Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar has proved that we Indians and our skin colour prejudice is deep-rooted. He had the audacity to advise nurses fighting a larger social cause to not protest in the sun. This, only because the sun would cause their skin to get a few shades darker and in turn lower their chances of finding a suitor. All we can say is we’re appalled!
Parsekar apparently told the nurses and other protesting workers attached to 108 ambulance service, which is a government-approved facility that’s run by a private firm, to not protest in the sun as their complexion will become dark and they will not find a good bridegroom. This comment could land the CM in trouble as it is a highly sexist remark that is surely not appreciated by the nurses, or women in general.
The nurses have been on a hunger strike for the last few days in an attempt to be heard by the authorities. They have been protesting against the firm that allegedly makes only 13 out of the 33 ambulances they are paid for, available.
When the protestors met the CM in Ponda on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 in the hope that their plea be heard he passed a rather obnoxious comment on their skin colour and how it would affect their marriage prospects in the future, which was totally unwarranted especially from a government official of that stature. The nurses, who were surely offended, have demanded that if the CM is really worried about them he should meet their demands.
While this comment by the Goa CM may or may not be taken seriously, the fact that this was a crucial protest by the people and all he could talk about was their skin colour and how it would hamper their chances of getting a good groom only shows us how our society ultimately perceives women. Women are clearly, even today treated as housekeepers who are born to build a home and maintain themselves for their husbands. Our society and its parameters for an ideal wife/ bride are as shallow as our leaders and their mindsets.
While many of us are clearly not pleased about Parsekar’s statement, the question is: Does colour really play a big role in choosing your life partner? Are you too guilty as charged?
