My mother refuses to consider the possibility that I could have an egalitarian marriage, equating it instead with a female-dominated relationship. For all the subtle eddies in Indian manhood which disparage women, we don't seem to be men enough to deal with them. Men who follow unquestioningly the sexist aspects of Indian culture are not men. It takes no manhood to be victor when the dice are loaded. Real men do not need to dominate women.
Real men can be friends and lovers with strong, free-thinking, independent women.
Men, too, ought to be to be understanding, sensitive, and caring. Women, too, ought to be intellectual and reasoned. We cannot afford to relapse into our insecurities and pull our practiced gender roles around us like a filthy old blanket. Some argue that gender roles cannot change without weakening our cherished families. I agree, the closeness of Indian families is wonderful.