Armed with love

New Wave

The ‘Kiss of Love’ and ‘Hug of Love’ protests against moral policing, that have been taken out in some parts of the country, have become a matter of debate.

A majority of young men and women are raising their voices against a section of society which has been trying to impose a moral code of conduct.

They feel that moral policing infringes their right to freedom.

While some youngsters who believe strongly in the cause, it is the method of protest that they are not happy about.

The protests may or may not have achieved the goal, but clearly, they have garnered plenty of eyeballs.

Pointing fingers

Antony Paul, a student of engineering from CMRIT, says, “We need to change the attitude of the people who resort to moral policing. We need to criticise those who point fingers at women who are raped and say the crime happened because of the way the women were dressed. As far as the ‘Kiss of Love’ protests are concerned, the method could have been different.”

Rules differ

Aratrika Halder, another media student says, “If a couple is kissing, it may involve both man and woman. However, the society points its fingers only at the girl and is blamed for it. I feel moral policing is targeted at women, while men easily get away with it. If a mother and daughter kiss in public, it is taken in good spirit. So kissing is just a gesture of affection and it will not ruin the Indian culture.” 

Wrong tactics

Mukesh Yadav, also an engineering student from CMRIT, says, “These kind of events eventually tarnish a woman’s image in the society. I’m totally against protests like ‘Kiss of Love’. Since there is a large group of people, who are narrow-minded, women will bear the brunt in the end. It is important to respect women. While the protest are for a good cause, how you take out the protest needs to be different.” 

Forced morals

Reya Dutta, a media student from Commits says, “Moral policing comes from a group of people who are trying to ‘preserve’ the Indian culture. Often, these people force others to follow their code of life, which is wrong. We should not be forced into something. Although I was brought up in Kolkata, a fairly progressive city, when I wear short clothes my parents oppose it. I feel this is moral policing because I’m forced to do something in a certain way. If a man smokes, it is not a problem, but if a girl smokes, she is stared at.” 

Double standards

Tia Raina, a media student from Commits, says, “Moral policing is unnecessary, we have our own moral codes and we don’t want others to tell us what we should do. I believe in such protests and will support the cause. Although it may not bring about a change in our society immediately, it will make people think whether it is a good thing to pry into another person’s life. People are allowed to relieve themselves on the street but not kiss in the public. That is ridiculous.”