THE DOUBLE STANDARD

A woman’s duty in society

Is to be a good mother and cook

She is expected to put her family first

And do everything by the book.

But a man with the same qualities

Is praised and made “Dad of the Year”

He’s “going out of his way” to do his duty

“Let’s give him another cheer.”

We talk about the greatness

Of our country’s democracy

Each party trying to be the flag bearer

Trying hard to hide the hypocrisy.

The hypocrisy of the situation

Where they preach but don’t follow

Nepotism chooses their party leader

Promises of democracy left hollow.

After years at the edge of society

Of being abused and despised

The rainbow flag prevailed in the end

Their identities finally legalised.

But that’s where their rights stop

The rainbow cut from above

We only accept their existence

But blatantly deny their love.

We glorify the lifestyle we follow

The God we worship, the values we preach

Talking about our peaceful way of life

It’s something we’re proud to teach.

But we don’t think twice

When another religion has to be broken down

All talks of peace smeared with mud

All the hope left to drown.

Why must we accept this society

Full of double standards and pretenses

Why must we let one idea free

But barr the others with fences.

Why can’t we follow what we preach

Why hold different ideas captive

Lets do away with the double standards

And just live and let live.

By Akshata Lovalekar