So, the year is almost nearing its end. And, let’s face it, it’s been quite a ride. A lot of great things happened in 2017, but a lot of not-so-great (read: pretty shitty) things happened as well. And the thing is, we kinda had a lot to do with that.
So, for this upcoming new year, it’s best if we leave the following things behind in 2017:
1. Looking down upon the transgender community
There couldn’t have been a better way to cap off 2017 than by the release of Asia Pacific Transgender Network’s #ChangeTheClap campaign. And it rings true, too. It truly is time to recognize the transgender community as a part of our functioning society. The community has faced way too much ridicule, abuse and ostracization. Let’s leave all of that behind as the new year draws close.
2. Being unaccommodating or harsh towards our women
We still have a ridiculously long way to go as far as treating our women right is concerned. But let’s keep at it. Hopefully, 2018 will be the beginning of change.
3. Toxic mardaangi
We absolutely must leave the entire existence of toxic masculinity behind in 2017. It’s harmful to everyone in our society, especially our men. Moreover, it propagates the sickening patriarchal mindset that encourages misogyny – both blatant and internalized. Isko 2017 main hee rehne dou, please.
4. Not taking harassment seriously
Harassment is all about not understanding consent and violating someone’s personal space. While we have a pretty vague understanding of consent to begin with, let’s try to stay well-informed. You know, so we don’t berate and abuse women who’ve been harassed. Or blame them for what happened.
5. Our denouncement of the existence of environmental damage
Hum ne kaafi fuck kia hua hai environment ko. And we aren’t trying to see how, either. Our actions have visible consequences. Take the smog as an example. Let’s start 2018 right by promising to go easy on our planet.
6. Our obsession with gora pan
Being fair is not synonymous with being lovely. Your skin tone does not dictate your worth. We’re a nation filled with tanned complexions. Why do we find that hard to accept?
7. In fact, our obsession with anything that goes against the idea of self-love and self-acceptance
Let’s begin 2018 with body positivity and a whole lot of appreciation for others and ourselves.
8. Our kinda sorta judgmental way of thinking
Live and let live. Bolte sab hain, karta koi nahi hai. So, let’s live and let live from here on out, okay?
9. Our collective disgust towards feminism
Feminism is not an evil movement. Feminists don’t want to destroy all men and establish themselves as the superior gender. Khair, we may not be making a LOT of progress on this front, but we’re starting somewhere. We’re conversing about it. Which is great. Hopefully, 2018 main hum isko accept bhi karleinge.
10. Our iffiness when it comes to discussing taboo topics
Topics such as rape, honor killings, menstruation and mental health cannot be shoved into dark corners anymore. Again, as a nation, we’re beginning to talk about these issues. And that’s great. Let’s keep at it.
11. Our lack of empathy
We absolutely need to possess the ability to get where others are coming from to understand their plight and help them out. We could all do with a little empathy, tbh. Things would change drastically if we were all empathetic.
2018 is a new start for all of us. The upcoming new year should signify change for all of us in many ways. And for the better, too. New year, new us, anyone? Let’s kick it off the right way by resolving to do better and be better. Have a great year ahead, guys.
Have anything to add to this? Let us know in the comments.
Cover image: @sairoz/Instagram
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