There is hope to be found everywhere, as long as enough of us chip in to fight the good fight.
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https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/jan/26/cut-the-cussing-the-indian-man-on-a-mission-to-end-sexist-swearing
Cut the cussing: the Indian man on a mission to end sexist swearing
Wed 26 Jan 2022
Many swear words in India, as elsewhere, have one thing in common – they target and shame women. Sunil Jaglan wants to empower women and end the culture of profanities
On a cold January afternoon, women gather on the veranda of a government-run nursery in Sarmathla village in the north Indian state of Haryana. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, they are eager to hear the visiting speaker.
The men and boys of the village mill about, reluctant to join the women, until Satyaprakash, a social worker, encourages them to sit on the chairs provided. “Please, join us tauji [uncle], today’s programme is about gaali [swear words],” he says.
The speaker, Sunil Jaglan, begins with a question, “Raise your hand if you have used cuss words that name mother’s, sister’s or women’s intimate body parts?”
People smile sheepishly, looking around for moral support before awkwardly raising their hands, “Everyone here has used gaali, sir, this is normal,” says one man.
A woman points towards a five-year-old on his father’s lap, “Even this kid knows to utter gaali.”
“But, is it right?” asks Jaglan.
To this, the women shout: “Of course not! Why target us or our body in your slurs? Why don’t people understand when they use misogynist profanities they actually target their own mothers and sisters? Is this what we are teaching our kids?”
Swear words in India might sound different from region to region, but they have one thing in common: many are misogynist, mocking, shaming or threatening women.
Under section 294 of the Indian penal code, those found guilty of obscene acts, songs, or words in public face a prison sentence of up to three months. But many people, especially in rural India, are unaware of the law.
As the sun sets, the villagers close the meeting by promising in unison three times. “Hum kabhi gaali nahi denge. [We will never use swear words].”
Jaglan’s crusade started in the village of Bibipur, where he grew up. After going away to university, he returned to be elected village head in 2010.