The social media is in a way, a free-for-all platform where one can post one's views, ideas, hate messages, slogans, quirks, criticisms, jokes and even expletives aimed at someone. The media allows one to express one's feelings according to one's mood, logic, will and pleasure.
Whenever posting on the social media, one needs to keep in mind that others too have the same freedom of expression that one enjoys and may post messages as per their will and pleasure. Those who are responsible use the medium in that way while others use it irresponsibly.
Cherian Philip, who has been on Facebook for quite some time, should in all possibilities, be accustomed to the media's ways. He has been facing a lot of flak for his move from the Congress to another party. His recent comments, ostensibly praising Youth Congress activists for their 'shirt-off' campaign, also targeted some women Congress candidates for acquiring a seat through secret rendezvous.
Such a statement should not have come from a decent politician. The statement was immediately criticised by women's groups as well as members of the Left. At that juncture, Philip could have withdrawn the post and ended the controversy, but he chose to continue with his view.
Even though he chose to regret his comments later, his initial persistence smacked of male chauvinism. His explanation that he did not name anyone and therefore he has committed no mistake is preposterous because his comments have placed all women, contesting elections on a Congress ticket, under a cloud of suspicion. As T.N. Seema MP, state president of the Mahila Association, indicated, even overt reference to people in such a comment is not acceptable.
When Kodiyeri Balakrishnan supported Philip's comments by saying that Philip knew much about the Congress’ ways because of his association with the party, he was merely being backing Philip's male chauvinism.
Philip had jumped ship when he was denied a Congress ticket and was welcomed by the Left for contesting elections. Why did not Philip use that occasion to highlight the problems in Congress should be now reviewed by Kodiyeri, who should then use that information to ensure that he does not jump ship again.
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