In the name of Honour

Among the virtues celebrated by the human society, honour is one of the most important. But to different people, honour means different. From one such perception, emerges the concept of honour killing. In my interaction with different people, I have come to realise that most people don't understand it really well. Hence, here's an attempt to answer some FAQs relating to honour killings.

1. What exactly is honour killing?
When a person kills another to protect her (*aspiring feminist alert*) honour, it is very intelligently termed as an honour killing. You may think that the killer is actually bringing dishonour to herself by murdering someone, but there's a reason we humans are convoluted beings.

2. What kind of honour qualifies under honour killing?
All kinds! There is an absolute equality of opportunity here. Marrying into other religion, caste, same gotra, or simply marrying against the wishes of your family is enough to bring dishonour. If you are more honourable, you may want to "honour-kill" family member of yours caught watching porn. When in doubt, ask yourself Chaar log kya kahenge!

3. What doesn't bring dishonour?
There's plenty. Throwing garbage out in open, peeing at the roadside, pocketing the money meant to feed the poor, killing a blackbuck, inciting a riot is all socially acceptable. 

4. How do honour killings impact the broader society?
Honour Killings unite us across religions, castes, class, region, and nations.
  • Killing for honour is practised by creatures having faith in Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism. 
  • As far as castes are concerned, all castes manage to find that one caste which is lower than theirs helping them commit honour killings. 
  • The class divide goes for a toss when it comes to honour. Rich and poor alike take pride in protecting their honour. 
  • Only two things evoke the Indianness of an Indian - Jana Gana Man and Honour Killings. The katta of a Haryanvi and the machete of a Tamilian serve a common purpose. 
  • Bridging the divide between India and Pakistan: Common love for cricket is a passe. A Mr Satyaprakash Abraham Singh Khan (*dodged being called communal, phew*) from India and Mr Imran Khan from Pakistan also share common urge to protect their honour. 
In light of this, it is important that honour killings are viewed for what they represent and not what they are i.e. murder. 

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