HANDS OFF!

While studying in Don Bosco School, we were stunned to read the news of a teacher being suspended for hitting a student. We could not imagine complaining about a similar thing. The reason was that most of the teachers who would hit an erring student, behaved as if the child was their own. The sentiment of concern and affection went hand-in-hand in most such cases.

One such student, who grew up getting punished, continued his mischief in college, too. Once a lecturer just suggestively raised his hand to halt his mischief, my friend cautioned him saying, "You have no right to touch me. Do anything you want, but don't touch me."

The right to touch another person is not a prerogative, it requires the consent of the other person. Touch is not one-dimensional, it can be a good touch and it can be a bad touch. Sex education in schools is making a significant difference to the child knowing its rights to resist a bad touch. However, some of us tend to treat the issue in a frivolous manner.

Recently, a lady lecturer accused her male principal of sexual harassment. Whether the accusation is true or not needs investigation, but our tendency to mock the victim is appalling. Some reactions have gone on to ask "what's the big deal?" and even accuse the complainant of being narrow minded.

Touch is a symbol of the many dimensions of love. In love it is okay to fight, it is okay to get angry, it is okay to sulk… but it is definitely, not okay to force your physical love on any body. To touch is not our exclusive right; it has to be exercised with great responsibility… To touch is a wonderful instinct but it should hold the same positivity for the one who receives it. Let's use it without the dimensions of misuse and abuse.

"Hey, keep your hands off me; it is not your prerogative
'Develop new dimensions', but exclude the offensive!"

Regards
Pravin