Features
Strengths and Foibles of Women
Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world – Hillary Clinton
Cassandra considered International Women’s Day (IWD) as having been a quiet Monday this year, but watching late night news she saw it had been anything but quiet in this fair Isle of ours. There had been rallies and meetings and one worthy one was stymied with force by the police. Whyever for? The marchers were in an orderly manner asking for justice and fair play to the toilers overseas who are our main earners of forex. To end the day, her always watched MTV Channel I had a very appropriate programme to mark IWD with an all woman discussion with one male in the room – TV journo Nadim Majeed. Sonali Wanigabaduge was anchor to the panel of Ferial Ashroff -ex-Minister, Priyanjali de Soysa – Prof of Clinical Psychiatry, Univ of Colombo, Manouri Perera – Attorney-at-Law and Bhoomi Harendran of the Transgender Association. They discussed a range of women’s issues, predominantly the right to abortion; the law as it deals with women’s rights; and the physical and psychological impact of harassment descending to rape. The main proposals that emerged were more and better awareness creation and the necessity for male participation in all initiatives and activities.
What struck me even more than what they said, was the manner of the entire proceedings. There pervaded an atmosphere of quiet deliberation; lack of hubris and thought of self; clear rationalising and lucid explanation and yes, an aura of almost palpable serenity. This feeling augmented completely Cass’ held idea that to get a job done well, give it to a woman!
Women to the fore
India has been publicly crowing over the fact that many Indian women are in President Biden’s inner circle of power-wielders starting of course with the half South Indian and greatly mother-influenced Vice Prez. Sri Lanka too can boast of its several daughters who hold top positions overseas, mostly in the health and medical research fields.
It is reported that the majority of the persistent protestors are women; proved by TV photographs seen. Recalled is a visit to Myanmar when the Junta was in complete power and Suu Kye under house arrest in her bungalow on University Road. Cass wanted the hired van driver to just drive past her house. He was horrified and refused point blank “I will be arrested!” Cass was carrying Lonely Planet – Myanmar and her accompanying brother wanted her to leave it behind in the plane – too dangerous as the intro was very critical of the military in power. But she carried it and no problem. Tourists and their dollars were welcome. Most every man was in sarong then while all women were in lungi and blouse with many masking their faces with sandalwood paste. One of the rare jeans wearers was the van driver hired through a young university student who met Cass’ group at the airport and offered his guide services, universities being closed. Things have changed so much as seen by the dress of the protestors, but one thing that has not got diluted is commitment. Remembered is the utter silence and reverence in the temples, not only in Yangon but outer places too.
The Thai protests seem to have abated though the disapproved-of king has not abdicated or the PM stepped down. Hong Kong conducts trials of protesters and has already passed judgment on many. Britain has offered a way out and freedom in the UK to some who have links
All the above show the resilience, dedication, commitment and sacrificial nature of women. Cass has been asking friends and relatives whether they consider our young as capable of peaceful protests for a larger cause than for their own benefit or requests. Answer: mostly in the negative. The totally heinous crime committed recently on a helpless woman by a police officer would surely have drawn Indian woman out on the streets. Total public silence over here.
The despicable foible
Some cities in the US have been abuzz with the airing of the interview Oprah Winfrey had with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, later joined in by husband Harry (no longer a prince – given up by him). The interview was aired on Sunday March 7 in the States while earlier excerpts were shown. Cass believes the US yearns for royalty and thus their exaltation of the Kennedys to near Royal Highness honour and naming the inner circle of the John Kennedy presidency Camelot of Prince Arthur fame. And now the drooling over what Meghan had to say, somewhat reminiscent of Princess Diana’s tell-all interview on BBC with Basheer as interviewer. Incidentally he is facing a court trial for forging documents to conduct the interview which of course was the (sick) brainchild of scheming Princess D. I have made enemies with soppy friends over my remarks on Diana. Here now seems to be a repeat performance, this time a real actor as Meghan starred in a film series.
Her complaints must have been many as the interview lasted two whole hours. What was gathered by Cass watching excerpts and listening to comments on BBC and CNN was that she felt life was not worth living (tosh!), considered taking her own life after joining the British Royal Family (utter insane nonsense!) and was absolutely disheartened, saddened et al with one royal family member asking about the skin colour of Archie, her son (before or after birth we do not know). My golly gums! Aney, appoi! Of course, he could have had a dark skin as the mother, Meghan is half black. What crass stupidity is this and the public swallow it and feel pity for this wrecker? She destroyed Prince Harry by moving away to live independently in Canada and then California and now it seems she is bent on destroying or bringing down the Brit Royal Family.
She conceded the Queen had been welcoming but the Duchess of Cambridge, sister-in-law, had made her cry. Aiyo – thoththa baba! Cass spits in disgust. This seasoned cookie saying another woman her age made her cry? Kate, Prince William’s wife, is all graciousness and knows her place in the royal family and behaves regally, though a commoner.
Methinks, ponders Cass, holding her acidic spite reined, this is another publicity stunt to earn money. This woman Meghan, picked up in the States and brought into the royal family by the oft rebellious Prince Harry, has chosen to forget all the kindness and generosity she received from her fiance’s family. Remember how Prince Philip conducted her coloured American mother to her seat in the chapel at Windsor and Prince Charles conducted Meghan up the latter part of the aisle; her father being asked not to be present. Ingratitude is plastered all over this schemer.
Cassandra is supposed to foresee the future. Yes, she now cries: I see a divorce and poor Harry Boy losing family life in the US and unable, unless eating very humble pie to return to the UK. He will, of course, be taken back; his brother being a good and steady man who conducts himself royally. Shades of the irresponsible giving up of the British throne for the love of an American divorcee by Harry’s maternal grand uncle. Megahan is a divorcee too.
The response from Buckingham Palace was out on Wednesday – discreet and probably noncommittal. Outrageous also for the Sussexes to choose to explode their boomerang when Prince Philip is as yet hospitalized and not out of danger after surgery.