Comments on: This is India! 133

By: Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 09:33:31 +0000

In reply to rebecca. Yes there is a LONG way for the world to go! So true.

By: rebecca

rebecca — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 18:23:30 +0000

How do you deal with these comments from the men? What pigs! In a way I wish you didn’t have to delete your opinions. I always find personal opinions interesting to read (however, I understand).

This world has a long way to go! I just finished reading about the mass sexual assults in Cologne on NYE horrifing!

By: Tim UrbanDuniya

Tim UrbanDuniya — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 08:02:06 +0000

Horrific. It beats me how so many people can live in such denial about an issue like that (and I’m not only talking about India).

By: Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 05:28:42 +0000

In reply to Betsy.

That’s interesting you say that. I actually had something similar happen in Morocco with kids and as I turned around to yell at the child, an adult had seen and slapped him across the face. I don’t know how kids can learn these things. It’s scary – and also you saying that reminds me it’s not just India.

By: Betsy

Betsy — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 03:44:02 +0000

Thanks for the thoughts. It is so sad, however, it feels like there is a global tendency towards these ideas lately. I have been coming to India since 2009 and I had never been actually touched by a man, sure people had said things to me but no one had touched me, until last year. To my surprise it was not a grown man or a teenager who thought they should physically harass me, it was the 7/8 year old boys that live in my neighborhood. One of them slapped me on the ass and then ran off. A week or so later two other boys cornered me and one of them started yelling “I love you” at me repeatedly and he tried to grab my breast, but I knocked his hand out of the air and then he ran off. Clearly this behavior is being taught and Rajasthan is pretty conservative. I yelled at several adults that were outside and now they do not bother me. Uggg….

By: Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 16:49:51 +0000

In reply to Pritam Rana. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Mine are very very similar.

By: Pritam Rana

Pritam Rana — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 14:34:15 +0000

Unfortunate truth in India.. And the politicians are also of the same mindset. The crux of the problem is there is no punishment. From what I read, there is only a 10% conviction rate and that is way too low to deter people with this mindset. There needs to strict laws, fast trials and severe punishment to deter this behavior. Unfortunately, when those in power abuse the system, it all goes downhill from there… sad !!!

By: Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 04:47:54 +0000

In reply to Pradipta. Hi Pradipta, Yep it's a sad situation. Here in India, we know how it is and see the news about this weekly if not more often, so maybe if people outside see it too then India's laws/police/etc will want to change even more

By: Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 04:46:48 +0000

In reply to kanulal@yahoo.com. Hi Kanulal, thanks for sharing your perspective. I think better laws would help and the courts enforcing them every single time

By: kanulal@yahoo.com

kanulal@yahoo.com — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 11:44:37 +0000

You are becoming more and more Indian now and that’s quite appreciable. It is already proven the attire and lifestyle of women has nothing to do with sexual crime against them. It is equally true that men behaviour is independent to their education level and financial status. Then what make men to prowl on women on such beastly and boorish manner. We can see parallel with 18th century and early 19th century US when US transformed from strong agricultural community to an age of industry. The 19th amendments in 1920s and strong laws thereafter really help US women to equality and thus respect.

By: Pradipta

Pradipta — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 11:37:38 +0000

This is really unfortunate, even shocking when some people are trying to justify molestation. It is more shocking when we hear such words from some people who are in power or who are responsible for women safety.
Actually it happens as they shamelessly trying to hide their inabilities to be in such position. In many cases we have noticed that but thank to people who always stand for justice and raise their voice.
In 2012 in Delhi same thing happened, it is people who raised their voice otherwise nothing won’t happen.

By: Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 15:31:18 +0000

In reply to Sarah.

Yeah it is sad – it’s good to know a little bit about the politics and the people who are in charge of a place you’re going to for sure. I’m sure my dad will yell at me for this post though :p saying I shouldn’t get involved in these things!

PS thanks for reading my blog for so long, that’s awesome!!! You’re the best.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:47:27 +0000

I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now, Rachel, and this is why I love it: honesty and expertise after almost four years in India!

I’m off on my first trip to India in about two weeks’ time and I’ll have to keep all this in mind. It’s a sad fact, but I suppose that’s the reality right now.

By: Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:14:51 +0000

In reply to Sher. Yeah it really is crazy. I hope it doesn't put you off from coming here though! :)

By: Sher

Sher — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 16:20:35 +0000

Yikes! It’s kind of scary to hear what these politicians really think. If a country’s leadership has that mindset.. imagine how much more difficult it will be to see improvements. I have been thinking of visiting India this year but those kinds of comments definitely make me very nervous to actually go. Anyway, love this series and stay safe!