Women's Day:The Hypocrisy of Patriarchal Society

So, there is this friend of mine, well-educated and well-placed from a socio-economic perspective in today's world, even "let" his wife work as a school teacher. On the occasion of Women’s Day, he proudly gifted her a jewelry set, seemingly evidence of his support for her autonomy. 

However, over the dinner, this same man erupted in fury when the subject of her wanting to embark on a solo trip. 

This incident is a microcosm of the pervasive hypocrisy that underpins many modern relationships, illuminating the troubling dual force of ostensible progress and buried patriarchal attitudes.

It is all too common to find well-meaning individuals (mostly men) who proclaim their support for women's empowerment but are often shackled by outdated notions of ownership and control. The contradiction in my friend's behavior highlights a cultural dissonance prevalent in many societies today: the idea that a woman's autonomy is acceptable through specific lenses but wholly objectionable when it crosses certain boundaries. Women are "allowed" to work, pursue their careers, and even enjoy jewelry on special occasions, but the moment their independence threatens to disturb the status quo — such as planning a solo trip — they are swiftly reminded of traditional constraints.

The Glamorization of Gender Equality

Patriarchy, ever the chameleon, has mutated in ways that allow it to persist despite the liberalization of social norms. In this context, when men like my friend express acceptance of their partners' aspirations and ambitions, it often occurs within a carefully defined frame that ultimately reinforces their own sense of security and dominance. This is inbuilt and a spontaneous result of a combination of factors that include brainwashing in the name of cultural and parental guidance, the growing up of a society limited by vision, superstition and racism, a faulty education system and (most recently) WhatsApp university knowledge. 

Ah, how many winters have flown since Vladimir Lenin proclaimed March 8th a day to celebrate women for their vital role in the 1917 Russian Revolution! Who knew that decades later, this noble holiday would evolve into the ultimate capitalist carnival of faux empathy, where we parade our concern for women while strategically shuffling our dollar bills and patting ourselves on the back for a job well done? What a beautiful transformation

This hypocrisy is not just about individual relationships; it is woven into the very fabric of societal norms. Media, education, and even corporate environments often espouse principles of equality while simultaneously upholding patriarchal structures. Women are celebrated in theory but still face significant barriers in practice — in pay equity, career progression, and personal freedoms. The nuances of such conditions make it easy for individuals to convince themselves of their progressivism while simultaneously upholding oppressive power dynamics.

The Fragility of the Male Ego

When my friend reacted with fury at the mention of his wife’s solo trip, it exposed the fragility of the male ego. The very notion of a woman stepping outside her prescribed role provoked feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and fear. It is an indicator of deep-seated misogyny that often masquerades as protectiveness. This paternalistic instinct strips women of their agency and frames their aspirations and desires as threats to traditional family structures, often leading to conflicts reminiscent of an ingrained hierarchy.

Such reactions not only undermine the so-called liberality that men profess to endorse but reveal the conditioning that equates a woman’s independence with a challenge to male authority. The protests surrounding their partners' personal freedoms often come cloaked in concern for safety or familial responsibilities. 

However, beneath these ostensibly noble reasons lies a disquieting truth: the greater the independence a woman seeks, the more threatening her actions may seem to a still patriarchally inclined society.

Challenging the Status Quo

To address this fleeting hypocrisy that pervades modern society, men need to critically examine their own beliefs and behaviors. True support must go beyond mere gestures or tokenism; it requires dismantling entrenched patriarchal values. It necessitates a commitment to authentic partnerships where mutual support doesn’t come fraught with conditions.

Moreover, society as a whole must engage in a broader dialogue about women's rights and personal freedoms, encouraging men to embrace the idea that their partners’ aspirations do not diminish their own worth or masculinity. We should work towards cultural narratives that celebrate independent and empowered women, placing their desires and decisions without judgment.

The juxtaposition of my friend’s actions — gifting jewelry on Women’s Day while vehemently opposing his wife's solo travels — encapsulates the hypocrisy that finds fertile ground in a patriarchal society that prides itself on progressiveness while cozying up to outdated ideals of control. 

It’s time to peel back these layers, confront uncomfortable truths, and begin fostering relationships and environments that not only respect but also celebrate the autonomy of all individuals. Only then can we claim to have truly embraced the spirit of equality and empowerment.