Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Social Justice Event #1

Pink Saris
October 3 , 2012
GEND Film Series Event



              I finally made it to one of the events offered by the WMST film showings which took place in the Adams library. I had some trouble finding the room but eventually I asked for directions and I was on my way. Upon walking in the room I noticed two of my class mates which confirmed I was at the right place. The documentary got off to an interesting start by showing an heated argument between Sampat Pal ( the self proclaimed messiah of women) and Rekha's husbands family. Rekha is a pregnant fourteen year old who cannot be married to her child father due to the fact that she is a lower caste then him. Although tradition calls for unwed pregnant teens to be murdered young girls like rekha find refuge with Sampat who takes these girls under her wing.Sampat finds comfort in sticking up for young women she can relate she was also married at a young age , had children , and was brutally beaten by her husband's family. Pal challenges tradition as well as caste ( social classes) in the village where she operates. Pal exposes the abuse that girls face while in the hands of their in -laws and husbands out in the open instead of in court. Sampat Pal along with other women wear pink saris representing unity bringing recognition to the change of tradition in India.

This movie connects with a few themes we have covered in class which was the different classes in society. In India class is divided by caste (class) lower class ( untouchable) usually marry in their class. Higher class men or women are disowned if they marry an untouchable their usually disowned and told never to return to their homes. In a group discussion we spoke briefly about the idea of marriage and religion  which is mentioned in the video. Sempat challenges the old traditions of marriage by exposing the domestic violence teenage girls experience within there marriages.

Clip Of Women Gang "Pink Saris" Stand up For the Equality Of Women

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