philo2676's Profile

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  • Oslo
  • Norway
  • writer, poet and lecturer. Philo is a freelance journalist and creative writer living in Oslo.

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India’s Bikini Ban: Blaming Women for Rape

About a year ago, we had this discussion on BBC world service and I was surprised to hear voices from different parts of the world: America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, Delhi saying that rape is caused by what women wear. I asked what happens to babies who are raped in South Africa and other parts of the world... and to others with a long cloth tied around their waists who are raped as they work the land or go to the river to fetch water? Who can raise the clearest voice against rape and put rape where it deserves in the world? There is no reason or excuse for rape! There is least rape incidences and often none at all in the North Eastern Provice of Kenya where women are hardly covered.. not among the Turkanas. But two years ago, nine muslim women fully clad in their Islamic clothes were raped in a different part of the same province as they looked for firewood in the bush. I met them and interviewed them and helped protect them. And am not looking to embarrass anyone but they were raped on the eve of Ramadhan. Sophia Noor, MP ( nominated ) from that region knows about this and other cases. I am appalled by Mascarenhas. She needs help to know more about rape.. someone should speak to the whole world on rape. So much of it in Darfur, in the DRC in parts.. is just not normal. It is a weapon of war and where there is no war, it is war in itself. Recently, I was fascinated to read that in the early 20th Century about 1904, in the Nandi Resistance and led by Koitalel Arap Somoei leader of the Nandi, some 500 people were killed to pay for the rape of 2 Maasai girls. The Maasai are a well known nomadic people of Kenya who have stuck to their dress and customs over the years. I was overwhelmed by the meaning these people attached to rape.. traditionally....

Posted by philo2676 | April 17, 2010 2:40 AM

Of Art, the Sacred and the Secular: India’s Debate over Painter M.F. Hussain

Very interesting article.

First for Hussain, did you say 95? My goodness look how precious freedom of expression is! This is a case to remember. I know exile from ones land and whether self imposed, imposed or there inbetween, it is one of the most trying things an artist can endure.. but it points to higher things...


Self expression and freedom without censorship especially in religious affairs is an issue we must discuss and also find solutions to.

I defend poetic and other art licence...

I think censorship of an artist is always wrong because one has a right to express and show what is inward... in other words.. banning expression does not obliterate different understandings but letting them out allows us space to discuss and be more human... I think.

Look at the case of the cartoons that offended the Muslims in Denmark. At Hussain. Is it true that because people might not express due to fear then contrary perceptions do not exist? Is not the question why Hussain ( who is not ignorant of what he was doing changing this and that ) has done what he did more important than that he did it?

When religion feels ashamed to address certain things or contrary things and it is in charge so to speak of truth among human beings what strength does it show? Look at the Catholic Church and hiding of sexual harassment of children and where it has got now.. is it not more public and more painful today? I think if an artist and writers had exposed it before... in all forms we would have come to a better day?

I praise artists daring, there is a reason for it. If we keep sayig that one whould not misrepresent, the question if we are not representing when others think we are mirepresenting remains..

I think not to think Hindu religion is not well known is better.. It is the only word many people can pronounce when they speak of religion in India, I find...

India is a fascinating land where religion and everything is concerned. And I am kind of interested in Qatar.. why this take? more information?

I quote you cos I like this;

"Hussain’s supporters say an era of censorship descended on India, first with the arrival of Islam and then with the appearance of the British colonizers and their Victorian sensibilities. To this day, temples stand in India with erotic sculptures adorning the exterior walls, signifying earthly material life - in contrast to the more austere inner chamber, which houses the main deity and denotes the higher consciousness and esoteric knowledge."

Posted by philo2676 | April 17, 2010 2:25 AM