The Irony of gender issue-1

― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” 

The Definition:

The term ‘Gender’ is a big misnomer. It is conveniently used by amateur to put forth their lay ideas. Many expertise romance the issue with no strings attached. But, few practice what they preach. So, no one dare called her/him Genderist J like Feminist do. Gender by its definition means ‘state of being man or women’. If we further wanted to deal on it there is another term called Grammatical GenderJ. The term Gender has evolved since it’s originated from Old French gender (modern genre), based on Latin genus 'birth, family, nation'. The earliest meanings were 'kind, sort, genus' and 'type or class of noun. The word gender has been used since the 14th century as a grammatical term, referring to classes of noun designated as masculine, feminine, or neuter in some languages. The sense ‘the state of being male or female’ has also been used since the 14th century, but this did not become common until the mid-20th century. Although the words gender and sex both have the sense ‘the state of being male or female’, they are typically used in slightly different ways: sex tends to refer to biological differences, while gender refers to cultural or social ones. Gender thus not refer to different sex’s but is not defined without referring to it. So, if you meet lay ideas (one with sallow knowledge) would likely tell you more of what gender is not about rather than what it is all about. Thus, surprise not, when you are trap in this missing link (Misnomer).

The Opposite Force

The concept of Gender only dates back to 20^th century whereas our tradition (including irrational social norms and practice) has dwelt with us since civilization. Our irrational practices, expectation and discrimination have come down to us with the full packages of tradition, cultural, religion and expectation under the protection of strong institution, rules, charismatic personality and pious followers. In times severe mass cultural revitalization took place to reinforce it.  This irrationality has been so much internalized and accepted by most section of the society. Social orders and conduct are religiously organized since century’s base on this irrationality. Introducing the concept of Gender means replacing the old believes system with the new elements of justice, freedom and empowerment. So, at some point the two contradicts with each other. The question is which driving force of the two concepts is mightier   would have its way. So, preaching gender is not sufficient nor keeping it at ideation level. A strong wave of change would be needed, more than discussion, more than international declaration, more than legalization would be needed. Then what?   

 Conspiration in Idolization

Many female has excelled in various fields fighting against all odds. They are normal women, everyday women facing all discrimination. Need not mention of Sunita Williams, Mary Kom, Mother Teresa, Sarojini Naidu, P.T Usha. Etc…..

I wonder how many have drawn inspiration from all these legends (?). What society does with their achievement is not less than a Conspiration. Their names and achievement were made bigger than live picture. They were made to believe they were genius more than their odds they have overcome. Female were made to believe those as exceptional case. They were idolized with (maybe) good will. But the problem in idolizing starts when we admire her, look up to her, adore her and revere her and create a special status for her. We just diminish to follow her and draw lesser inspiration from her, more respect and lesser competition to the bar they have created. So, upholding a female achiever can still be a disadvantage. Let Gender has its giant leap very soon I pray.