than stereotypes. Men must be engaged as allies in the fight against misogyny, speaking out against inappropriate behavior and advocating for respect and equality.

Ultimately, addressing rape culture in India requires a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, cultural change, and a commitment to respect and equality in every aspect of society. It is not merely about punishing offenders but about creating a world where women are free to live without fear and where their rights and dignity are fully respected. This is a call for a profound cultural shift—a transformation that recognizes and values the humanity and equality of every individual, irrespective of gender.

My violated silhouette: 

In this country, I’ve walked every street,

From dawn to dusk, through sunlight and midnight,

In saris and lehengas, in skirts and jeans,

Adorning myself in jewels or barefaced, unseen.

Yet it bewilders me, the way shadows turn,

Meeting me with stares, and eyes that burn.

For merely existing, I find myself eyed,

While I strive to live, to walk with pride.

Perhaps my mother knew the lurking dread,

The monsters in the market, the predators bred.

Every day, I pray it’s not my fate,

Staying home, venturing out with keys and sprays—my protective state.

I carry lipsticks, but not for beauty's sake,

They are tasers, shields, for my safety’s sake.

Just to glimpse myself in a mirror, clear,

Not in grim headlines, but in my own sphere.

I seek to believe that dignity is mine,

Unstolen by men who cross the line.

And if the world cannot stop their cruel parade,

Then I will take a stand, a stand I’ve made.

For if respect cannot be found outside my door,

I will hold my dignity, forevermore.

- Khansa Saleem 

Content Associate