Some of the letters and online comments confirm the point I was making with my article, “Modesty of dress and Indian culture” (March 11). When it comes to men's clothes, people are quick to cite tradition, comfort and convenience. Accusations of immodesty are attributed to impurity in the beholder's mind. How I wish everyone would be as kind-hearted in the matter of women's dress! Instead, fingers are pointed at women when they deviate even slightly from the so-called traditional wear, especially in temples. Where is the impurity then? Patriarchal societies seek to control women, and tradition is just one tool that is misused. At the root is the fear that women might actually become independent.
Suchi Govindarajan,
Bangalore
