Sivanandha Chandrasekar

     Who am I? This question might sound simple, but how often do we truly ask it? For the longest time, I thought I knew—I was a son, a brother, a friend, a boyfriend, and a man. I had a set of labels to describe myself — labels that felt familiar and unquestionable. But as I grew older, I realized that none of these identities were truly my own. They were roles assigned to me by society, and I had unknowingly accepted them without question. But here’s the thing, these labels are not neutral. They often come with baggage — expectations, responsibilities, and, most dangerously, a sense of power or entitlement over others. I was born into this society and it told me that I’m a man and what it meant to be a man. I learned that men are supposed to lead, be strong, and make decisions for others. I saw it in my household, where my father embodied the role of the head of the family. His word was final. He believes his duty is to decide “what's right and what’s wrong” for our ...

  "No one is disadvantaged by birth" This statement feels like a distant ideal in a world where labels and biases seem to mark our every step. But it’s true—no one is born with the burdens of exclusion or the privileges of power. Disadvantages that come from physical, cognitive, or health differences are inherent to a person, but the vast majority of societal disadvantages are constructed. They’re built, passed down, and constantly reinforced by the very communities we’re born into, shaped by traditions, expectations, and norms that have often been accepted without question for generations. As we grow, we absorb these norms, often unconsciously, and they dictate the privileges that some of us enjoy and the marginalization that others endure. The cycle of exclusion and discrimination is multifaceted, fueled by the active choices of some and passive inheritance by others. Breaking this cycle requires understanding how these biases are perpetuated and acknowledging that change i...

“Not all men, only some!” This phrase often surfaces online, especially when a crime against women is reported. Well, I agree with the literal truth behind the statement. Indeed, it’s only some men who actively support victims instead of blaming them. It’s only some men who challenge the harmful actions and behaviors of perpetrators rather than questioning the actions of the victims. It’s only some men who understand the importance of being fellow human beings who respect others' rights, rather than seeing themselves as either saviors or perpetrators.     It’s only some men who grasp the true meaning of feminism—not as a threat to their masculinity, but as a movement for equality that benefits everyone. And yes, it’s only some men who realize that a woman’s freedom is not an invitation to commit crimes against her. It’s only some men who stand as allies, advocating for a world where women are free from violence and harassment. But every time I find the context in which it’s us...

In this 21st century, the world is witnessing a progressive shift, addressing the historical and systemic oppression and discrimination that prevails in our society. One of the key challenges hindering this progressive change is breaking free from the oppressive and discriminative norms and practices that are deep-rooted in individuals’ belief systems. With religion being one of the key factors shaping an individual’s belief system, it is high time for people to rethink what religion means to them, and how it acts as an anchor for oppression and perpetuates discrimination in society. First, let's try to fully comprehend how religion came into existence. As a constantly evolving intellectual beings, humans have this inner quest to seek certainty in the pursuit of understanding the world around us. From early humans trying to comprehend natural phenomena rain and storms to modern scientists trying to unravel the secrets of the universe, it is evident that this quest for certainty is ...

     As India gears up for its 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the issue of vote buying continues to cast a shadow over the electoral process, with instances of cash seizures during various electoral events often making headlines. For example, in the 2014 parliamentary election, amounts seized ranged from 19.5 million INR in Assam to a staggering 155 million INR in Tamil Nadu. Despite these alarming figures, concrete evidence regarding the extent and forms of vote-buying remains elusive, largely due to the lack of incentives for political parties and voters to disclose such transactions.      Vote buying is a pervasive issue in Indian elections, rooted in a complex interplay of psychological biases and systemic vulnerabilities. The core of this phenomenon can be understood through the concept of hyperbolic discounting, a cognitive bias explored in behavioral economics. Hyperbolic discounting refers to the tendency of individuals to prioritize immediate rewards ov...

     In a world that often feels superficial, where beauty is worshipped and appearances are given undue importance, it's not uncommon to witness judgments being made based on nothing more than how someone looks. "Look at that guy, his girlfriend is so beautiful, she looks like a goddess and he still doesn't treat her right?" A seemingly innocent comment, yet it carries within it a deep-rooted flaw in our societal mindset.      The problem lies not in recognizing mistreatment but in the implicit bias that beauty somehow correlates with decency or respect. Why should someone's appearance determine the level of respect they're entitled to? Why do we perpetuate the notion that attractiveness equates to deserving better treatment? This flawed logic perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces damaging societal norms.      The reality is, beauty is subjective and fleeting. What one person finds attractive, another may not. Yet, we've constructed...

In contemplating whether the SC/ST children of socio-economically empowered individuals, particularly those in esteemed roles like the IAS and IPS, should still benefit from reservations and quotas, we enter into a nuanced conversation. While acknowledging the historical struggles faced by marginalized communities, it's important to consider how socio-economic empowerment impacts the necessity of such affirmative action measures. It's undeniable that historical oppression has deeply affected certain communities, and the attainment of socio-economic empowerment, as seen in the children of IAS and IPS officers, represents progress towards addressing these injustices. Through their parents' achievements, these individuals often gain access to better educational opportunities, healthcare facilities, and overall living conditions, which can help break the cycle of poverty and marginalization. However, despite these advancements, systemic biases persist in various aspects of soci...

Marginalization is a deeply ingrained experience that affects millions of people throughout the world. It can be seen as a process where individuals who are perceived as undesirable or lacking societal function are excluded and pushed to the fringes of society. This exclusion can manifest across various dimensions, such as social, political, cultural, economic, and even geographic spheres. Marginalized individuals often have limited control over their lives and access to resources, which prevents their meaningful integration and contribution to society. Understanding the nature and causes of marginalization is not only crucial for scholars, policymakers, and government organizations but also for the general public to work collectively toward building a more inclusive society. To comprehend the intricacies of marginalization, let's delve deeper into the concept of "marginalized functionings" proposed by Katharine Jenkins and Aness Webster (2020). This concept highlights th...