The thinking woman: An unwelcome truth

Time of India

6 days ago

Namrata is a writer, editor, and book reviewer. A published author her stories and articles have been published in various anthologies and magazines. After being an investment banker for a decade she found her true calling in books. With numbers playing in her mind and words throbbing through her veins for close to a decade now she writes, reads, and of course forgets to count them. She is currently working on her debut work of fiction based on Partition. When not reading, she can be found writing about books, music, and films on Twitter @privytrifles LESS ... MORE
She thinks. She asks. And suddenly, she becomes a threat.
In every sphere of life, the thinking woman is viewed with suspicion. Not because she lacks charm or beauty, but because she refuses to silence her mind. Whether it's in cinema, literature, or even the very interviews that promote women, the message is the same: keep your thoughts light, your questions few, and your opinions palatable.
The 'play dumb' script: Acting dumb for popularity
It's a bitter truth of Indian popular culture that actresses often feel pressured to 'play dumb' to become more likable and marketable. In interviews, many actresses are subtly — or sometimes overtly — encouraged to downplay their intellect, avoid controversial opinions, and stick to safe, agreeable answers. Compliments pour in for 'sweet,' 'innocent,' or 'simple' answers, while articulate, nuanced responses are met with discomfort or dismissiveness.
This expectation is not only unfair but deeply insulting. Women who choose to express themselves thoughtfully risk losing mass appeal. The pressure to conform to this image has silenced many voices.
Women who think and speak out: The exception, not the rule
Take Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, and Sushmita Sen — three women who have refused to stay quiet. They are outspoken, politically aware, and vocal about feminism, mental health, and social issues. Despite their talent and popularity, their outspokenness often leads to polarized reactions.
Vidya Balan, known for portraying strong, complex women on screen, is equally fearless off-screen — speaking openly about women's rights and gender stereotypes. Taapsee Pannu, who speaks candidly about industry politics and social injustices, has faced trolling and backlash for her bluntness. Sushmita Sen, a former Miss Universe and an icon of independence, consistently challenges patriarchal norms with her unapologetic confidence and liberal views.
Yet, all three are sometimes labeled as 'too political,' 'controversial,' or 'difficult,' showing how society is uncomfortable with women who think loudly and live authentically.
Contemporary Indian literature: Voices that refuse to be silenced
The literary landscape in India today features fearless women writers who refuse to simplify female experience or shy away from uncomfortable truths. Writers like Meena Kandasamy and Nivedita Menon bring powerful feminist critiques that challenge caste, patriarchy, and social injustice head-on.
Nilanjana Bhowmick's work delves into the complexities of womanhood and identity, refusing to shy away from portraying women who think deeply and live unapologetically. Annie Zaidi, through her essays and fiction, highlights the struggles and resilience of women who question societal norms and demand visibility.
Tishani Doshi's poetry and prose explore the intersections of gender, identity, and belonging with a sensitivity that refuses to let women's voices be sidelined. Together, these authors and activists create a chorus of modern Indian women who think critically, ask questions, and demand change — even when the world is uncomfortable hearing them.
The real cost: Popularity vs. authenticity
The sad reality is that women who ask questions and express strong opinions often lose out on popularity. The system rewards compliance and punishes dissent. Even on social media, the trolling of women who dare to think critically and challenge norms is relentless.
This extends beyond cinema and literature. In workplaces, women who negotiate salaries or question policies are branded 'bossy' or 'aggressive.' In politics, outspoken women leaders are constantly scrutinized more harshly than their male counterparts.
Why does the world fear a thinking woman?
Because a thinking woman is unpredictable. She doesn't fit into neat boxes. She disrupts the comfortable narrative of docility. She forces the world to reflect and sometimes, to change.
The discomfort is not because thinking women are threatening by nature, but because they threaten the fragile power structures that rely on silence and obedience.
The bright future of thinking women
Despite the barriers, the thinking woman is rising. For every troll, there are millions who listen. For every closed door, a new path is carved. For every attempt to dim her voice, her fire only grows stronger.
The world may fear her now — but it cannot stop her. Because the thinking woman is here, speaking up, questioning, and demanding a seat at every table.
And this time, she's not going anywhere.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.