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Believe it or not, but the ‘modest’ garment (yes, sari it is) of Indian women has been banned in Nigeria. Shocked? Welcome to the world of ultra conservatism. Apparently, the Nigerian law declares a three month imprisonment or a fine of 100 dollars for women exposing their mid-riffs. After you are out of the immediate shock, let me ask you, ‘Do we really have the right to question the Nigerian attitude to our sari?
To begin with, aren’t we too taken over by an overwhelming moral policing that makes us, the common India, mentally ban short tops, skirts or those clothes of the west that expose body parts. Well, we are getting paid back in the same coin now. It’s only fair. The fabric of a sari is flimsy, the blouse is made of a thin cloth and many a times the garment is tied so that the navel is visible. The whole package isn’t very tasteful for the Nigerians. But to the women of India, the dress is a blessing in the hot climates of our region.
The point is, that even a skimpy garment like bikini is justified. Just try going to California or even to Goa in the summer heat in a pair of jeans, you just won’t feel like stepping out of the AC. In other words, a bikini (or something close to it) sometimes is the only way for you to face the sun. So, why don’t we put a stop to our unjustified moral policing and let the individual dress as per his/her desire and comfort.
By the way, did you know the navvari sari that is now regarded as a means to titillate men (thanks to Bollywood) was actually a symbol of freedom for women. The dhoti style sari gave women a lot of leg space allowing them to perform tasks that weren’t possible otherwise. But the so-called Maharashtrians, are too blind to realise that.
Via nitawriter
Tags: aishwarya rai, ban, Conservatism, fine, freedom, imprisonment, India, maharashtrian, mid riff, navel, navvari sari, nigeria, punish, sari, Women