An Introduction To Taboos and Its Types:
Before we get deep into the topic of types of taboos and why they should be questioned, we should begin with a question what is a taboo? Generally in a simple sentence, it is an act of prohibition of certain social norms or actions performed with a false belief and following is mandatory for all human beings. Taboo could be anything like it could be based on religious beliefs, social customs like the prohibition on women, caste and community separation, and many more which have been weakening India's roots for past many years. A simple one-word explanation for taboo is prohibition. Although there are many taboos it is mainly classified into three, Cultural, Religious, and Food. Let us see basic details about these types of taboos.
Cultural Taboos:
Well, the word culture would be familiar to everyone, as it is often used as a trademark for describing a country and what kind of citizens are there living? Cultural taboo is generally all about the prohibition of certain activities and rules that should be followed strictly for well being of the society and country. Some of the cultural taboos that still exist in India are alcohol consumption, divorce as an act of shame, sex before marriage, LGBT still not being seen as right, and many more which are not acceptable by society.
Religious Taboos:
Religion is a sensitive topic especially in India, as we see daily news or read articles on religious fights, differences, and many more. Although India is a secular country as described in the Indian Consitution, many people fight over religion and prohibit certain things like beef for Hindus, pork for Muslims, and many more trying to prove each other superior. So these kinds of taboos affect the country politically, economically, and socially.
Food Taboos:
Mainly based on eating habits, people are classified into two types vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In India, even the non-vegetarians consider it bad for killing monkeys, and cows for meat needs and also take part in protests against the killing of such animals. Thus Food Taboos are also considered one of the reasons that are pushing India backward.
How Does Taboos Has Affected India For Many Years?
Talking about taboos, it is just like a prohibition that stops an individual from opening up, and when they try it is immediately stopped by society. Well, it is the women are the one’s who suffer the most, as most prohibitions are applied to them. Although Indian history has much evidence that says that there were fewer prohibitions as compared to modern India. The families are becoming conservative and wanted to live a life full of taboos as they find it a way of survival. Like we take example sex before marriage is not seen as a good thing in society, but in western countries, it is considered a way of enjoyment. Kamasutra was introduced to the world by ancient India and used by almost everyone globally. Although with modernization, men and women are treated equally in every field of life, a mindset has been built that after marriage one has to give career, to look after the house and children. Women are considered to stay at home and look after everything from family members, cooking and looking after everyone. It is not the women who are the only sufferers but men have been also mistreated in many ways. Men are considered to be the sole earners for the family and becoming responsible is not a choice for them, but a necessity like oxygen to breathe daily. Feminism is wrongly interpreted as a word only for women, but according to me, it is all about fighting for your rights, a good career and always going with the right things. Why men are always considered wrong, even after he is not proven guilty, society has thinking that a man has no control over hormones. There is also racism in India, although we are considered brown people when we are out of India, the black-white, height, income and many others have become a challenging taboo in our society. When it comes to marriage, dowry is considered a boon for many people, even it's not the only groom that is responsible for dowry, sometimes the bride's side also gives it as to demand favors for their daughter. It's not the men or women responsible for having such weird taboos, but the mindset that was interpreted us in a wrong way. The taboos have been affecting India for many years, as most of the elections are fought on a religious basis, and so people divide themselves to choose their representative, No religion has ever asked to suppress the others, as the ending of every religious book around the world says “ God id One”.Food Taboo is also causing one of the main reasons, as many people have argued among themselves being a vegetarian or non-vegetarian is good. The hatred among two people on the basis of food habits, according to me is senseless, but you know sometimes senseless things can bring destruction to a whole country. The money we spent due to religious sentiments we carry towards God is good, I am not against it, but the wastage of resources and money for just mere blessing is a small thought. Serving people and helping them is more necessary and it is also mentioned in every religious book.
People From Whom We Can Take Inspirations For Facing Taboos.
India is a great country full of great minds and also spiritual gurus who have challenged certain taboos and can remove them. Swami Vivekanand was a spiritual guru, full of wisdom and truth, who was worldwide famous known for their thoughts and challenging certain taboos like dogmas, bigotry, and many more. Raja Ram Mohan Roy nicknamed as Father of bringing revolutionary changes in India like abolishing Sati, child marriage, and many more which have been destroying the country in the name of tradition and culture. Shaheed Bhagat Singh was himself educated and followed many writers and cultivated thoughts in his group to fight against slavery. The Father of India Mahatama Gandhi Ji was a lawyer himself and also faced racism on the train, which later changed his life. He used to always address an issue like women's respect, and the purdah system, and always wanted equality among both genders. The purpose of mine to discuss these legends is that all were educated and carried the wisdom of choosing between right and wrong. Sometimes deep thinking can cause bad decisions, but they always stand alone to challenge such taboos and finally able to place the seed for India, what we are seeing today.
How can we bring changes in India by challenging these taboos?
The change always starts with a single person and anyone could become that single person. Stopping taboo is a difficult task, as it is deep into the hearts and minds of society. We might begin by talking to people, spreading good things, and accepting the people around us with the right attitude. The advertisement we see of mensuration pads, fertility, and many more should be not looked at as a bad thing, but as a way to challenge certain taboos of society, Holding conferences, going to villages, and creating awareness among people can bring many changes. So holding our hands together and accepting people whatever religion they belong to, that gender, is one of the best solutions for solving taboos.