Blank Noise

The Age article on September 2, 2006 titled "Stare wars: Indian file for lechers" highlighted one of the most disturbing aspects of traveling in India for females. Having traveled about India for some 30 years with my wife and recently with my daughter I have first hand experience of the effect of this sexual harassment on women, which ranges from staring to full out groping. On a recent trip to Bangalore I was in an auto-rickshaw with my daughter and the driver inevitably got lost so we had to stop several times. The staring at my daughter's chest got so intense that she lost all cool and yelled at him--but this didn't stop his behavior despite my presence and support. Taking digital photos of these guys is a great way to put it back on the pervert as Ms Patheja says "The camera instantly transfers power to the woman. Instead of being amused, the man felt threatened." Unfortunately we didn't think about using a camera at the time--next time we will. This is but one of countless episodes of this sort I (a male) have witnessed in the presence of my wife and daughter. Thank you Blank Noise for making a difference and starting to change this cultural male problem in India. Don't let this put anyone off traveling through this wonderful country. My daughter and her girlfriend backpacked for three months around India and for the most part were not sexually harassed--and had a great time . Then again I think Western visitors (both male and female) are somewhat used to the staring and touching--this is not a sexual thing--they are (I think) just curious.