Exploring the Complexities of Freedom in South Asian Family
Freedom is a fundamental human right. Family is the smallest unit in society, so do you have freedom in society as a South Asian?
Introduction
The core concept of freedom is the freedom to act, talk, or think as one wants, without interference or restriction, which has to be common in both males and females. This seems to be different due to the diversity in culture and the landscapes in the South Asian regions. This freedom in South Asian families is influenced by multiple factors, including the preferences and responsibilities of an individual. Mostly the females are being mentally and physically imprisoned due to these influences.
Freedom is a basic need which is hidden in society, especially for women. With the advancement in technology and all, still, there is still no development in the basic needs of a female’s life.
The truth is females are being forced and used to live a certain lifestyle but not by their choice. In my opinion, it is because of the family and the society. The mindset of the family plays a major role here.
The individual is a part of society. Therefore, we can bring a change individually without blaming the overall society. Willing to change and acting upon the situation are two different decisions. Understanding the situation and putting effort into bringing a permanent solution is different from finding a temporary solution to just overcome the situation at a particular time.
If a woman is fighting for her freedom means she has to be a mentally strong person. It is not an easy peasy task, It’s all about the obstacles she is facing and learning throughout her journey of life. Every person has the freedom to think and act, which is not getting permission from someone else to execute what we think.
No Freedom for Basic Things?
1. The Family Operates as a Single Entity
South Asian families control each individual to protect the family’s reputation and honour in society due to family status in the society. They really don’t understand that in this busy world, no one is that free to stop and talk about other’s family matters for weeks, maybe for one or two days.
2. Inequality in Gender and Age
Freedom is biased with gender and age. Male domination is due to high authority and greater power. Females have limited personal choices and opportunities. When it comes to decision making males treat the females as if they don’t know anything although they are educated.
3. Pressure due to Society and Culture
Most people think that getting married in the early 20s is the most important, especially the arranged marriage because through arranged marriage they think that the family reputation and Honour will be protected as the elders are making the decision and they are fulfilling societal expectations. Therefore, the limitations in the freedom of women especially when it comes to their career choices, personal relationships, and mobility might lead them to make wrong decisions. We should have the freedom to get married when we are ready. Aren’t we?
Most South Asian parents think that arranged marriage is the right option for girls. Whether it is an arranged marriage or a love marriage, why do we need to depend only on the cast and money? The most important thing is understanding between two individuals. If there is no understanding in a relationship, it is better to end it. We don’t need to always suffer if both individuals are not capable enough to understand each other.
This article seems biased towards girls because these are the matters which I have observed and experienced in my society. In my next writing, I will present a wonderful solution to let you all know how the possibilities to overcome this problem.
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