The Tale Of A Condescending Man

In an era where education is often equated with enlightenment, I find myself reflecting on a disheartening reality. Despite being educated in some of the most esteemed institutions in our country, there are still men who carry with them deeply ingrained regressive mindsets — a mindset that sees women not as equals but as possessions, beneath them. This poem is born out of my own personal experiences, where I have encountered men who possess incredible academic talent yet remain shackled by internalized misogyny.

For a long time, I was blinded by my own personal and emotional struggles. My own experiences with inequality and misogyny shaped how I viewed the world, and I found myself falling into familiar patterns, even favouring certain stereotypes and justifications. But as I grew, I began to realize that this might not be an isolated case. This pervasive issue extends far beyond individual experiences — it’s a systemic problem that needs to be addressed on a grand scale. My research and groundwork have shown me that the internalized misogyny I witnessed isn’t just a personal flaw but a deep-rooted issue that must be confronted by our society as a whole.

As a woman, blessed to have received a relatively progressive educational foundation during my formative years, I have witnessed firsthand the vast difference in mindset between those who have been taught not just facts, but the values of respect, equality, and dignity, and those who, despite their intellectual achievements, are still entrenched in outdated, oppressive beliefs. It is this disconnect that fuels my desire to speak up.

In the 21st century, in the era of globalization, the internet, and unprecedented connectivity, it is no longer enough to simply cancel or block those whose thoughts are clouded by patriarchal notions. It’s not just about creating barriers; we must focus on fostering understanding, tolerance, and empathy. Higher educational institutions, especially those in India, must come together to confront these deeply rooted issues. No longer can we afford to overlook the essential lessons of humanity in our academic pursuits. Universities must take responsibility for shaping not just educated minds, but also compassionate hearts. Only through holistic education—one that integrates knowledge with respect for women and equality—can we hope to build a society where progress is truly inclusive.

Oh, let me tell you the story,
Of a condescending man,
Who walks this material plane,
Believing himself the master plan.

A man so steeped in his own pride,
He thinks the world is his endless stage,
Where money and bait, his chosen art,
Won him praise and gilded rage.

“You think you’re untouchable,” I’d say,
But he’d smirk, a devil’s grin,
A Warren Anderson of hearts and homes,
Leaving ruin where love had been.

Oh, how he polluted the land of Bhopal,
Fleeing to a foreign shore,
You think you can escape your guilt,
And bury your wrongs forever?

Just like smoke in the sacred skies,
Or poison in our purest streams,
You dared to pollute my very soul,
And then laugh at my broken dreams.

But tales have twists, and tides do turn,
Your crown of gold is made of sand,
A condescending man may rise,
But justice waits with a steady hand.

Oh, let me tell you the ending now,
Of this man who thought he’d won,
His empire is built on others’ pain,
Will crumble beneath the setting sun.

For no art of money, no skill of bait,
Can mask the stench of truth,
The tale of a man who played with hearts,
Ends in the loss of all his youth.

~ Kanika Kaushal ✨ The Luminous Muse