The All-Indian Woman

So, obviously, women aren't exactly appreciated back in the homeland.

What with the disparities in the workforce, the second class status, and let's not forget the occasional widow burning...women are supposedly an "underutilized resource". Economic objectification aside, it's a wonder the female population hasn't openly retaliated, unleashing years of bottled up feminine angst and injustice.

You'd think with the example set by the women of the West, who achieved their own independence back in the 20's, Indians would look to them for guidance in their empowerment endeavors. Or even if they're trying to maintain an elusive isolationist policy by turning up their noses at outside influence, why not look to their own religion and culture? After all, that can't be taboo, right?

In Hinduism, you've got your three main gods: Bramha, the creator, Shiva, the destroyer, and Vishnu, the preserver (a.k.a the one who's gotta get in the middle of those two). After that, you have numerous amounts of gods and goddesses, reincarnations, and demi-gods. The great thing about Indian gods is that they're surprisingly human. They have their own human flaws and vices, not to mention their own set of mistakes...mistakes that end up costing the WHOLE world, mind you. Shiva, normally pictured in deep, self-composed meditation, is actually notorious for his pride. Disgusted with the constant begging that the world does, Shiva decided that there would be no need for begging...because he was going to fulfill every single wish in the world. Boy, did that plan backfire. In the end, he was running away from some loon who wanted the power to turn anyone he touched into ash. Big mistake.

Anyways, Shiva's consort, Parvati, is known as the embodiment of the universe, the supreme Mother. "Parvati and Shiva are the divine embodiment of creativity (the feminine) and consciousness (masculine). She is the generative energy of the universe; he is its formless wisdom. Whatever Shiva imagines, Parvati brings to life. He dreams it; she materializes it" (Elizabeth Gilbert). So though, essentially, the man is the brain behind the operation, the woman is the one who makes it happen. She has the power to conceive and create. In addition, she is said to tame Shiva...when he's in one of those "manly , aggressive fits". She civilizes him. Scholar David Kinsley explains, "The fact that Parvati is able to physically restrain Shiva dramatically makes the point that she is superior in power."

So here we are, India. An example of Feminine strength. Maybe Parvati will finally get enough of the inequality and bestow upon Indian women some forcefulness, some will power...then maybe they'll let their hair loose, stir up some trouble, and stick it to the MAN.