Unmasking Gender Bias: From Academic Discourse to Distraction
Explore the unsettling trend of gender bias and diversionary tactics in academic discourse, as we delve into why women's voices for academic rights are often met with unrelated narratives like "good touch" and "bad touch" in professional medical colleges in India.
WOMEN'S RIGHTMEDICAL EDUCATION
Shary Krishna
10/1/20232 min read
Introduction:
In the pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence, every voice should find an equal platform for expression and every idea deserves an unbiased appraisal. However, a disconcerting trend persists in professional medical colleges in India where female scholars face undue interference and contradiction during their seminar presentations. What is even more alarming is that when these women speak up against such trends, their concerns are often met with diversionary narratives, including one that relates to "good touch" and "bad touch." In this article, we delve into this perplexing issue, seeking to understand why a woman's voice for academic rights and a pluralistic discourse becomes entangled in narratives unrelated to the academic sphere.
The Academic Battlefield:
Post-graduate education in professional medical colleges is supposed to be a space of intellectual exchange, critical thinking, and rigorous academic pursuit. However, for many female scholars, this academic battlefield has become a place where their voices are at times silenced and their ideas dismissed.
The Unsettling Interruption:
During seminar presentations, it is not uncommon for female scholars to be interrupted and contradicted by their male colleagues, often in groups. This behavior not only undermines the presenter's confidence but also hampers the quality of academic discourse. It raises questions about the extent to which gender bias permeates even the most revered institutions.
The Disturbing Diversion:
Equally disconcerting is the way these issues are handled when women raise their concerns. Instead of addressing the root problem of gender bias and academic inequality, narratives are deftly shifted towards unrelated topics, such as "good touch" and "bad touch." This diversion serves to undermine the credibility of the women speaking up and perpetuates the very culture that tolerates gender bias.
Why Does This Happen?
Deflection as a Defense Mechanism: Shifting the focus to unrelated narratives like "good touch" and "bad touch" can be a defense mechanism. By diverting the conversation, those in positions of power may avoid addressing their own biases or the systemic problems within the institution.
Silencing Dissent: Associating female scholars' concerns with unrelated narratives can be a strategy to silence dissent. It labels their legitimate academic grievances as personal or irrelevant.
Cultural Norms and Stereotypes: In a patriarchal culture, some may struggle to accept women as equals in academic settings. This can lead to the trivialization of their concerns.
Conclusion:
In a society that aspires to academic excellence, it is imperative that institutions reflect on their values and principles. It is time to recognize that every scholar, regardless of gender, has the right to be heard and respected in the academic arena. Instead of allowing gender bias and diversionary tactics to persist, we should focus on fostering an environment where academic rights, pluralistic discourse, and the laying of ground rules are championed for the betterment of all. Only then can we truly progress toward a more inclusive and equitable academic landscape.
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