MyVoice: Views of our readers 25th june 2020

There is nothing wrong being 'feminist'

For all the people out there claiming to be equalists and those who jump at the slightest chance to tell everyone "I'm not a feminist" as if it is a cuss word. I want you all to know that if you stand for equality, I'm sorry, but you are a feminist. Because that is what feminism stands for, equality of all. Then, the question arises why the word 'feminism'? How do we need the LGBTQIA movement to focus on the issues regarding gender identity, expression and sexual orientation, how do we have anti-racism movements like 'Black Lives Matter' instead of 'All Lives Matter'? It is not because they deserve more privilege, but because they do not have it yet. Same way, we say feminists and not equalists, because being specific does not mean being exclusive. Rather feminism is inclusive of men, trans and nonbinary people and the marginalised. It is a movement against the institution of patriarchy so that there are no rigid gender roles and structures for people to follow and they have a choice to be who they want.

Saying that we are equalists would by trying to redefine feminism which would be undermining women's struggle throughout history by erasing their narratives. The name of the movement was never that important, but it has assumed importance for the reason that changing it would indicate that there was something wrong with it in the first place - and there never was.

Siddhi Mundra, Sabbavaram, Visakhapatnam, AP

Six years of worst rule

Nowadays, people are really frightened to question the BJP as they are feared to be marked as anti-nationalists. People do not understand why the flaws of the BJP being questioned is marked as anti-national and your credibility and integrity depend on your support to that party. In the past 15 days, crude oil price has been hiked for seven times, migrant labour walked hundreds and thousands of kilometres on foot. Ever since this party took charge, people are emotionally engulfed in patriotism and shouting slogans. Our soldiers are fighting which is undeniable. However, petrol price is hiked, no new jobs created, no smart cities are built, no black money is back, rupee rate is fallen down, GDP rate stooped down, economy is unstable, Rs 6,80,000 crores of loans availed by business tycoons were waived off but not a single EMI of common man. Because of over hype and publicity even neighbouring countries started provocative acts and soldiers are losing their lives. If anyone dares to question this, he is emotionally succumbed stating him or her as a traitor and as if he committed a treason. In the past six years people heard of only cow safety, religion, Pakistan, Hindu-Muslim riots, Kashmir issue, border, human martyr and cow slaughter.

Pavan Kiran, Tenali, AP