This is in response to the letter by Sara Ahmed in which she tried to pass the blame entirely and squarely on men for all crimes against women.
She argued that men are solely responsible for the rapes, and even exposure of women should not tempt them to indulge in such brutal acts. In an ideal world with pious men having moral values, the argument does hold some water, but even best of moral practices and punishments cannot check the criminal mind.
We need to have a legal system that calls for strictest punishments for such heinous crimes and a value system wherein children are given morality lessons. But sometimes even the teachings of holy books do not necessarily guarantee an ideal world, therefore, harshest punishments are recommended for such crimes. Moreover, I think we should desist from blaming the systems and teachings alone, if men need to be taught about values, women need to be enlightened on the same including restraining themselves by dignified dressing.
Ninety-nine cats could be trained not to eat the meat lying in front, but still one is enough to empty the platter. Harshest punishments are the need of the hour, but they come into play only when the crimes have already been committed. What we need to do is to teach our sons and daughters about values and the bad world outside. Prevention is always better than the cure! — Sijas Vayal Purayil, Alkhobar
Moral values
