“Qualities such as broad chest have been used as a metaphor for bravery, gallantry,” Rajasthan State Commission for Women’s chairperson Suman Sharma told The Indian Express on Friday (Photo courtesy: rscw.rajasthan.gov.in)
Two days after her controversial comments on the paucity of young men in modern society with broad chest and ample chest hair, and wondering how men in low-waist jeans can protect women, Rajasthan State Commission for Women’s chairperson Suman Sharma on Friday claimed that her comments were taken out of context, and that she was in reality advocating gender equality.
“If you hear my entire speech, you will know what I meant was to say that we need to give equal emphasis on health of both boys and girls. There are famous yesteryear songs with lyrics such as “ye desh hai veer jawanon ka, albelo ka mastano ka…yahan chaudi chhaati veeron ki (this country of brave youths, with broad chests of the brave…). Qualities such as broad chest have been used as a metaphor for bravery, gallantry,” Sharma told The Indian Express on Friday. At an event in Jaipur Wednesday, a day before the International Women’s Day, Sharma stoked a controversy with her comments that there was a time when women would desire young men who were broad-chested and had ample chest hair.
Sharma had said, “Kabhi hum apne desh ke aise yuva ka kalpana karte thhe, aisa mard hona chahiye jiski chhaati chaudi ho aur seenay mein dher saara baal ho, chaudi chhaati-wala insaan chahiye… (At a time, we used to dream of young men who are broad-chested and had chest hair; we wanted a person with broad chest).”
Sharma subsequently expressed her “concern” on how men in low-waist jeans will be able to protect women: “Kamar ke neeche jeans ja rahi hai, low-waist jeans…jiske jeans nahin sambhle wo apni behenon ko kya sambhalega? (Jeans is going below the waist…a person who cannot manage his jeans, how can he protect his sisters?) On Friday, Sharma said her comments on low-waist jeans was to say that boys these days are often unhealthy and lack nutrition.
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- Shantanu TomarMar 10, 2018 at 6:18 amIronically what she is doing is stereotyping men, much as the girls are stereotyped. And hairy chests are less hygienic and less healthy than less haired or hairless chests. Also low waist jeans aren't necessarily donned by malnourished guys. And being a feminist, don't project what girls like or should like in men. Oh the irony!Reply
- Krishna MittalMar 10, 2018 at 6:02 amWhy people at center stage can't use simple language ,which can't be misinterpreted. 56 inch is chaudi chati,but this is language used by goondas also. All be careful what you say say and what you mean. Double speak should stop or get out of public domain. No one take Indians as fools. Think only development . Work for strongsocial fabric .Reply
- Maheshwar SrinivasMar 10, 2018 at 6:02 amAbsolutely, I commend this lady for telling the truth.Young boys are more superfluous brats these days, and for every stray genius , there are a million wannabes.So many instances are there to come forward and protect girls being harassed in bus stops or public places , where these punks with pants below their waits, looking like overgrown babies needing nappies.They probably think they are .They look disgusting and vulgar is what they look like.To boot they are scared punks who don’t have the guts to stand up , when wrong is being done.Sad lot these boys are.Reply
