The Ad-bar on Facebook

The number of ad-bars on FB have increased drastically, at least I've noticed that. They tempt you, though at times they tend to be just informative.

The other day I was browsing through my FB, when a male friend happened to be by my side. There was a host of suggestive ads, mostly lingerie, bags and shoes. Everything, rather every model attracted his attention. He even asked me if I would be generous enough to open the lingerie ad for him. I was taken back. I did not know how to respond. Honestly I did not. To add to my woes, I was giving him the most saddened expression of all.

To cool it down, he further reasoned that I might be frequenting those sites and hence popped up as suggestions on my page. This just made me feel more vulnerable. It took me a lot of time, to tell him that I wont be opening it for his pleasure, and also that it is not his business to judge me or the sites that I visit. Hell, am I answerable, if I plan to not sweat it out hopping from shop to another, and instead do my lingerie shopping in the comfort of my room? Do I need to be judged? Is it not exactly right for me to be using lingerie and buy it as and when I please? Also, now with so many online sites offering lingerie as well in their catalog, has it become some kind of an easy-access soft-porn for men??? Am seriously concerned and maybe upset as well, though I would any day prefer online shopping for anything tried and tested.

Mangalsutra, Vermillion and Toe-rings

The mangalsutra, vermillion and toe-rings are most typical of many married Indian women. Something that's been celebrated through the ages.. in practice, by media and the tinsel town. Many a times have I read it and discussed among my peers as to how these would give a sense of comfort to an ever-vulnerable Indian woman.

Many a time, I have myself wanted to have these amulets. Many a time have I faked that I do possess them. Even today, I got myself a pair of toe-rings and some red bindi to help me in one of my future expeditions, wherein my being a married woman, can easily gain me some respect and security.I was even thinking of going a bit overboard with a couple of bangles. All I could get were some glass bangles, that I don't like since they break easily. The image of shattering glass bangles, sent a shudder along my spine, "Isn't it the same imagery that epitomizes a widow?"

For once, it shocked me to think how a widow would be treated by the malicious public. Does she necessarily have to shave off the hair on her head and wear only white? What will happen when the hair grows back? What'll happen when she starts wearing other "light-colored" clothes as well? Wont she look like any other unmarried damsel, given that she's been widowed at an early age? Does she have to have a suckling infant at her bosom to guarantee her security and confidence to meet the world???