REPUGNANT IGNOMINY

This morning, unfortunately, I felt like reading the newspaper. The very first page of Times of India(Bangalore Edition), the center of the page eye capturing article, infuriated me beyond tolerance limits. It is an article about Lady( I feel this is the most dignified form of addressing us) Bartenders. I definitely am not localised in my outlook and do not say it is not our cultural heritage to be a bartender. I believe each person has her/his own fundamental rights to an appropriate choice of livelihood. But in the process, bargaining on dignity, self prestige and virtuosity surely strikes a chord from deep within. Following is an excerpt from the article:

TIMES VIEW

The Karnataka high court’s decision is in tune with changing times and more than welcome. This paper has been campaigning for abolition of some archaic laws pertaining to urban lifestyle. The plain argument against Rule 9 of the Karnataka Excise Act was that if women could break many other male career bastions, why not one in the hospitality industry. Nevertheless, the onus must be on the hotel managements to ensure a safe environment for women bartenders.

Yes very true, hospitality industry can have ladies, no issues over that. It wholly is centralised to an individual's will. But I strongly feel The ToI is altercating its own so called rights to liberation views with the following paradoxical cartoon.



This cartoon, does it show true hospitality, or cheap publicity of a women’s body on sale? I don’t say women have to worshipped next to god or that they should be treated as a precious abberation with the utterly delicate care and concern. However, there is a fine hair line difference between looking appealing in tandem with most recent couture and looking vulgar. The former commands some dignity of thought and action while the latter just gives a come-fornicate-me picture. Just tell me, If a lady bartender wears an outfit as painted above, will it render ‘hospitality’ or accrual of hormones to the bar visitors( after few rounds of imbibing, they would hardly have control over their senses)? It is indeed a matter of shame and disgust that such a leading newspaper should have such a despicable sales promotion technique.