Rising rape in India   

Note: This article does not support any of the conditions expressed in it. It merely sheds light on the topic. It represents the personal views of the writer. Readers should use their own discretion while reading it.

Rape involves two or more people, but the victim is typically only one, often belonging to a specific gender, i.e., female, and usually within a certain age group.

Some incidents go unreported due to social stigma or when an insider is involved.

But why is there an increase in this crime? Are people now more aware of it and reporting it without fear of societal repercussions, or is there something else at play?

Let’s delve into this complex issue to understand the various intricacies surrounding this crime.

The Various Aspects Contributing to Rape:

• Male-to-female ratio

• Male-centric world

• Unfair competition

• Social media (followers vs. real friends)

• OTT platforms

• Pornography

• Pro-woman laws

• Progress vs. the needs of men

• Alpha male syndrome

• Online education

• Homosexuality

• Ineffectively implemented laws for victims

•Male-to-female ratio
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) for 2021, the sex ratio in India for 2023 is reported as 1,020 females for every 1,000 males. Previously, the ratio was imbalanced, leaving 6 to 9 men without partners. So, why is the country still facing such crimes?

The global economy largely revolves around America and Europe, which seek larger markets to sustain their growth. India has been identified as a prime opportunity. It was predicted in the year 2000 that every Indian household would have 2 to 3 television sets, and this has indeed come to pass.

In the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, the man of the house was typically the breadwinner, and market choices were predominantly dictated by him. Family members had to conform to his decisions regarding lifestyle and appearance. However, the Western world began advocating for shared decision-making within families. This shift coincided with a rise in literacy rates in India, particularly among women, empowering them to become independent and assert their voices in family matters. Women began to contribute financially and make their own choices.

Television was introduced to India in the ’80s, but the nature of advertisements changed significantly after 2000. Many advertisements featured women prominently, aiming to make them feel special. This shift influenced Indian women’s perspectives on their roles.

As a result, many Indian women began to view homemaking as a low-profile, thankless job. The introduction of various household appliances and the availability of domestic help further reinforced this belief.

This change placed immense pressure on Indian men. They could no longer enjoy their traditional roles as heads of households. Requests for physical intimacy from their wives were often met with resistance. Meanwhile, women enjoyed more independence without needing their husbands’ financial support or permission, leading to frustration among men who felt deprived of sexual affection from their spouses.

In search of fulfillment, some men sought pleasure outside their marriages. While a few fortunate or attractive individuals found partners elsewhere, others turned to pornography or prostitution. In both scenarios, women are often portrayed negatively. Many men misinterpret gestures, mannerisms, and signals from women, leading to inappropriate behavior that can escalate into serious misconduct.

Some men may believe that women will eventually enjoy unwanted advances, as depicted in pornographic material or in certain films from the ’90s and South Indian cinema, which often suggest that a “yes” can be found in a “no.”

Male-centric world
We often hear that women have come of age and are now walking shoulder to shoulder with men in every area of life. However, this is not entirely true. There are thousands of professions where women either lack representation or choose not to participate, possibly due to mental or physical limitations, or perhaps because they are astute enough to avoid jobs that involve high risk and low remuneration. This can lead to the misuse of the narrative that women are the “weaker gender.”

Men understand that certain labor-intensive roles often fall to them due to life circumstances. This reality can drive some men toward addiction or a constant state of anger, which may manifest in negative behaviors directed at others. Unfortunately, it is often women who bear the brunt of this frustration, as acts of molestation may be seen as a form of revenge against a society that has overlooked them.

It’s astonishing that women of mediocre stature can still find companionship, whether for life or for a period, due to prevailing social norms. In this “jungle law,” men are expected to possess more resources than women, while women are often seen as subordinate. The extent of this subordination is often disregarded.

Unfair competition
The competition for romantic relationships has also changed dramatically. In the 1990s, before the prevalence of the Internet, a local man had a better chance of winning the heart of a nearby girl in competition with only a few other suitors. However, with the advent of social media and dating apps, the competition has become global. A woman may be exchanging messages with someone from another country, creating a mirage of connection that rarely leads to a meaningful relationship. Many girls become infatuated with an attractive online persona who may be dating multiple others simultaneously.

These young women often waste their precious years on such fleeting connections, and it is rare to see these relationships culminate in marriage. Moreover, stories of marriages formed under these circumstances rarely receive attention after the fact; however, numerous cases of divorce and crime have emerged from such unions.

Meanwhile, local men, feeling increasingly marginalized in their own communities, may resort to anger and addiction as coping mechanisms, which can ultimately lead to criminal behavior.

Given this context, it is often the case that when a girl is in trouble, men may hesitate to help her. There is a prevailing belief that women are beyond assistance. Tools like helplines and pepper spray are often seen as mere tokens to provide a false sense of security rather than genuine solutions.

The government operates under the influence of large corporations, which have a vested interest in selling their products. Advertising typically targets men, suggesting that purchasing certain items will garner attention or sexual favors from their partners. Conversely, women learn from this advertising that they should leverage certain favors to obtain what they desire.

If men were to suddenly lose interest in sex or romance, it could lead to a rapid collapse of both the market and the government. Take a look at a typical boys’ hostel room: it usually contains only a study table, a mattress, a blanket, and a few books—perhaps two or three outfits and a shared pair of shoes. This minimalist lifestyle reflects the reality that men often do not feel the need to impress one another. However, the dynamics shift dramatically when a woman enters a male group.

In summary, women may inadvertently make themselves vulnerable by punishing good men under the assumption that they are safe in every situation. 

Social Media: A Shift from Real Friendships to Followers
Gone are the days of genuine friendships; today, it’s all about amassing followers. In earlier times, people had gurus and elders to guide them, and friends who offered support. Now, every teenager seems to be an influencer, presenting themselves as all-knowing figures, with millions of followers hanging on their every word as if they hold the key to enlightenment.

Yet, followers often find themselves isolated, grappling with personal issues that cannot be resolved by generic online advice. They are connected to the world through a one-way stream of content, while influencers exist in their own bubble, convinced they are always right. This dynamic fosters loneliness for both parties.

Social media platforms cater to a wide range of users, including women aged 15 to 55, many of whom create provocative content in pursuit of fame and financial gain. These easily accessible sites are not classified as adult content by governments, social organizations, or parents, leading to an influx of inappropriate material that can distort perceptions of women as mere objects of desire.

Social media companies often justify the presence of vulgar content by claiming it is tailored to users’ preferences based on their browsing history. However, this raises two critical questions: Why are they monitoring users in the first place, and why is such content allowed on platforms frequented by minors? If someone seeks adult content, they will go to dedicated sites—not expect it on mainstream social media.

OTT Platforms: A Similar Challenge
OTT platforms are no different; they contribute to the problem by promoting both vulgar and violent content. While social media offers quick clips, OTT platforms provide longer films that can normalize unethical behavior. 

Film heroes are often depicted as morally corrupt—engaging in molestation, using profanity, and destroying property—all while flaunting wealth devoid of social values. Audiences pay to see this content as a means of escape from their frustrations in real life. This bottled-up anger can lead to inappropriate outbursts in everyday situations.

The Dangers of Pornography
Pornography represents a significant threat to society. While many engage with it, its pervasive influence has harmful effects. The repetitive nature of the content can lead to boredom and desensitization, pushing the industry towards increasingly unnatural and unethical scenarios that may encourage real-life criminal behavior.

The Complexity of Pro-Woman Laws
While pro-woman laws aim to protect victims of domestic violence and other crimes, they must be crafted carefully. Poorly written laws can inadvertently increase crime rates. Society expects honest men to have a good upbringing, pursue education, secure stable jobs, marry, raise families, and contribute to the economy through taxes.

However, a critical question arises: Who spends more—single men or married men? The economic burden often falls on hardworking individuals who face unjust scrutiny. Blanket laws created over the past 10-15 years address genuine issues but can be misused by urban women seeking financial gain from their husbands.

Alimony has emerged as a significant issue, often perceived as unfairly biased by judges. In the Indian community, there is a prevailing notion that women are always the victims.

Recently, a woman earning 33 lakhs annually demanded one lakh per month as alimony from her estranged husband. It’s hard to imagine how a man—or anyone—could harm a financially independent woman earning a substantial income, especially when the average salary in India is around 22,000 rupees.

The concept of gender equality often seems to exist only in theory. A good man, who wants to contribute positively to society by paying taxes, may feel targeted by individuals seeking to extract money from him. He faces public humiliation and even imprisonment for reasons that seem unjust, while serious offenders, like murderers, often receive bail.

In such circumstances, many good men may choose to avoid marriage altogether. They might resort to living in relationships to escape the potential pitfalls of marriage. However, the law now also scrutinizes men in live-in relationships. If a relationship is not intended to lead to marriage, why should the law assume that a man is exploiting a woman under the pretext of marriage? If he had intended to marry, he would have done so from the start. 

It raises an important question: if the law views Indian women as naive or innocent, then shouldn’t they be restricted from engaging in relationships without parental guidance? How is it that when enjoying intimacy, a woman is considered an adult, but when it comes to marriage and she feels rejected, she is seen as vulnerable?

Consequently, many men may turn to unhealthy outlets, seeking temporary satisfaction in red-light areas or engaging in unsafe sexual practices out of frustration. They might believe that money can buy affection, leading them down a path of disillusionment.

Despite this, many men hesitate to help women in distress because they feel that the system does not support them. Helplines and self-defense tools like pepper spray often serve merely as tokens of safety rather than effective solutions.

Moreover, the government appears to be influenced by large corporations that promote products through advertising aimed at men. These advertisements suggest that purchasing certain products will lead to greater attention and intimacy from women. Conversely, women may learn to demand favors in exchange for what they want.

If men were to lose interest in romance or intimacy, it could have dire consequences for both the market and the government. Observing a typical boys’ hostel room reveals minimal possessions: a study table, a mattress, a blanket, and a few books. Men tend not to showcase their belongings or status among themselves. However, when a girl enters a male group, dynamics often shift dramatically.

In summary, women may inadvertently place themselves in vulnerable positions by punishing good men under the assumption that they are safe at all times.

Progress vs. the Needs of a Man – What a Man Needs
A man typically needs three things consistently and one occasionally: food, clothing, and shelter are the three basic necessities, while love and romance are needed occasionally.

Let’s consider Japan as an example. It is one of the most progressive countries in the world, yet it faces a steep decline in population, with many men avoiding marriage due to high maintenance costs. In Japan, one can rent a wife, friend, mother, or relative for a day or two, depending on their financial capacity.

Can you not see that the progress of a country often demands a loss of human relationships? There is little time to interact or enjoy good moments with parents or loved ones. A man in a progressive country can be one of the loneliest souls ever seen. This is why many American men seek to marry Filipino or Malaysian women; they tend to be less demanding.

Indian girls often feel entitled. They have been placed on a pedestal and treated like goddesses, but few are willing to contribute financially. There are instances where a girl whose father has never dined in a restaurant expects her boyfriend to provide five-star service.

What audacity it is to ask for so much, especially when the law supports them in matters of infidelity, failing to recognize it as a crime.

A good man diverts all his resources and plans just to get married, while the girl has the right to dismantle his future, as nothing is at stake for her in this marriage. She can simply pack her bags and return to her parents’ home or wherever she wishes. When will the law be equal? When will women contribute the same money and resources as men do to run a family?

It is always a man’s respect, property, and job that are at higher risk. A woman often brings little or nothing to the table. It begins with a girl’s intangible feelings, hopes, and dreams but ends with her asking for tangible goods.

Alpha Male Syndrome
The term “alpha” is harming every male. It represents the ability to serve the family and tribe to the best of one’s ability. But how many of us are truly alpha, or is it merely a term used to degrade the male image? This term is not applied to females, as they are often seen as the receivers or takers. Males are pressured to perform in order to achieve a simple life, which leads to an entitlement among females for a very good lifestyle.

Social media, movies, and other forms of entertainment promote and celebrate the number one position—the alpha—making others feel pressured or inferior. Females often seek out successful married men for their resources and money. The concept of a one-woman man has already been undermined by women themselves. They seem content with men who cheat on them; polygamy has become the new normal.

This makes the availability of females rarer for males. Males in pursuit often make desperate efforts to win a lady, but what happens when an alpha male has ten girls while a single average male is left empty-handed? Crimes against females and molestation are byproducts of this social structure. It sounds like jungle life—an animal kingdom. Yes, it is! The world is a jungle.

Online Education
After COVID-19, online classes became mainstream. Even post-COVID, many parents are okay with their kids spending time on mobile phones, where anything can be searched. Accidentally, a child may come across malicious content.

Online corrupt behavior has now transitioned offline. Children, particularly girls, are dancing to raunchy songs at school functions. No one seems concerned about these kids being objectified and viewed as objects of desire. Parents prepare them for such performances, and school principals allow it to happen. Society itself is pushing the envelope.

What more have we, as a society, failed at when over 100 members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are convicts in rape cases? Even after these inhumane acts, these individuals receive tickets to stand in elections and are often voted into power.

Homosexuality
This is one unprecedented reason that is not widely accepted or openly discussed in India. Lesbian and gay relationships are also factors contributing to crime and rape among Indians. This culture is often hidden and is not as rampant or popular as some directors portray in films; it may exist only in a few pockets. 

Lesbian females do not want men, which also impacts the availability of females. Gay men are often assaulted by other men who are more powerful than they are. The situation is complex.

Carelessly Thought Laws
Let’s consider two situations. In the first, the perpetrator receives rigorous imprisonment for 10 years; in the second, he receives the death penalty. Which one is better for society? 

On the surface, the death penalty may seem preferable. However, what does the death penalty encourage a culprit to think? The perpetrator may ensure that the victim is dead, knowing that if she or he survives, they could identify him and lead to his execution. So, the question arises: Who will save the victim when the crime is happening? Can the law prevent such crimes? Thus, life imprisonment serves to protect the victim and allows them to seek justice.

Rape is not just an individual crime but a complex system that involves society at large, where many individuals are responsible, directly or indirectly.

The constant bombardment of romantic and sexually suggestive videos and media has led people to think about these activities far more than normal. Today’s easy lifestyle, where everything is readily available, gives individuals ample time to contemplate devilish acts that have occurred throughout history.

Have you ever seen animals committing crimes? Day in and day out, they focus on food and shelter. It is said that animals do not have a concept of “revenge.” It consumes too much energy to remember when there are so many important things necessary for survival.

So, next time you see a man or woman in dire need, help them or listen to them. It takes only an ear to prevent a crime from happening.


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