The Government budget always elicits mixed reactions, favorable and not so. The RJ on a popular station was lamenting the taxation on travel and related fields. Facetiously, he moved to mention activities that if taxed could fill the coffers of the government rather quickly. I listened with amusement until he mentioned one of his favorite activities – stalking girls. I braked so hard that I almost hit the car ahead.

This was on a national radio station it is safe to assume that a very large number of people heard it, and possibly laughed at it, as per the intent. I am hoping that there exist others as horrified as I am. A statement by a public personality that directly offends a majority cannot be considered a joke. This is neither about political correctness nor tolerance. It is plainly unacceptable.

We are so culturally conditioned to accept slurs for women and other ‘minorities’ that we don’t notice the damage that is caused. Popular cinema idolises its heroes who wear down the heroine’s resistance to their advances through actions we would not tolerate if they were against our sisters and daughters. Popular music in India, over the last few years, contains downright offensive lyrics, and yet we end up on the dance floor, with our daughters and sons, either oblivious to the words or accepting them in the name of entertainment. It is embarrassing to accept that I am often guilty of the same.

Most of us, especially in my generation, noticed the slurs but never said anything. I don’t know whether it was apathy or the fear of rocking the boat. Of late though, I have realized that it is important to call out such behavior. While calling out does not change behaviors overnight, they do make us more mindful. I know from personal experience that it is effective. While I am often irritated by my kids’ reactions to words and phrases that we have grown up using all our lives, I have come to see their point. The historical reference of words often renders them unacceptable. I have recently been called out for saying “Don’t treat me like your slave’. While I meant no harm or slur, it has become socially unacceptable. Norms change as they should. And if it makes us more mindful about doing the right things, so be it.

‘Insanity is hereditary – you can inherit it from your kids.’ I am glad to be learning (while being resistant to some extent). Also, I shall probably draw flak at the lighthearted use of ‘insanity’. I rest my case.