sameena khan June 16, 2005
#52 Posted by preet on July 12, 2005 12:23:51 pm
nice article sameena, most of us have undergone such things and i m glad u had the nerve to put it in writing. and that too in such an interesting way. the shoe incident made me smile. i went thru similar experience when i went to buy a punjabi jutti.
#50 Posted by BeeJay on June 21, 2005 7:02:00 am
#49 “Burpinder”
[What are you trying to say? I don`t have times for silly word games.]
You know EXACTLY what I am trying to say (and I am sure so does 99 percent of the chowk crowd, whose intelligence level is often held at such great discount by some people). As far as time for “silly word games”, I do believe you certainly “invest” enough time in “silly word games”, heck perhaps even in silly pictures the likes of which are seldom seen around here. (I could be wrong, of course, but I kind of doubt it! (I wonder when I last herd that before.))
Nothing personal, I dislike fake, that’s all!
#49 Posted by burpinder on June 20, 2005 10:58:49 pm
Re: # 46
What are you trying to say? I don`t have times for silly word games.
What are you trying to say? I don`t have times for silly word games.
#47 Posted by Adroit on June 20, 2005 1:37:09 pm
:) You are a sweet little one! Very rarely does on get to read innocence published in its true form.
#46 Posted by BeeJay on June 20, 2005 9:22:46 am
Dear “Burpinder”:
I must say that I am so thoroughly impressed with your detailed understanding of “issues” and your perseverance and persistence in continuing to “highlight” them (in your comparatively “short” stay at this web site) that I sometimes feel your “uncle” may be concerned that you are devoting more time to the internet and doing scant justice to all those poor defective motor cycles that you are supposed to be “fixing”. In fact, I could have sworn that there is a very familiar echo (which appears to go on and on) to your words.
I could be wrong, of course. I have been “wrong” many times before, again and again!
Sincerely,
BeeJay.
I must say that I am so thoroughly impressed with your detailed understanding of “issues” and your perseverance and persistence in continuing to “highlight” them (in your comparatively “short” stay at this web site) that I sometimes feel your “uncle” may be concerned that you are devoting more time to the internet and doing scant justice to all those poor defective motor cycles that you are supposed to be “fixing”. In fact, I could have sworn that there is a very familiar echo (which appears to go on and on) to your words.
I could be wrong, of course. I have been “wrong” many times before, again and again!
Sincerely,
BeeJay.
#45 Posted by kaurasach on June 20, 2005 8:22:27 am
Most tailors hold the tape in the center over the breasts - not right on the nipple. - the measurement should come out the same.
#44 Posted by temporal on June 20, 2005 8:14:20 am
saman:
don`t blame you for staying away from here! jeez...what is the term? ...retentive?
fail to understand why some want to tear to shreds a light hearted piece...my not for humour impaired comment has unwittingly assumed premonitory proportion!...maybe i should polish that crystal ball and change the profession;)...send in your queries folks..visa, mc, ax accepted;)
lve
t
don`t blame you for staying away from here! jeez...what is the term? ...retentive?
fail to understand why some want to tear to shreds a light hearted piece...my not for humour impaired comment has unwittingly assumed premonitory proportion!...maybe i should polish that crystal ball and change the profession;)...send in your queries folks..visa, mc, ax accepted;)
lve
t
#43 Posted by MAV on June 20, 2005 12:08:58 am
Now why would you be needing a pack of condoms, dear girl!
#42 Posted by burpinder on June 19, 2005 11:07:29 pm
Re: # 30
Excellent post.
``Your light touch is being seen as open season for giving vent to repressed thoughts.``
*Exactly. When a woman says ``Boys will be boys``, you can almost bet that they will.
``Most of them found it hilarious, so what is this about “not for the humour-impaired”? I suppose for some people a woman saying such things gives them ideas about potential perverse “career opportunities”. Did you imagine such a fallout? My guess is No.``
* That`s my guess too. The writer seems immature and, frankly, not that funny either. I`ve read funnier on chowk and elsewhere.
What Sameena has to remember is that self-deprecating is funny, self-debasing is plain offensive.
Excellent post.
``Your light touch is being seen as open season for giving vent to repressed thoughts.``
*Exactly. When a woman says ``Boys will be boys``, you can almost bet that they will.
``Most of them found it hilarious, so what is this about “not for the humour-impaired”? I suppose for some people a woman saying such things gives them ideas about potential perverse “career opportunities”. Did you imagine such a fallout? My guess is No.``
* That`s my guess too. The writer seems immature and, frankly, not that funny either. I`ve read funnier on chowk and elsewhere.
What Sameena has to remember is that self-deprecating is funny, self-debasing is plain offensive.
#41 Posted by zero_tolerance on June 19, 2005 9:37:11 am
Advantage, Men?!?!?!?!
Well, the way Sameena Sahibah used the men working their jobs, it rather looks like women have alot of advantage. Same sort of behaviour if shown to the women salesmen, a rarity in our country, would be called sexual discrimination by women activist! The reason women dont progress in our country is due to the same women that ride the top of the food chain!
Poor show, Miss/Misses Sameena!
Well, the way Sameena Sahibah used the men working their jobs, it rather looks like women have alot of advantage. Same sort of behaviour if shown to the women salesmen, a rarity in our country, would be called sexual discrimination by women activist! The reason women dont progress in our country is due to the same women that ride the top of the food chain!
Poor show, Miss/Misses Sameena!
#40 Posted by BeeJay on June 19, 2005 8:12:38 am
#34 FV
(Aap shayad mujhe sharminda karne ki koshish kar rahin hain, lekin woh to (jaisa ki aap shayad janti hain) namumkin hai!)
I do understand (and I’m sure so does most of this crowd) that sexual exploitation of women is a serious problem and through articles like this, there is some danger of that getting trivialized. (I personally think that’s not going to happen with this article and with this crowd. Most people’s attitudes are already hardened (whichever way) and this one article won’t do anything to affect them.)
Also, the reality is that women in general are more empowered now. They certainly are (or should be) in a stronger position to deal with unwanted attention (or “perversion”, which could be considered a subjective word) with all their might (as one interactor claims to have done, by kicking that salesman in his chest).
If the victim were at an unquestioned disadvantage (for example, if it were a child (and I am convinced a lot more of that stuff happens to children than anybody dares to acknowledge)) nobody would laugh!
Anyway, when are you writing YOUR next funny piece (and I mean funny for funny’s sake, not as in irony/sarcasm or for promoting a larger cause/purpose)? By the way, I think guns should be considered outdated tools of violence used by morons who can not solve the problems of the world by using simple, honest words!
Also (and this in not said in humor), I am very deeply honored that you still remember my very first post on the Chowk site. Needless to say, I stand by every word of it. But probably that’s not new information for anybody. I could go into it at considerable length, were it necessary.
Notes:
[“…enjoy his 5 seconds …” a bit curious. How did you know his state? And were you keeping count? ]
And was she carrying a stop-watch?
[When I was in Karachi a certain male acquaintance wanted us … I think the ‘respectable’ gentleman was even more perverse.]
I think you have some weird acquaintances. But then, those acquaintances may turn around and say the same of you (for different reasons, of course (or at least, I assume)).
#39 Posted by ZahraJ on June 18, 2005 12:19:15 pm
Re: # 27
[I never used to smoke in my office. I used to go in the adjacent computer room to to have a smoke. ]
Why should a woman inhale the cancerous elements ? How very impolite of you! Do you realize that as a grown-up you have certain responsibilities to your surroundings? At least appreciate someone who stood up for herself. Just like you don`t believe in smoking in your office, she must have an aversion to smoke as well. Whether she stated her matter in an emotional manner or a professional manner, in my opinion you need to learn how to manage people without displaying your feudal mannerisms.
[I never used to smoke in my office. I used to go in the adjacent computer room to to have a smoke. ]
Why should a woman inhale the cancerous elements ? How very impolite of you! Do you realize that as a grown-up you have certain responsibilities to your surroundings? At least appreciate someone who stood up for herself. Just like you don`t believe in smoking in your office, she must have an aversion to smoke as well. Whether she stated her matter in an emotional manner or a professional manner, in my opinion you need to learn how to manage people without displaying your feudal mannerisms.
#38 Posted by ZahraJ on June 18, 2005 12:05:01 pm
Re: # 30
I found your post more interesting than the article itself.
I found your post more interesting than the article itself.
#37 Posted by nazarhayatkhan on June 18, 2005 7:53:34 am
Malik99 # 28
I told you a true story. I used the word `in general` and not all the women.
Off course, there are plenty of dumb men. May be more. But the women tend to expect a greater allowance for their inefficiency.
I have worked a lot among women employees in Air Line. Somehow, the Eastern women (not all) do not have a concept of ``just friendship`` . Our society also does not accept such a concept easily.
Getting a little intimate in the East, women (IN GENERAL) invariably expect this to lead towards a marriage. I have seen numerous examples where the initial green signal from the woman became an albatross in the neck of man - ruining the peace of the family as well. Sex is straightaway considered as a natural lead towards marriage.
This is not so in the West - at least not to that intensity. Obviously, women do not like to share men in almost all cultures - only the degree of reaction varies.
nhk
I told you a true story. I used the word `in general` and not all the women.
Off course, there are plenty of dumb men. May be more. But the women tend to expect a greater allowance for their inefficiency.
I have worked a lot among women employees in Air Line. Somehow, the Eastern women (not all) do not have a concept of ``just friendship`` . Our society also does not accept such a concept easily.
Getting a little intimate in the East, women (IN GENERAL) invariably expect this to lead towards a marriage. I have seen numerous examples where the initial green signal from the woman became an albatross in the neck of man - ruining the peace of the family as well. Sex is straightaway considered as a natural lead towards marriage.
This is not so in the West - at least not to that intensity. Obviously, women do not like to share men in almost all cultures - only the degree of reaction varies.
nhk
#36 Posted by Hueees on June 18, 2005 3:46:50 am
Enjoyed reading the article. Elaborates some interesting facts about the behaviors of both genders…
But I do believe the title is misleading to the nature of the article. It generalizes the whole gender into a piece and leads the reader to generalize the whole situation into one direction; which I guess is that “when it comes to sex the man shows the advances and woman is at the receiving end” and on that basis it heads to define them as “pervert”…
However, if you want to generalize, I believe there is another perspective, which is more scientific and logical, however due to its scientific nature it lacks the sociological aspects.
Though I do agree that “when it comes to sex the man shows the advances and woman is at the receiving end” is mostly true … it confirms the natural instinct common to most of the species. And every male has a different critical barrier (in terms of attraction that male feels for a certain female) for him to show his intentions. And he must feel the higher level of attractiveness to cross that barrier and show his feelings…
Similarly for example “teasing done by women” is also a way (among other ways) of females showing their attractiveness for a certain male. Every female do have to feel a different level of attractiveness to show their feelings by these means….
These critical barriers vary in every male and female… So in other words what I am implying is that “ if you met a very nice guy who showed no signs of being a “pervert” it might be that due to any reason he does not feel the higher level of attractiveness than his critical barrier.
Similarly it can be said about women. If a women doesn’t reciprocates to your advances. It could just be that you are unable to reach her critical level.
I guess that’s why the word chemistry was used to define the natural attraction between two individuals of different genders.
But I do believe the title is misleading to the nature of the article. It generalizes the whole gender into a piece and leads the reader to generalize the whole situation into one direction; which I guess is that “when it comes to sex the man shows the advances and woman is at the receiving end” and on that basis it heads to define them as “pervert”…
However, if you want to generalize, I believe there is another perspective, which is more scientific and logical, however due to its scientific nature it lacks the sociological aspects.
Though I do agree that “when it comes to sex the man shows the advances and woman is at the receiving end” is mostly true … it confirms the natural instinct common to most of the species. And every male has a different critical barrier (in terms of attraction that male feels for a certain female) for him to show his intentions. And he must feel the higher level of attractiveness to cross that barrier and show his feelings…
Similarly for example “teasing done by women” is also a way (among other ways) of females showing their attractiveness for a certain male. Every female do have to feel a different level of attractiveness to show their feelings by these means….
These critical barriers vary in every male and female… So in other words what I am implying is that “ if you met a very nice guy who showed no signs of being a “pervert” it might be that due to any reason he does not feel the higher level of attractiveness than his critical barrier.
Similarly it can be said about women. If a women doesn’t reciprocates to your advances. It could just be that you are unable to reach her critical level.
I guess that’s why the word chemistry was used to define the natural attraction between two individuals of different genders.
#35 Posted by FarzanaVersey on June 18, 2005 2:54:20 am
Correction to #34...towards the end...
``time for you to tell the women from the women....`` should be ``time for you to tell the women from the girls...``
``time for you to tell the women from the women....`` should be ``time for you to tell the women from the girls...``
#34 Posted by FarzanaVersey on June 18, 2005 2:47:02 am
Please excuse the diversion...
Aha... let me make an exception because it is quite funny although trying to be a killah (Mae West would have asked, ``Is that a gun in your pocket or are you only happy to see me?``)
#32 by BeeJay:
[FV, lighten up!]
YOU should, instead of rushing in after getting yourself into knots.
[This piece was supposed to be funny and so were virtually all the interacts (including the very funny one by Miriamk,]
I already commented on the positive posts...I wish you could stand up for yourself on your own and for the male species instead of trying to co-opt the name of a female interactor. Well, whatever...
[but excluding a couple of killjoys, including the #30 by you)]
You ought not to worry too much as long as your joy has not been killed.
[What’s the matter, you only like to laugh AT people, and not with them?]
The `matter` is that I do not find it necessary to laugh with people if I do not find what they say particularly witty...and I am referring to some male interactors here.
[Also, when you comment on another’s interacts, make sure to comment on an interact’s whole content (and overall essence) and not on carefully chosen excerpts.]
I used a comment, called it a comment, and the comment has its own essence.
[That would not be objective – and seriously damage your credibility in the eyes of your readers!]
Speak in the singular and for yourself.
[Also, it is considered a compliment when somebody says that ``I wish I had written it myself``.]
I do not dispute that, which is why I did not omit that portion and did not even comment on it.
[Perhaps YOU have never heard one like that!]
Frankly, my dear, I don`t give a damn...and I would not even want to give names of what I have heard from who. But one comment might be of particular interest to you....
From my writer`s page:
``#25 by BeeJay on October 30, 2004 9:41pm PT
I recently ``discovered`` you (just shows how much of a newcomer I am). I have really enjoyed your columns which I just started reading and am still going through. There is something in them(and I do not have the ability to put exactly in words) that stirs and makes me feel a connection of sorts.I also like a lot your sense of humor (although at times I wonder if it is a defense mechanism of some kind). The country, inspite of its many shortcomings and fumblings, must be doing something right if it can produce the likes of you.``
Alas, I am not given to ending my posts with hahahas to show my sense of humour nor do I indulge in a rampant use of smileys to seem cool...but you are funny, so I guess I did laugh with you, though I suspect you might have wanted it to have another reaction. It don`t work that way with me...time for you to tell the women from the women.
Have a nice weekend...or would saying `weak end` make me less of a killjoy? (I would think that would be killing the joy....)
Oh dear...you have another one on me now. Lighten up!
Aha... let me make an exception because it is quite funny although trying to be a killah (Mae West would have asked, ``Is that a gun in your pocket or are you only happy to see me?``)
#32 by BeeJay:
[FV, lighten up!]
YOU should, instead of rushing in after getting yourself into knots.
[This piece was supposed to be funny and so were virtually all the interacts (including the very funny one by Miriamk,]
I already commented on the positive posts...I wish you could stand up for yourself on your own and for the male species instead of trying to co-opt the name of a female interactor. Well, whatever...
[but excluding a couple of killjoys, including the #30 by you)]
You ought not to worry too much as long as your joy has not been killed.
[What’s the matter, you only like to laugh AT people, and not with them?]
The `matter` is that I do not find it necessary to laugh with people if I do not find what they say particularly witty...and I am referring to some male interactors here.
[Also, when you comment on another’s interacts, make sure to comment on an interact’s whole content (and overall essence) and not on carefully chosen excerpts.]
I used a comment, called it a comment, and the comment has its own essence.
[That would not be objective – and seriously damage your credibility in the eyes of your readers!]
Speak in the singular and for yourself.
[Also, it is considered a compliment when somebody says that ``I wish I had written it myself``.]
I do not dispute that, which is why I did not omit that portion and did not even comment on it.
[Perhaps YOU have never heard one like that!]
Frankly, my dear, I don`t give a damn...and I would not even want to give names of what I have heard from who. But one comment might be of particular interest to you....
From my writer`s page:
``#25 by BeeJay on October 30, 2004 9:41pm PT
I recently ``discovered`` you (just shows how much of a newcomer I am). I have really enjoyed your columns which I just started reading and am still going through. There is something in them(and I do not have the ability to put exactly in words) that stirs and makes me feel a connection of sorts.I also like a lot your sense of humor (although at times I wonder if it is a defense mechanism of some kind). The country, inspite of its many shortcomings and fumblings, must be doing something right if it can produce the likes of you.``
Alas, I am not given to ending my posts with hahahas to show my sense of humour nor do I indulge in a rampant use of smileys to seem cool...but you are funny, so I guess I did laugh with you, though I suspect you might have wanted it to have another reaction. It don`t work that way with me...time for you to tell the women from the women.
Have a nice weekend...or would saying `weak end` make me less of a killjoy? (I would think that would be killing the joy....)
Oh dear...you have another one on me now. Lighten up!
#33 Posted by BeeJay on June 18, 2005 2:15:13 am
(more on) #30 FarzanaVersey
Also, a couple of afterthoughts (not to be confused with aftershocks):
FV, why do you have to take a simple funny piece and make a feeble, outrageous, and futile attempt to undertake a “sex change” operation on it – to mutiliate it into a man versus woman issue! I like funny pieces (I try to do that myself sometimes), I bet so does most of this crowd (male AND female). I think most of the interacts you criticized were funny! If you don’t like them, hey GO WRITE YOUR OWN funny piece!
If you are SERIOUS about solving world problems, you may have better luck sticking to Hindu vs. Muslim type of stuff. Those problems were man-made, so there is a chance! The man/woman stuff comes from a higher Authority (not AUTHORity!)
Like they used to say in US during the McCarthy era – stop looking for a communist under every bed! Did I say communist? I mean – stop looking for a man under every bed!
“Funny” is one F-word I never have a problem with! In fact, I adore it!
#32 Posted by BeeJay on June 18, 2005 1:32:45 am
#30 FarzanaVersey
FV, lighten up! This piece was supposed to be funny and so were virtually all the interacts (including the very funny one by Miriamk, but excluding a couple of killjoys, including the #30 by you). What’s the matter, you only like to laugh AT people, and not with them?
Also, when you comment on another’s interacts, make sure to comment on an interact’s whole content (and overall essence) and not on carefully chosen excerpts. That would not be objective – and seriously damage your credibility in the eyes of your readers!
Also, it is considered a compliment when somebody says that ``I wish I had written it myself``. Perhaps YOU have never heard one like that!
#31 Posted by drlokraj on June 18, 2005 1:31:00 am
I wonder why you have not mentioned about the male gynaecologists.The colleagues from other specialities especially in Punjab,always looked upon them with some disgust earlier,but things might be changing now with their increasing numbers.Many male medical students even tried to skip as many maternity practical classes as possible.
#30 Posted by FarzanaVersey on June 18, 2005 1:09:05 am
Sameena:
I address this rather long post to you alone for I have a fair understanding of where you are coming from, at least regarding this piece. Since you were dealing with male perversion and have singled out the shoe salesman, the darzi and the churiwalla, I wonder if you have noticed that you needn’t restrict yourself to these humble (even if disgusting) folks. I am sure you have read the responses. I have greater respect for those who have indicated that it is a generalisation of the species (nothing wrong with generalisations, though) than the ‘liberals’. How many women write about the perversions of the respectable men? Why do we restrict our ire towards those whose mentality we assume must be the pits?
What would you say to comments such as these…
“there are quite a few career choices for men you have elaborated on;)”
“A female relative owns a posh boutique. The tailor takes measurement; he holds the tape end on the nipple......says the measurment comes out better.”
(It certainly does…you cannot measure the rib-cage and say, “Do-chaar inch zara add kar dena”…the clothes one wears cannot exclude the nips; this is elementary.)
“I wish I had written it myself – except it would be difficult for a man to visit all those places you did and be in situations you were in without getting kicked out unceremoniously (or at least getting seriously stared at)!”
(So, this I all about getting a kick out of it too, is it?)
“to say that I did not fantasize (at least momentarily) to be her shoe salesman, would be a lie”
“May be it was frustration of the local Beduin women. He told me that when he asked them to uncover a part, they invariably dropped all their clothes quickly even if it was something only to do only with breasts.”
(It is true that women are sometimes part of the game, but this statement negates the element of male perversion.)
“I have alwys wondered what the women and the tailor are doing when they are taking measurements.”
(See…it is always the woman AND the tailor…is this what the writer wanted to convey?)
Tell me, did you expect this? Your light touch is being seen as open season for giving vent to repressed thoughts.
Re. the article let me make a few obersvations…
1.Even if there is a saleswoman at the lingerie counter, she will look at your breasts just as when you go to buy a kurta there is a general once-over.
2.If the darzi asks “katori ya padded” (this is now passé style, as you well know), then it is a mandatory query because that was how women wanted their blouses stitched and he had to clarify. And a 2x2 cubicle? Here I thought Mumbai was terribly cramped…a sewing machine does not fit in there, so it must be those specialised hand-stitched garments these darzis make.
3.About shoe salesmen, I personally try them (the shoes, not the men) on myself because I think it is feudal to let someone else help you with footwear. However, I found your statement, “I let him enjoy his 5 seconds of erection and pointing at four different sandals in four different corners of the showroom” a bit curious: How did you know his state? And were you keeping count?
With the exception of two-three men who have objected to the generalisation, most have only added to the perversion. And I wonder why they would suffer chest pains at all since you have said that had the churiwalla been cute it would have been ok…and the darzi was told to stitch the blouse ‘andaze se”… and the shoe guy was permitted to enjoy what you thought was a rise…I don’t think the men do really mind or feel endangered.
Most of them found it hilarious, so what is this about “not for the humour-impaired”? I suppose for some people a woman saying such things gives them ideas about potential perverse “career opportunities”. Did you imagine such a fallout? My guess is No.
With a headline like “Advantage, men” what are you trying to say? That perversions are advantageous to the male? As you well know I am no prude and truly like sensual pieces and even sexual ones. I think there came about a gap between your intentions and how it was read and responded to.
Btw, most beauty salons have male pedicurists. Forget a few inches above the ankles, they ‘do’ you upto the calves and are extremely matter-of-fact and above-board. There are women of all ages and from different fields (the other day Yana Gupta was before me)…I am sure they see it as a job and the women do not wonder what goes on in their minds or elsewhere.
Yes, you could go and buy a packet of condoms...these days all you have to ask for is “chhatri”. It might be pointed out that these polite terms have been coined for the benefit of men who shy away from purchasing the rubber. Would they too be victims of perversion then?
PS: When I was in Karachi a certain male acquaintance wanted us (another female acquaintance, young enough to be his daughter, and I) to challenge him to ask for condoms at the hotel lobby shop. He lives in the West and yet he thought it was a huge deal…did he want to prove he was bolder than the locals? Or was he being a tease? Had the shopkeeper looked at him quizzically, we would call him perverse. I think the ‘respectable’ gentleman was even more perverse.
PPS: Sameena, I am not looking for a response at all. I just had to voice my thoughts aloud and hope that it makes some sense at least to you, who I have directed the post at.
Regards,
Farzana
I address this rather long post to you alone for I have a fair understanding of where you are coming from, at least regarding this piece. Since you were dealing with male perversion and have singled out the shoe salesman, the darzi and the churiwalla, I wonder if you have noticed that you needn’t restrict yourself to these humble (even if disgusting) folks. I am sure you have read the responses. I have greater respect for those who have indicated that it is a generalisation of the species (nothing wrong with generalisations, though) than the ‘liberals’. How many women write about the perversions of the respectable men? Why do we restrict our ire towards those whose mentality we assume must be the pits?
What would you say to comments such as these…
“there are quite a few career choices for men you have elaborated on;)”
“A female relative owns a posh boutique. The tailor takes measurement; he holds the tape end on the nipple......says the measurment comes out better.”
(It certainly does…you cannot measure the rib-cage and say, “Do-chaar inch zara add kar dena”…the clothes one wears cannot exclude the nips; this is elementary.)
“I wish I had written it myself – except it would be difficult for a man to visit all those places you did and be in situations you were in without getting kicked out unceremoniously (or at least getting seriously stared at)!”
(So, this I all about getting a kick out of it too, is it?)
“to say that I did not fantasize (at least momentarily) to be her shoe salesman, would be a lie”
“May be it was frustration of the local Beduin women. He told me that when he asked them to uncover a part, they invariably dropped all their clothes quickly even if it was something only to do only with breasts.”
(It is true that women are sometimes part of the game, but this statement negates the element of male perversion.)
“I have alwys wondered what the women and the tailor are doing when they are taking measurements.”
(See…it is always the woman AND the tailor…is this what the writer wanted to convey?)
Tell me, did you expect this? Your light touch is being seen as open season for giving vent to repressed thoughts.
Re. the article let me make a few obersvations…
1.Even if there is a saleswoman at the lingerie counter, she will look at your breasts just as when you go to buy a kurta there is a general once-over.
2.If the darzi asks “katori ya padded” (this is now passé style, as you well know), then it is a mandatory query because that was how women wanted their blouses stitched and he had to clarify. And a 2x2 cubicle? Here I thought Mumbai was terribly cramped…a sewing machine does not fit in there, so it must be those specialised hand-stitched garments these darzis make.
3.About shoe salesmen, I personally try them (the shoes, not the men) on myself because I think it is feudal to let someone else help you with footwear. However, I found your statement, “I let him enjoy his 5 seconds of erection and pointing at four different sandals in four different corners of the showroom” a bit curious: How did you know his state? And were you keeping count?
With the exception of two-three men who have objected to the generalisation, most have only added to the perversion. And I wonder why they would suffer chest pains at all since you have said that had the churiwalla been cute it would have been ok…and the darzi was told to stitch the blouse ‘andaze se”… and the shoe guy was permitted to enjoy what you thought was a rise…I don’t think the men do really mind or feel endangered.
Most of them found it hilarious, so what is this about “not for the humour-impaired”? I suppose for some people a woman saying such things gives them ideas about potential perverse “career opportunities”. Did you imagine such a fallout? My guess is No.
With a headline like “Advantage, men” what are you trying to say? That perversions are advantageous to the male? As you well know I am no prude and truly like sensual pieces and even sexual ones. I think there came about a gap between your intentions and how it was read and responded to.
Btw, most beauty salons have male pedicurists. Forget a few inches above the ankles, they ‘do’ you upto the calves and are extremely matter-of-fact and above-board. There are women of all ages and from different fields (the other day Yana Gupta was before me)…I am sure they see it as a job and the women do not wonder what goes on in their minds or elsewhere.
Yes, you could go and buy a packet of condoms...these days all you have to ask for is “chhatri”. It might be pointed out that these polite terms have been coined for the benefit of men who shy away from purchasing the rubber. Would they too be victims of perversion then?
PS: When I was in Karachi a certain male acquaintance wanted us (another female acquaintance, young enough to be his daughter, and I) to challenge him to ask for condoms at the hotel lobby shop. He lives in the West and yet he thought it was a huge deal…did he want to prove he was bolder than the locals? Or was he being a tease? Had the shopkeeper looked at him quizzically, we would call him perverse. I think the ‘respectable’ gentleman was even more perverse.
PPS: Sameena, I am not looking for a response at all. I just had to voice my thoughts aloud and hope that it makes some sense at least to you, who I have directed the post at.
Regards,
Farzana
#29 Posted by BeeJay on June 18, 2005 12:57:07 am
I had somehow missed this earlier.
#9 Miriamk
[…i often think about that when i’m enjoying dessert…]
My reference to men being the best things since apple pie was purely metaphorical and not to be taken literally; never to compare the physical sweetness of an apple pie with that of a male member – of the species. To the best of MY knowledge, the latter is not edible.
#28 Posted by malik99 on June 17, 2005 9:40:20 pm
nazarhayatkhan #27 writes ``...but in the Government Departments, the women, in general, have a very low productivity and create many such social problems. These are usually from low middle class unlike in the corporate sector.``
Casting aside the fact that I have seen enough male government workers who are SO dumb that they couldnt find their own butts even if they used both hands, what you have written here is so offensive! I have often seen you rant against mullahs. But frankly your thinking reveals that you are a mullah yourself. First you go where a woman is sitting and start smoking. And when she complains to a ``mullah type`` manager, you have her removed. And then you generalize that ALL female government workers are inept and socially problematic!!!!!
So what do we do now? Put these women back inside the house? Aha!!!!! So now finally you have come to appreciate the wisdom of Mullah Omar!! Dair ayed, durust ayed! Welcome!!!!
Casting aside the fact that I have seen enough male government workers who are SO dumb that they couldnt find their own butts even if they used both hands, what you have written here is so offensive! I have often seen you rant against mullahs. But frankly your thinking reveals that you are a mullah yourself. First you go where a woman is sitting and start smoking. And when she complains to a ``mullah type`` manager, you have her removed. And then you generalize that ALL female government workers are inept and socially problematic!!!!!
So what do we do now? Put these women back inside the house? Aha!!!!! So now finally you have come to appreciate the wisdom of Mullah Omar!! Dair ayed, durust ayed! Welcome!!!!
#27 Posted by nazarhayatkhan on June 17, 2005 9:03:18 pm
I have had a bad experience with a woman in the working environment. Since that day, I vouched never to keep a woman as secretary or in the staff.
I never used to smoke in my office. I used to go in the adjacent computer room to to have a smoke.
Then a woman got positioned there who did the computer job. I continued my smoking pattern of going there and smoking.
One day she went to our Mulla type admin incharge with tears in her eyes telling that `I go to her room to smoke` infering as if I was philandering with her in my easy recreational moments.
Anyway, I was furious and got her removed immediately and vouched never to get another woman in the staff.
Maybe such is not the case in the sophisticated Multi-national environment but in the Government Departments, the women, in general, have a very low productivity and create many such social problems. These are usually from low middle class unlike in the corporate sector.
(now plz don`t blame me for smoking in another`s room. I expect the subordinates to get used to my bad habits or on the onset state that they can not stand smoking)
nhk
I never used to smoke in my office. I used to go in the adjacent computer room to to have a smoke.
Then a woman got positioned there who did the computer job. I continued my smoking pattern of going there and smoking.
One day she went to our Mulla type admin incharge with tears in her eyes telling that `I go to her room to smoke` infering as if I was philandering with her in my easy recreational moments.
Anyway, I was furious and got her removed immediately and vouched never to get another woman in the staff.
Maybe such is not the case in the sophisticated Multi-national environment but in the Government Departments, the women, in general, have a very low productivity and create many such social problems. These are usually from low middle class unlike in the corporate sector.
(now plz don`t blame me for smoking in another`s room. I expect the subordinates to get used to my bad habits or on the onset state that they can not stand smoking)
nhk
#26 Posted by ntsyed on June 17, 2005 12:37:23 pm
Re: # 9
miriamk,
LOL.... but in a way that`s pretty cruel of women to first show the skin and then expect ALL men to act as monks.
I know like most decent women you didn`t mean to `show` the skin, but how does one tell a pervert from a gentleman before the act, and how to prevent one from getting close to you? I hope you follow my drift.
ntsyed :-)~~
miriamk,
LOL.... but in a way that`s pretty cruel of women to first show the skin and then expect ALL men to act as monks.
I know like most decent women you didn`t mean to `show` the skin, but how does one tell a pervert from a gentleman before the act, and how to prevent one from getting close to you? I hope you follow my drift.
ntsyed :-)~~
#25 Posted by temporal on June 17, 2005 12:20:24 pm
samina:
just a thought after reading several male chowkies protest unfair characterisation of their endangered species ...and a suggestion for chowk editors;)
please place a bold notice before such articles in future:
not for the humour impaired
this may alleviate some chest pains and a rush to the pharmacy
;)
t
just a thought after reading several male chowkies protest unfair characterisation of their endangered species ...and a suggestion for chowk editors;)
please place a bold notice before such articles in future:
not for the humour impaired
this may alleviate some chest pains and a rush to the pharmacy
;)
t
#24 Posted by mubakr on June 17, 2005 11:34:38 am
there`s this big madam in an ngo pushing me into a relationship that i dont want. well, i maybe more interested in the files she has on the shelves but her eyes suggest otherwise. there there`s this banker who eyes more of my job and reasonable bank account than servicing my banking needs and calls up to tell me my balance. though i would not have inquired about it. then again this media and pr manager of a high profile multinational whom i once helped getting her thing done at my office. i only tried to be courteous to a mutual reference who referred her to me. two years since then, she makes it a point to drop me hints, lines and passes whenever possible. two more examples but i aint not here proving a rasputine or something.
i never complained. i know for a fact that a large number of girls enjoy such teasing at times but as there cannot be generalized males, there cant be females too. trying to prove males as creatures having their balls fitted in their eyeholes and mind full of semen that gets a five seconds erection...well...what to speak of the mind that imagines the erection of the salesman!
sameena: i enjoyed the article but unfair generalization from the fair gender.
cheers.
i never complained. i know for a fact that a large number of girls enjoy such teasing at times but as there cannot be generalized males, there cant be females too. trying to prove males as creatures having their balls fitted in their eyeholes and mind full of semen that gets a five seconds erection...well...what to speak of the mind that imagines the erection of the salesman!
sameena: i enjoyed the article but unfair generalization from the fair gender.
cheers.
#23 Posted by stinger_kh on June 17, 2005 11:15:33 am
Re: # 20
Re: # 21
I use to wear my own shoes since childhood i never feel comfortable if some one giving me pair and putting them on feet since i can do that by my ownself.
I AGREE WID BOTH OF YOU
Re: # 21
I use to wear my own shoes since childhood i never feel comfortable if some one giving me pair and putting them on feet since i can do that by my ownself.
I AGREE WID BOTH OF YOU
#22 Posted by Romair on June 17, 2005 9:54:41 am
Funny article.
I have alwys wondered what the women and the tailor are doing when they are taking measurements. And have always wondered why all the bar salesmen in Pakistan, are men........
The shoe salesman part was new. Didn`t know they behaved like that..........
I have alwys wondered what the women and the tailor are doing when they are taking measurements. And have always wondered why all the bar salesmen in Pakistan, are men........
The shoe salesman part was new. Didn`t know they behaved like that..........
#21 Posted by cipram on June 17, 2005 4:41:03 am
Sameena,
your article is good for smiling .
otherwise in Pakistan ,I never in my life heard such a complaint.we always try our shoes our selves.as far as tailor master is concerned ,only those women eager to give fresh measurment every time who wants master touch.that is the reason spouse is always against giving measurment.Let them enjoy if they want in this way.ha haha
your article is good for smiling .
otherwise in Pakistan ,I never in my life heard such a complaint.we always try our shoes our selves.as far as tailor master is concerned ,only those women eager to give fresh measurment every time who wants master touch.that is the reason spouse is always against giving measurment.Let them enjoy if they want in this way.ha haha
#20 Posted by burpinder on June 17, 2005 1:09:03 am
`` You still have a gentlemanly breed, at your neighborhood pharmacies, which unfailingly wrap the sanitary napkin of your choice in a newspaper, tie it up with a thread and put it in a shopper, which again is black, never the transparent white.``
Why are you ashamed of buying sanitary napkins, madam? Is there any woman in the world who does not need them?
I`m afraid the problems are all in YOUR mind. Please don`t transfer them to an innocent shop assistant.
``Not all men, ok, make that all salesmen, are such perverts though.``
I shouldn`t think ANY of them are, not for any significant period of time anyway. One would think if a shopowner wanted to stay in business, he`d choose his salesmen in such a way as to avoid his customers feeling uncomfortable!
Why are you ashamed of buying sanitary napkins, madam? Is there any woman in the world who does not need them?
I`m afraid the problems are all in YOUR mind. Please don`t transfer them to an innocent shop assistant.
``Not all men, ok, make that all salesmen, are such perverts though.``
I shouldn`t think ANY of them are, not for any significant period of time anyway. One would think if a shopowner wanted to stay in business, he`d choose his salesmen in such a way as to avoid his customers feeling uncomfortable!
#19 Posted by bajwabilal on June 17, 2005 12:01:45 am
Sameena
All five fingers are not equal, and to be frank, you have not done justice with the topic. Their is a large no. of men that do not come under this category and you have missed them!
All five fingers are not equal, and to be frank, you have not done justice with the topic. Their is a large no. of men that do not come under this category and you have missed them!
#16 Posted by nazarhayatkhan on June 16, 2005 9:29:10 pm
Sameena
Enjoyed it.
I was in Abu Dhabi for a few years in 70s. I had a Doctor friend who worked in a nearby hospital.
May be it was frustration of the local Beduin women. He told me that when he asked them to uncover a part, they invariably dropped all their clothes quickly even if it was something only to do only with breasts.
nhk
Enjoyed it.
I was in Abu Dhabi for a few years in 70s. I had a Doctor friend who worked in a nearby hospital.
May be it was frustration of the local Beduin women. He told me that when he asked them to uncover a part, they invariably dropped all their clothes quickly even if it was something only to do only with breasts.
nhk
#15 Posted by subroto on June 16, 2005 8:16:56 pm
Very well done - taking simple observations and presenting them with gentle humour.
#14 Posted by stinger_kh on June 16, 2005 5:38:04 pm
Re: # 13
I will be eager to read a reply from Sameena Khan and Nadia Zehra on this.
I will be eager to read a reply from Sameena Khan and Nadia Zehra on this.
#13 Posted by stinger_kh on June 16, 2005 5:29:05 pm
Once a girl walked in at my store and she asked me for condems which fits best for her boy friend i inquired which one she replied very quickly he has big crotch which one will be best for him, and i was like take a pack of ``Magnum`` she smiled and replied okay i will tell u how it worked.
#12 Posted by slan on June 16, 2005 3:02:35 pm
Hilarious.Lightens up the heavy air around chowk!!( and did the same to my mood after a long hard day - thanks sameena)
#11 Posted by atif2 on June 16, 2005 2:14:21 pm
This has to be one of the funniest article I read on Chowk in a while. To say that I fell in love with the author while reading it would be an understatement, and to say that I did not fantasize (at least momentarily) to be her shoe salesman, would be a lie.
But I beg to differ on ``Advantage, Men``. If anything, I think its a deuce.
While author has very articulately put forward the dilemmas of the fair gender, I think the unfair gender is getting the short end of the stick. Consider this:
God knows how many times my friends have lamented about their rising costs of living and decreasing life expectancies due to the stress of their frequent condom purchases. You see, every pack of condom purchase has to be accompanied by a lot of other useless items - such as chips, coke, candies etc, just to surround the condoms on the store`s counter from the prying eyes of other customers and any unwanted attention.
Condom is one item that you want to buy with minimum fuss, and no pleasantries exchanged with the store clerk or anyone else in line. The last thing you want is a spooky ``mashallah`` uttered by someone standing behind you, or worse, a price check on it on public address system. Also, you want to make sure that you buy one pack at a time, and not in bulk - you dont want to be seen coming across as a show-off.
But I beg to differ on ``Advantage, Men``. If anything, I think its a deuce.
While author has very articulately put forward the dilemmas of the fair gender, I think the unfair gender is getting the short end of the stick. Consider this:
God knows how many times my friends have lamented about their rising costs of living and decreasing life expectancies due to the stress of their frequent condom purchases. You see, every pack of condom purchase has to be accompanied by a lot of other useless items - such as chips, coke, candies etc, just to surround the condoms on the store`s counter from the prying eyes of other customers and any unwanted attention.
Condom is one item that you want to buy with minimum fuss, and no pleasantries exchanged with the store clerk or anyone else in line. The last thing you want is a spooky ``mashallah`` uttered by someone standing behind you, or worse, a price check on it on public address system. Also, you want to make sure that you buy one pack at a time, and not in bulk - you dont want to be seen coming across as a show-off.
#10 Posted by chesapeake on June 16, 2005 2:12:49 pm
As a male I found the article extremely offensive. How dare you even suggest that by touching your leg the salesman had an erection. The poor guy is out there trying to make a living for himself and God knows how many other mouths for his family. Just because mem-sahiba (you) have the ora of Cleopetra around your head does not mean that you think that men are running around with bonners in their pants. I found the article to be extremely sexist. I guess if women were selling tampons, bras, bangels and shoes that would make you happy.
#9 Posted by miriamk on June 16, 2005 11:55:03 am
I was visiting Karachi a couple of years ago after a very lengthy hiatus (14 yrs +…so had forgotten the little freebies one is likely to collect while shopping)….went into a shoe store naïvely expecting i was going to purchase shoes and not get more than i was willing to pay for. Khair…as the salesman suggestively slid his hand over my foot and ankle my initial thought was, “hain”? what can I say….words fail me when confronted with perverts.
But when the “$#@%$#” did it again, i used the same foot and ankle he had grown so fond of to kick him in the chest with. As he fell back, i got up from my seat and yelled...something about his audacity and degeneracy….manager came over…i yelled at him too…for hiring such degenerates...yeah…i have no powers of subtlety when it comes to retrograde and ungentlemanly behavior.
Sameena, your article brought back fond and heart warming memories :).
Beej:
#5
“I personally think that men are the greatest things since apple pie!”
Yes, the little dears….i often think about that when i’m enjoying dessert. Tiramisu or a man? it’s an age-old question, which perplexes most women. Honestly, i don’t know how we make it through the day with such a quandary hanging over our heads ;).
#7 Posted by cayenne on June 16, 2005 10:39:27 am
Sameena Khan comes across as a reasonable woman.How did she get her article published on this site?.There are good men and bad men and ditto with women.One has to be fair and i don`t think men are getting a ` fair shake` nowadays.Universal condemnation of all men is not good. In the recent `Imrana` case in India, the sharia council has said that the father-in-law`s accusation that Imrana led him on to have sex does have merit and would be considered.State law has just taken him into judicial custody.Guilty till proven innocent.Nice article.
#6 Posted by Nadia_Zehra on June 16, 2005 10:01:13 am
Sameena:
Fine to know about tackling the sizzling anger you felt in the shoe salesperson episode. Your way of personal retaliation might looks astounding to you. But the thing is that you didn’t let the salesman object in the right direction at right time at right place. Salesmen are used to more than job to do tiresome chores of taking [bigger smaller, and colored] numbered brands from the store entertaining couple of people at the same time day whole upon closure midnight in big cities. Ordering him 4 in a row doesn’t make him feel even discomfortable rather you should have make your point louder and clear to him so that he may not exercise this thing to next customer or even think twice before his move. And make that clear that to his Boss as well and issued a complaint to the company Director of the behavior of its worker.
And you are right that there are good and bad people in every profession every time at every place. But it would be bit healthy to mention the bad feeling irrespective of age [even>99] to the criminal then suppressing the thing with another angle.
And these are the small medium workshops in Pakistan like Tailor shops, shoe shops and people don’t pay due respect for the customers. This is state of mind of people who in patient condition look down upon nurses and airhostesses. I remember the time when I used to hear from many mothers that only “ Teaching and Being Lady Doctor “ is a respectable profession in Pakistan for women and these false allegations are not exposing when ladies are in every profession now.
The point is diverging again…Just wanted to say that like Tailors if Doctors start taking advantage by cheap means then none will believe of this human profession.
Fine to know about tackling the sizzling anger you felt in the shoe salesperson episode. Your way of personal retaliation might looks astounding to you. But the thing is that you didn’t let the salesman object in the right direction at right time at right place. Salesmen are used to more than job to do tiresome chores of taking [bigger smaller, and colored] numbered brands from the store entertaining couple of people at the same time day whole upon closure midnight in big cities. Ordering him 4 in a row doesn’t make him feel even discomfortable rather you should have make your point louder and clear to him so that he may not exercise this thing to next customer or even think twice before his move. And make that clear that to his Boss as well and issued a complaint to the company Director of the behavior of its worker.
And you are right that there are good and bad people in every profession every time at every place. But it would be bit healthy to mention the bad feeling irrespective of age [even>99] to the criminal then suppressing the thing with another angle.
And these are the small medium workshops in Pakistan like Tailor shops, shoe shops and people don’t pay due respect for the customers. This is state of mind of people who in patient condition look down upon nurses and airhostesses. I remember the time when I used to hear from many mothers that only “ Teaching and Being Lady Doctor “ is a respectable profession in Pakistan for women and these false allegations are not exposing when ladies are in every profession now.
The point is diverging again…Just wanted to say that like Tailors if Doctors start taking advantage by cheap means then none will believe of this human profession.
#5 Posted by BeeJay on June 16, 2005 9:23:04 am
VERY funny! I really liked it. I wish I had written it myself – except it would be difficult for a man to visit all those places you did and be in situations you were in without getting kicked out unceremoniously (or at least getting seriously stared at)! In the west, of course, many of these events can not occur (you see, we outsourced all the salesperson jobs (still working on the politicos, though)) – however, instead of providing “personal” service they may just use video cameras (strictly to ensure your “personal” security, of course)! And then there are those “all-seeing” scanning detectors, and those ubiquitous individuals with digital cameras on beaches, just flashing away like there is no tomorrow. Strange animals, those men! (On second thoughts, please disregard that one. I personally think that men are the greatest things since apple pie! You see, without us men, life itself would be impossible. (Disclaimer: any resemblance of the preceding statement with a DuPont commercial praising toxic chemicals is strictly incidental!))
Seriously, though, I think the characters you describe in this article are very much exceptions rather than the rule, because most of these sales folks just want to earn a living and make ends meet. In certain ways, what you describe is also an extension of what happens in, for example, crowded buses – predators on prowl! The ability to confront such individuals is all-important! I believe the problem is worse in smaller cities/towns because of more reticence on the part of the victim (the woman).
#4 Posted by HP on June 16, 2005 9:08:46 am
People! People! This is about the games girls/women play.
Once I was reading ``confessions of a shoe slaesman`` in US and that was a great write up. I forgot the URL and stuff but it was on one of those sites where people write stories.
I asked my wife about the shoesales man`s stories/adventures and she said, yep they do it and sometimes it is fun and at others, it is boring. Her contention was it depends on how ``cute`` the shoe salesman is. They don`t push Shalwar up here(nobody wears it) but are really daring!
Then she told me about girls who forget to wear a few things and like to visit malls and shoe stores.
Wouild somebody care to write about the annoying ``passes`` guys make on streets in Pak and here too but mostly in bars.
Good read and quality sense of humor. You are kool Sameen!
Thanks.
#2 Posted by kaurasach on June 16, 2005 8:50:18 am
A female relative owns a posh boutique. The tailor takes measurement; he holds the tape end on the nipple......says the measurment comes out better.
Some women insist that he take the measurment.
Some women insist that he take the measurment.
#1 Posted by temporal on June 16, 2005 8:39:06 am
saman:
hahahaha
I’ve actually seen women walk into a 2x2 feet cubicle with the privileged master follow them like a puppy and deftly close the door behind him.
there are quite a few career choices for men you have elaborated on;)
lve
t
hahahaha
I’ve actually seen women walk into a 2x2 feet cubicle with the privileged master follow them like a puppy and deftly close the door behind him.
there are quite a few career choices for men you have elaborated on;)
lve
t
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