Sexuality & Gender & Goa
Recently I had the pleasure of watching three intellectuals exchange views on sexuality, gender and Goa. The panel discussion was interesting although I was a little disappointed on one count: sexuality is a subject which is understood by human beings irrespective of their educational background. Nirad Chaudhuri, the great indian writer in English, observed a long time ago how the Indian mind is full of sex and the heart full of fear. A good mix of intellectuals and blue collar workers would make for a nice cocktail as the discussion, in my opinion, probably would have been more interesting and lively. Intellectuals tend to have sex on the brain unlike people who use their hands and feet and even dirty them the way farmers do in the fields in their quest to make a living. They are, in short, more earthy. For these people sex is a highly localized phenomenon. Intellectuals no doubt can contribute to the intellectual aspects of sex and gender, legal, social, and other. But the freedom of the not-so-schooled and unschooled and untamed is not something we can afford to ignore or even look down our noses. In this fertile field, D.H. Lawrence has covered a large area of turf albeit in England and a while ago. All the same his at-one-time infamous novel Lady Chatterly's Lover does provide us with an important searchlight however dim in the Indian context regarding sexuality and gender. People who are interested in the subject of sex and gender in the Indian context can learn a lot from it as a comparative study of England at the time and the India of today. Indian and Hindu culture today undoubtably have been influenced by British and Muslim attitudes towards sex over the last few centuries. People who think otherwise need to debate the issue but there is no doubt a lot of historical evidence for all to see. Nowadays, unfortunately, politicians and self-appointed gurus present their personal views on sexual mores as though it is the government's official policy. All this is done in the name of nationalism and is highly prejudicial and selective but good for a laugh which is healthy and should be welcomed! It is of course also ridiculous. Sex and society is a complex topic. Gay sex, for some people, is a sin and for other people it is natural. What to do? Panel discussions should be made up of people of a cross section of society . Whenever someone expresses a negative view it is necessary to make sure the audience gets to hear or read a positive side. This is important as we are able to highlight the great diversity of opinions in our country on sexuality and gender. Otherwise it allows people like Pramod Muthalik and his ilk to present their views as though they are spokesmen for a monolithic Indian ethos which is completely false. The media needs to limit the scope of politicians and gurus who are self-appointed guardians of Goan and Indian morality. They are not representatives, and this charade has to be stopped immediately. When a Muthailik is given space to air his views equal space should also be given to other people to ridicule him. This is good, constructive, and creative as it will strengthen Indian democracy immensely.
