A recent International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) conducted in six developed countries across four contingents, including Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Rwanda and India revealed the mindset and attitude of men towards violence. The sample comprised 8,000 men and 3,500 women between the age range of 18 to 59 years.
The findings revealed that one in four Indian men has committed sexual violence at some point in their lives. 1,000 men out of 1,500 interviewed in India belonged to Delhi, where rape cases reported in 2010, were 489. A similar study related to sexual harassment was carried by the Department of Women and Child Development Delhi in 2004. The sample comprised of 5,010 men and women under 35 years of age. The results indicated that 85.4% women, 87% men and 93% common witnesses confirmed sexual harassment to the extent that this single factor made Delhi the most unsafe city.
Such studies are an eye opener for those who are glued to Indian channels, watching drama serials where the role of men is mostly submissive to the women in the house. Violence is considered the worst act when it is related to women. Young boys when they get married find out that they themselves are not interested yet pretend to be happy with the girl only for the sake of family and behave like angels.
Why all this dichotomy? Is it to show the international community as well as their own audience that Indian men are very polite, hardworking and keeping themselves away from issues which may be a cause of conflict. Building an impression of being reliable so as to establish themselves and have a strong foothold. On the other hand, deceiving their own people to the violence-related issues.