Viral post about a woman who wears a turban reveals how obsessed we are with stereotyping

By: News Desk |
March 6, 2017 3:26 pm

Looking for motivation to get through yet another week of what is most definitely a universal existential crisis? Here’s a bit of help from a young lady whose photo just showed up on the popular Facebook page, Humans of Bombay, probably just to save us from giving up.

If there is ever is a survey to figure out India’s favourite past-times, stereotyping with a massive side of judgement is going to top the charts. There is nothing we do not have an opinion about, nothing we do not like to slot and box, and virtually nothing we do not like to ruin with our refusal to acknowledge anything or anyone who is different.

“I don’t understand stereotypes,” she tells the photo-essay social media page. A sentiment we share with her. Talking about how society doesn’t think twice about bodyshaming, silencing a woman with an opinion, sets up a checklist for what women must do and what they must look like, she declares that she doesn’t really care for any of it.

“I am plus-sized, I’m a feminist and I wear a turban because I’m a Khalsa. I get stared at a lot, people nudge one another to look at me and so many times they laugh all because I am wearing a turban on my head and it’s not a woman thing to do,” she tells HoB. Okay, before we move any further and gush about her attitude, can we please take a moment to discuss how sad it is that anyone should be subjected to ridicule because of what they wear and how they look? With over 290 shares and 5.6k likes, the post has gone viral.

Adulting is difficult enough as is, why make it any more uncomfortable for a stranger?

If there’s one thing you read today, make it this inspiring post:

“I don’t understand stereotypes. Men are supposed to be strong, women are supposed to have long hair and be petite to look attractive. I’m plus sized, I’m a feminist and I wear a turban because I’m a Khalsa. I get stared at a lot, people nudge one another to look at me and so many times they laugh all because I’m wearing a turban on my head and it’s not a ‘woman’ thing to do. People are so quick to judge passed on an outer appearance, but I feel comfortable in my skin — I feel happy and beautiful regardless of what I look from the outside and that’s the message. People will always find reason’s to judge you, but if you’re happy and content with yourself — none of those judgements will matter.”

A post shared by Humans of Bombay (@officialhumansofbombay) on Mar 5, 2017 at 9:15pm PST