Even in my family, I was born following two elder sisters and "If at all you were not born boy, I might have had a tough time with in-laws" said Mom once. Today, I still do not find any valid reasons, to substantiate the necessity of a baby being born boy than a girl. Both of them, either a boy or a girl, at the end of the day are Human Beings; also, they both have every equal right to be born and make a living.
According to Cytology, all (normal) human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes (totally 46 chromosomes); out of which 22 pairs are autosomes and only 1 pair is sex chromosomes. These sex chromosomes are basically responsible in determining the Sex of an individual. A normal individual with 'XX' sex chromosomes is a Female and one with 'XY' sex chromosomes is a Male. During fertilization, a zygote (baby) is formed by one sex chromosome each from male (father) and female (mother). If both male and female contributes 'X', then the zygote is 'XX' (female); If male contributes 'Y' and female (can only) contribute 'X', the zygote is 'XY' (male). This is the 'XY Sex-Determination System' of human beings in a nutshell.
Biologically speaking, the crucial part of sex determination is played by the Y-Chromosome or in other words (normal) sex determination is solely dependent on male (father) alone. Although the process of sex determination is highly unpredictable and is a mere chance factor, it is crystal clear that female (mother) cease to share the responsibility in determining the sex of a normal zygote (baby).
For no reason and no fault of theirs, Women are being made responsible for the birth of a baby girl and are subjective victims of inhumane social torture from ages now. But, being truly responsible, Men have been safely enjoying a comfortable position in the family and society. It isn't forgotten that 'ours is a male-dominant society'; though male-dominance itself is a highly questionable debate, it definitely otherwise shouldn't authorize to 'torture women'.
With all the physiological pleasure and pressure of the 9-month long pregnancy, Women also are ably taking the curse and tolerating the social harassment in Silence. Isn't it now necessary to brand Men (with a red-hot iron) to be responsible for the sex of the baby born; and from the bottom of the heart say to Women 'Hats Off' & end her sufferings??
It's much more complex than just "male dominance", Prashanth.
ReplyDeleteThey say that patriarchy (aka male dominance) is the oldest form of oppression in our society. It's much more complex than most forms of oppression because the oppressed (here, the woman but that may not necessarily always be the case) itself is involved in her own oppression. In many cases, the woman is convinced that she bears the responsibility of giving birth to a baby boy to make the family 'complete'.
I was the second child of my parents and I have an elder sister. Before I was born, my entire family (presumably including my parents) had hopes that the second child would be a boy. When I was born, my parents insist that they were more than happy that it was a healthy baby and that nothing else matters...but deep down the line, i know it's not true. Today, things may be different though. I remember my mother having told me that the eunuchs who come to ask for money dismissed me as "yet another girl?" and demanded far less money that they possibly would have had I been a healthy baby boy.
Oh and yes...the chromosome theory. I do know a bit about it as I did genetics in my 12th grade.
As you yourself have explained: "During fertilization, a zygote (baby) is formed by one sex chromosome each from male (father) and female (mother). If both male and female contributes 'X', then the zygote is 'XX' (female); If male contributes 'Y' and female (can only) contribute 'X', the zygote is 'XY' (male)."
Thus, clearly...an XY (male) zygote is formed only if the MAN contributes the X chromosome (as only he possess the same and not the woman). And yet the woman is blamed for not being able to deliver a baby boy. Ironic, isn't it?
Anyways...too long a rant. I'd better get going for my class :)
Deepa, well said! :o)
ReplyDeleteUse of the word 'oppression' by you makes a lot more sense. It (oppression) might have been so intense, that, women actually had no other go than ending up being victims. Gradually, over a period of time, it might have even gotten into their 'Blood'.
It was an interesting read about your birth in your family. Six out of ten Women may well fit in your shoes. Anyways, that shouldn't anytime hurt one's 'Self'.
In the picture I used for this post, if you happen to observe carefully - the MALE symbol is slightly above its counterpart. Men are so 'presumably dominant' or say Men are so 'oppressive', they have managed to push Women down even symbolically. It, to me, seems like an ICON of the Social Status men and women enjoy in our Society.
One question we should find the answer sooner than later - "Why Men are usually reluctant(!) to let Women enjoy equal Status?".
As I said, patriarchy oppresses in multiple ways. If the woman in a traditional patriarchal structure is oppressed to give birth to a male child (and this is just one of the oppressions...there are many more), the man is also oppressed by that same patriarchal structure. He is burdened to be the bread-winner of the family by virtue of his gender. So, it's not that it is the woman who is the only oppressed party here (though the magnitude of oppression varies significantly)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes...I did notice the picture. Makes a lot of sense if you put it that way : )
About the picture, I think it was designed by a MAN and used here by a MAN. That makes the difference Deepa :o)
ReplyDeleteI do agree that the patriarchy oppresses in multiple ways both on Men and Women. But my debate in this writeup is, when Man is actually (& alone!) responsible for the birth of a baby boy or a baby girl, why is the patriarchy system forcefully imposing it on Woman and making her responsible alone?
@Prashanth
ReplyDelete*nods in agreement
Weird, isn't it?!
Absolutely!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds more weird when a Man, for not contributing a 'Y Chromosome', decides to marry other Woman and the Society gracefully accepts it (wonder if they expect the other woman to come with an 'extra' Y Chromosome!). This only increases the chances of more Women being victimized. Isn't it?
And do you know? The Sex Ratio in our country is alarmingly decreasing. At this rate, men won't have women left to choose from (the 'X' and 'Y' factor won't even matter then)
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha.. right Deepa. I did come across that data and do have in mind to write about it too. All it takes is a matter of time :o)
ReplyDeletePrashanth .....I agree, the theme of ur expression-- that " my debate in this writeup is, when Man is actually (& alone!) responsible for the birth of a baby boy or a baby girl, why is the patriarchy system forcefully imposing it on Woman and making her responsible alone?"
ReplyDeleteBut, Here,Both man and women are equally responsible for birth of baby!!!...and a not man alone.Hence the blame should be equally shared .
But in the societies man is considered to be dominant, strongersex since the beginning,and women as a weaker sex,almost entirely depending upon men in the society,they have to honor whatever the men says in the society.
In this way,It is true in all times, the blame criticisnm every thing is aimed at the non dominant women rather than men.....
"But, Here,Both man and women are equally responsible for birth of baby!!!...and a not man alone.Hence the blame should be equally shared"
ReplyDeleteYou are right Sir, but, I actually wanted to impress upon "Women being blamed for the sex of the baby born". Men is alone responsible in determining the sex of a (normal) baby. And hence, it is unfair to blame Women for not giving birth to a baby boy :o)
After reading all the comments above, I dont think I've anything left to say here.
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is - *thumbs up*
:-)
Thanks for being a part of it by adding your 'voice' Divya!
ReplyDeleteThats the spirit.. keep it up :o)
Applause!!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Soumya :o)
ReplyDelete