Necessity, Immediacy, and
Practicality
(A Brief Analysis of Dr. A.K.B.
Pillai’s Proposed Measures to Combat Sexual Assault)
By: K.K.Johnson
In tackling the major issue of sexual assault that has been prevalent in
Indian society, Dr. A.K.B. Pillai has written an excellent analysis of the
problem and has provided many potential solutions through his latest book, Women
and Children: Sexual abuse and Violence.
Although the work is a valiant and necessary effort, it seems to be lacking
in the consideration of the complicated nature of the problem as a whole.
Practicality seems to be a problem facing some of these suggested solutions.
For example, prevention is a cause that is heavily stressed in the book.
Prevention is undoubtedly a necessary initiative, but prevention through scare
tactics as suggested in the book might not be very efficacious.
- He suggests that calling
victims to come out and file cases would be a good way to gain justice for
them and prevent future assaults. He also notes that only about one in
every three cases is known. This statistic is saying something that can’t
be ignored. Sexual assault is undoubtedly one of the most traumatic things
that can happen to anyone. As Dr. Pillai notes, it can have lasting damaging
effects physically, emotionally, and psychologically, on its victims.
Giving a huge amount of media attention to the issue is an excellent idea;
however, using that media attention to reach out to victims may not be as
effective as one would think. The trauma of a sexual assault may be so
intense that an individual would never make it known. This is where the
aforementioned statistic becomes necessary to consider. If only one in
three cases comes forward, that seems to suggest that there may be significant
personal, social, and/or cultural issues at work within the victim,
preventing him or her from coming forward. It is safe to assume that a few
individuals would be encouraged to come forward; however, it may not be in
the volume that Dr. Pillai believes would come forward.
- Secondly, Dr. Pillai notes
that this media attention might serve as a preventative measure for many
assaults. This suggestion is debatable, considering that it is common
knowledge that sexual assault is an offense punishable by arrest and
incarceration. Flooding the media with warnings might not be as effective
as one would like to think. In many cases the offenders are competent
individuals, aware of the consequences of their actions or are influenced
by psychological pathologies. Media tactics would likely not be very
effective in preventing these individuals from sexually assaulting their
potential victims.
- Dr. Pillai suggests the
formation of certain preventative units that seem to function similarly to
HR (Human Resources) units. This initiative is definitely a good thing;
however, as far as practicality is concerned, it would likely take quite
some time to implement. The book suggests the importance of immediacy in
taking these actions. Immediacy is ideal but it may not be so realistic.
As Dr. Pillai notes throughout his text, the increase of sexual assaults
can be linked in some ways to the many harmful social and cultural
institutions in place in Indian society, such as the general patriarchal
and male dominant attitudes, the separation of men and women, and the lack
of communication between parents/guardians and their children. These are
problems that will likely take years to be solved. When you have such
deeply rooted and long standing institutions in place in a society, the
change has to come from within said society. In this case, Dr. Pillai’s
suggestion of change at the individual level becomes valid. The change
needs to start among children, and within families. Things like sex
education are very important and necessary; however, they are constantly
met with opposition in many Indian communities where discussing sex and
sexuality is taboo, especially if it’s with children. It is a little silly
that in the country with the second highest population in the world, sex
is such a hot button issue. Obviously, social institutions need to take on
some of the responsibility in facilitating necessary change, but the brunt
of the responsibility is on the family and individual citizen.
- The area where I agree with
Dr. Pillai the most is when he suggests that the parents need to make an
active effort to be a part of their children’s lives outside of the scope
of a provider. Parents need to realize that their children are human
beings with emotions and desires and questions. Like Dr. Pillai suggests,
there needs to be a shift from the agrarian attitude where children are
expected to be obedient without question and where parents are
inaccessible to their children. Children need to be encouraged to talk
about their desires and romantic interests and questions. Parents
shouldn’t be ashamed to talk to their children about these issues because
ignorance is far more dangerous in my opinion, than knowledge. Suppressing
one’s inner thoughts is extremely damaging. People need to have an avenue
to express their thoughts. Parents need to be that avenue.
- Dr. Pillai also suggests that
the separation of genders needs to end. In Indian society women are
fiercely protected and viewed as inaccessible and taboo subjects in many
circumstances. Both genders need to be able to intermingle. Men and women
shouldn’t have to perceive each other as forbidden subjects. The concept
of “purity” is so important in Indian society yet no one tries to consider
that it serves no real purpose. It is an antiquated way of thinking that
only limits people. Sex is one of the most basic needs and drives of any
animal. From a strictly biological standpoint, self-preservation and
procreation are the two most important goals of any species. Humans have
the advantage of being aware and conscious of these needs. When you try to
repress these needs, especially sexual ones, on a massive social scale,
disaster occurs. That’s why I believe that sex needs to be dealt with on
an individual and familial level. However, I realize that as ideal as this
change would be, it is not realistic, especially in a community that
resists change as adamantly as the Indian community. I realize that it is
a change that can only occur gradually. Hence I agree with Dr. Pillai in
his belief that a change in the parent/child dynamic is essential in
changing the attitudes about sexuality in Indian society and reducing the
number of sexual assaults in the future.
- In conclusion, I would like
to address Dr. Pillai’s concept of the materialistic sensual society. It
is no secret that society has drifted towards a general mindset involving
selfishness, self- indulgence, instant gratification, and self destructive
tendencies. It is important to consider that it took a considerable amount
of time for this mindset to develop. It will take just as much if not more
time for it to change back to a mindset involving, selflessness, and the
promotion of the good of society. Dr. Pillai presents many valid points in
analyzing the issue of sexual violence in India. Although some of his
proposed measures may not be as immediately effective as he believes, with
time, they may be quite efficacious. Perhaps the most important change
needs to occur within the individual and within the family unit. Dr.
Pillai writes that, “A rapist and a murderer are not born, but made by
their experiences in the society.” (page 24)
Although genetic factors definitely influence characteristics such as
temperament, the expression of these characteristics can undoubtedly be
influenced by environmental factors such as childhood care from
parents/guardians. In my opinion, Dr. Pillai is right when he says that
children need to be taught early on about themselves and others and that
good parenting is key in influencing social competence and compassionate
behavior. Personal accountability is very important, however, experiences
do shape us as human beings. Hence I believe that a change in the attitude
towards women and sexuality in the long run will occur if a change occurs
in the basic family unit. Only time will tell if the suggestions of
individuals like Dr. Pillai, can be successfully implemented in our
community.