Was skimming through headlines and frontpage of TOI when I read this irresponsible quote that shows the brain and independence of a woman celebrity in modern India. Its still wandering somewhere in the back of my mind and driving me crazy!
"Asked whether she would contest the elections if Sanjay Dutt (a star actor) were not able to do so, Manyata (his wife) said, "He has to take the decision. I take permission from him even if I have to go for coffee or dinner with friends. My priority is my family. He will decide if it is right or not right for me."
"
The original article at http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Tried_my_best_with_Dutt_sisters_Manyata/articleshow/4013902.cms
Showing posts with label feminism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label feminism. Show all posts
Feminism brings benefits to all -- men included
What can I say, I agree completely!
Published By Neil Chethik at http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/16517033.htm
On Tuesday, for the first time in American history, a woman will take a seat behind the president of the United States as he delivers his State of the Union address. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who will be elbow-to-elbow with Vice President Cheney during the speech, described her rise to speaker earlier this month as a great victory ``for our daughters and granddaughters.''
It's a victory for our sons and grandsons as well. That's because when feminists succeed, men tend to benefit, too. Indeed, I've been one of those beneficiaries myself.
Born in the 1950s, I have my roots in the era of ``Father Knows Best.'' In those pre-feminist days, men dominated in the political arena, ran virtually all of the businesses, and controlled -- at least legally -- much of went on in the home. Indeed, in some states, a husband had the right to strike his wife if she got out of line.
But as I came of age in the late 1960s and early 1970s, I stepped into a fresh, feminist world. Women were marching for legal rights; they were competing with men in the education and work worlds. In 1972, my own mother entered the workforce (after raising four children) to begin what would become a 25-year professional career.
At that time, many of our national leaders warned that as women gained, men would lose. But the opposite actually occurred. As women's options grew, so did men's.
I noticed this first in college as I contemplated my future work life. Feminism freed me from the expectation that I would be the primary wage-earner in my family. Where I had once considered a career based largely on how much money I would earn, now I could ask myself: What do I really want to do?
Thus, my interest in going to law school vanished; my passion for writing took precedence. I entered a profession that I still enjoy today.
Feminism also benefited me in my relationships with women. The women I dated in college and afterward no longer looked at me as a ``success object'' -- someone who would provide for them. They were strong and motivated enough to take care of themselves. They sought careers and adventure, and a man who would be an equal partner. Thus, I had the luxury of dating, and eventually marrying, a woman whose full potential was not curtailed by society's limitations.
After I married, my options continued to expand. With my wife sharing the responsibility of earning our family income, I had the opportunity to share in raising our son. In his earliest years, I stayed home with my son every morning before handing him over to my wife in the afternoons.
Later, when he started school, I was the one who met him as he came off the bus at the end of the school day. My wife treated me as a parental equal. Our relationships allowed me the flexibility to coach my son's baseball teams, attend his band performances and visit his classrooms to meet his friends and teachers.
My own father has lamented to me that he didn't have as close a relationship with his children as he would have liked. Whatever regrets I have in raising my son, a lack of time with him will not be one of them.
Indeed, I'll be sitting next to my now 13-year-old son on Tuesday when the president stands to deliver his State of the Union address. I'll point to Pelosi and remind him that this is a historic day. Her rise to third-in-line to the presidency, I'll tell him, is an indication not only that girls and women can achieve their dreams, but that boys and men can do the same.
NEIL CHETHIK is writer-in-residence at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning in Lexington, Ky. He also is the author of VoiceMale (Simon & Schuster). He wrote this article for the Mercury News.
Why do women wear bras?
DO I need to say anything else?? My eyes have opened to some eye-popping news:
http://www.007b.com/why_wear_bras.php
http://www.007b.com/why_wear_bras.php
'I Hope You Dance... '
This was written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend. The last line says it all.
Dear Bertha,
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.
I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.
Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift.
"People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there."
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance
Dear Bertha,
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries. I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary. If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner or for whatever their favorite food was.
I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them. I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, tell myself that it is special.
Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift.
"People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there."
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance
Pensive Moments
Had quite a few pensive moments this past weekend.
Watched an inspiring interview of Bill Clinton and a MSNBC series on leaders and headliners which included the life changing journies of Oprah Winfrey and Hillary Rodham Clinton. I always have and still do admire Bill as a political leader. What beats me is how a sensible and shrude public figure like Bill could take the risk of extra-marital affairs ? Thats the reality of the American Dream; applies to the head of the country as well ! Another great example of the fulfilled dream is seen in the movie American Beauty. Can't help thinking why SEX is such a high priority on an adult American's agenda ? Note to self: Still haven't read Clinton's "My Life".
Coming back on track, Hillary's nomination was under debate on the famous show HardBall. Hillary is supposed to be a very strong contender alongwith Rudy Guliani and John McCain. It would be interesting to see if the most advanced and powerful country in the world will have a woman President or not ?
Meanwhile, a bunch of young kids continued to amaze me this Sunday afternoon as I watched the 78th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. These 8-13 year olds displayed their expertise at spelling unheard of words from the english dictionary over 19 consecutive rounds. The fact that the winner, Anurag Kashyap, a kid of Indian descent was a smiling hero one minute but just a shy kid the next second was kind of a let down for me. Anurag and his Dad mustered shy "Thanks" to all the press questions. This is strange for me. For a kid who definitely has a vocabulary far better than a average person; 2 lines as a winner's speech is not much to ask.
Not that I have a very different opinion of myself. I could easily identify myself with Jack from "All work and no play makes Jack a dull person". Work has been real busy this week...Its great when a day passes by and you realise you learnt something new from someone today. Now that I think of it, the last 9 months have not been a waste of life. Its been real. Its all been a great learning experience. The work, the new city, the people...
My next post is going to be all about my thoughts on San Diego, the top holiday destination in California.....May be I will also start shaping my thoughts on the future..
Watched an inspiring interview of Bill Clinton and a MSNBC series on leaders and headliners which included the life changing journies of Oprah Winfrey and Hillary Rodham Clinton. I always have and still do admire Bill as a political leader. What beats me is how a sensible and shrude public figure like Bill could take the risk of extra-marital affairs ? Thats the reality of the American Dream; applies to the head of the country as well ! Another great example of the fulfilled dream is seen in the movie American Beauty. Can't help thinking why SEX is such a high priority on an adult American's agenda ? Note to self: Still haven't read Clinton's "My Life".
Coming back on track, Hillary's nomination was under debate on the famous show HardBall. Hillary is supposed to be a very strong contender alongwith Rudy Guliani and John McCain. It would be interesting to see if the most advanced and powerful country in the world will have a woman President or not ?
Meanwhile, a bunch of young kids continued to amaze me this Sunday afternoon as I watched the 78th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee. These 8-13 year olds displayed their expertise at spelling unheard of words from the english dictionary over 19 consecutive rounds. The fact that the winner, Anurag Kashyap, a kid of Indian descent was a smiling hero one minute but just a shy kid the next second was kind of a let down for me. Anurag and his Dad mustered shy "Thanks" to all the press questions. This is strange for me. For a kid who definitely has a vocabulary far better than a average person; 2 lines as a winner's speech is not much to ask.
Not that I have a very different opinion of myself. I could easily identify myself with Jack from "All work and no play makes Jack a dull person". Work has been real busy this week...Its great when a day passes by and you realise you learnt something new from someone today. Now that I think of it, the last 9 months have not been a waste of life. Its been real. Its all been a great learning experience. The work, the new city, the people...
My next post is going to be all about my thoughts on San Diego, the top holiday destination in California.....May be I will also start shaping my thoughts on the future..
On female status & handshakes
This has now happenned to me twice in a single week...Can't say that I am cribbing about it! I am sure this has happenned to many young women out there.....
Just this weekend, I was at a social gathering where except 1-2 people all the faces were new to me...True to etiquette, I came forward and introduced myself and then 'IT' happenned..The crowd there was masculine in nature..eh...Most guys were chivalrous enough to gently shake hands and introduce themselves..Then there was that guy who barely touched the ends of my fingers let alone shake hands properly..and while doing his sped-fast semi-handshake he was looking at somebody else and did not even bother to say his name...Talk about manners....
Alright that night I let it go...u know late night gathering plus the guy was talking to someone else whilst trying to introduce himself to me..But lo and behold it happenned again today...This time I was meeting some new people with regards to some work and there it was...The weird touch-me-not kinda handshake....The first guy was shy and calmly told me his name while shaking hands briskly...The second guy was the epitome of rudeness may I say... Ya he was looking away from me...ya he said his name..but you know how he shaked hands...his hand was straight and as tight as a rock and my hand was all curvy and ready to mould well in shape for a steady handshake....It felt as if I was shaking hands with a block of wood or something like that...It felt grosse....I am like if you don't like shaking hands please don't but at least don't make the other person feel bad....
Later I got thinking..Why does this happen only to me?...Is it me...I polled some of my friends on this one...Does this happen to ya'll?..Haven't experienced so far said all my guy friends...Asked some of my girl friends and they are like..Yahaan!! Ah..ha so I found the reason...Apparently, this unfriendly handshake is a common event experienced by quite a lot of girls....And what might be the super cool reason behind this kinda behavior..Nothing much...Just that some ultra masculine (looking or sentimentally feeling) guys who think kinda way too much of themselves and all other guys find it utterly useless and un-masculine to shake hands with girls..Duh!!
Give yourself a dose of reality all you guys..U maybe a stud, as handsome as a black horse or as smart as a chimpanzee but if you think you are too good to shake hands with all women you are in deep trouble man....I wish you all have loads of women in your workplace especially your bosses....I wonder how you guys would react then...It would be nice to see you get treated swell for such behavior by your bosses...
If you haven't got the point yet, man get this now!..Dude, women are not only as smart as men in each and every aspect of life but they are also outdoing men in several fields..Regardless, you should treat all women as equals and give them the same respect as you would to any man...Such rude behavior is not only unwarranted but also very non-masculine (think chivalrous guys are hot favorites with women :) )....Change your habits and be a good handshaker!!
Just this weekend, I was at a social gathering where except 1-2 people all the faces were new to me...True to etiquette, I came forward and introduced myself and then 'IT' happenned..The crowd there was masculine in nature..eh...Most guys were chivalrous enough to gently shake hands and introduce themselves..Then there was that guy who barely touched the ends of my fingers let alone shake hands properly..and while doing his sped-fast semi-handshake he was looking at somebody else and did not even bother to say his name...Talk about manners....
Alright that night I let it go...u know late night gathering plus the guy was talking to someone else whilst trying to introduce himself to me..But lo and behold it happenned again today...This time I was meeting some new people with regards to some work and there it was...The weird touch-me-not kinda handshake....The first guy was shy and calmly told me his name while shaking hands briskly...The second guy was the epitome of rudeness may I say... Ya he was looking away from me...ya he said his name..but you know how he shaked hands...his hand was straight and as tight as a rock and my hand was all curvy and ready to mould well in shape for a steady handshake....It felt as if I was shaking hands with a block of wood or something like that...It felt grosse....I am like if you don't like shaking hands please don't but at least don't make the other person feel bad....
Later I got thinking..Why does this happen only to me?...Is it me...I polled some of my friends on this one...Does this happen to ya'll?..Haven't experienced so far said all my guy friends...Asked some of my girl friends and they are like..Yahaan!! Ah..ha so I found the reason...Apparently, this unfriendly handshake is a common event experienced by quite a lot of girls....And what might be the super cool reason behind this kinda behavior..Nothing much...Just that some ultra masculine (looking or sentimentally feeling) guys who think kinda way too much of themselves and all other guys find it utterly useless and un-masculine to shake hands with girls..Duh!!
Give yourself a dose of reality all you guys..U maybe a stud, as handsome as a black horse or as smart as a chimpanzee but if you think you are too good to shake hands with all women you are in deep trouble man....I wish you all have loads of women in your workplace especially your bosses....I wonder how you guys would react then...It would be nice to see you get treated swell for such behavior by your bosses...
If you haven't got the point yet, man get this now!..Dude, women are not only as smart as men in each and every aspect of life but they are also outdoing men in several fields..Regardless, you should treat all women as equals and give them the same respect as you would to any man...Such rude behavior is not only unwarranted but also very non-masculine (think chivalrous guys are hot favorites with women :) )....Change your habits and be a good handshaker!!
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