Akangjungla
The idea of social reform would be just a remote dream for any society that is governed by gender inclinations. Simply aspiring to be progressive and modern in words and not in approach is as good as being nothing. For those who consider themselves as the privileged section, some of the most hated terms are gender equality, gender empowerment, gender discrimination, reservation, and quota. Their idea of debate emerges from the vices of division in society, speculations of victimization, special treatment with special status and many others. The defending side would argue by placing the reasons such as lack of opportunities, gender biasness, backward status, so on and so forth.
The role, expectation and responsibilities of any genders are largely determined by the culture of a particular community or the society they stay attached with. The conduct with fellow human being is often grounded in shared values and meaning which are acquired and deprived from the social fabric they belong to. Gender identities and appropriate attributes are shaped by culture and therefore, culture is more than just practicing of the masculine or feminine beliefs and practices. It is the indication of who the person is through their mind-set, principles, behaviour and ethics, not only in the family but also in the wider spectrum of the social order.
The considerable attention given to the revival, preservation and promotion of the Naga culture clearly has the need to include the aspects of customary and traditional statutes, and to move beyond the features of food, festivals, attires and ornaments, languages and biodiversity. If the Naga people truly desire to become an inclusive, respectful and accountable society, the social dimension of the culture needs to be put up on the table for open discourse and debates. It is about determining what is right and good for the people and not about who is right or wrong.
In many ways, culture exists to reassure the people of their value and worth as individuals and social beings. Culture offers opportunities for all, irrespective of race, gender, age or any other identification to participate in the dynamic activities contributing to the well-being of everyone. However, there are striking ironies in certain sections of the age-old preserved Naga culture in general. There are systems and values that have given different meanings to men and women; rich and poor. It is evident in the fact that in the same structure and organization, one has less self-sufficiency, can exercise very limited influence over the course of decision‐making and endure experiences of overwhelming pressure to adjust their course of life to suit the circumstances. The pattern of disparity based on gender cannot be unseen.
So is it alright for the Naga society to foster the unchanging cultural values or are we ready to reinterpret some of these values?
All aspects of human entities are continually changing and reshaping with the passage of time. There are many factors that attribute to the process of change, and unquestionably, it has to be translated in some kind of reinterpretation of the cultural values. There can be no consensus to a particular set of values and customs but it is possible to have values which are suited to shape and impact the society in the current and future context. Though highly debated, it is universally noted that gender relations are critical aspects of culture and hence, there should be no reason not to reinterpret cultural values to create equal opportunities and recognize diverse outlook and interests on gender relations; identify prospects for affirmative steps in support of equality; initiate constructive dialogues in the local culture set up; and most importantly, ignite a sense of deep commitment to work towards a discrimination free society.
Comments can be sent to akangjungla@gmail.com
