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SOUND OFF

`Women aren't trophies'

AS TOLD TO ASHA MENONAS TOLD TO ASHA MENON

Vidya Gautham laments the fact that most men value women only for their looks

PHOTO: S. THANTHONI

Vidya Gautham

When most men marry, they are simply looking to accessorise. Something pretty by their side. Something that makes their friends go green with envy. I submit as proof for my argument, matrimonial ads. Under "Brides wanted," "fair" and "beautiful" are almost as common as "girl." Go through these advertisements (in newspapers and websites) and you wonder if they are hunting for models. 2After these favourite adjectives, if space permits, the advertisements will mention "smart," "qualified" and "home-loving." This, in an age when we insist on respecting women for their abilities. It is pathetic. A woman may be a research scholar, but her matrimonial advert will attract attention of most men only if she is a shade lighter than "wheatish." In fairness cream advertisements, boys reject proposals by women because of their skin tone. Women too buy into this craze and toe the line. My maid wanted a tube of fairness cream along with her salary.

Women, like men, have no choice about the way they look. So why value them only for it? Why not go by educational and professional qualifications? People should look for life partners who vibe well with them. Don't go trophy hunting and don't go by photographs. Give people a chance, meet them and speak to them. Women too should learn to value themselves for their individuality and attitude.

Ideally, we marry for love. And love is blind.

SOUND OFF! is a weekly space for you to rant, applaud or talk about anything on your mind. Write to metro@thehindu.co.in telling us a little about yourself (with address and phone number), and you may get a chance to sound off!

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