The **Woes** of a Woman In Cyberspace...

Hello ...
I am new here and I need to understand the gender and inter-personal dynamics of I-F ...
(I do not want to offend anyone. If I do, then please accept my apologies.) 😊

My name is Simone and I was born and raised in the US. I love India. I have Indian colleagues, an Indian (Hindu) Bhabhi and many Indian friends. I can speak Hindi quite fluently and can also write a little. I love Indian movies and TV shows.

I found I-F by chance (I was searching for some music) and for the past 3-4 months have been occasionally participating in a couple of forums.

My observation is that forum female members are constantly judged and if a woman participates online, she is "looking". And if she is not "looking", then she is seeking thrills outside her marriage. I am shocked by this attitude.

Why can't a woman participate without the scrutiny? Why is her "relationship status" a pre-requisite for acceptance into the forums?

I have introduced myself to the members. I am extremely sensitive to Indian sentiments and have never written anything to offend India or Indian traditions. I have never displayed any romantic interest towards any forum male member. I read a post, if I know the answer, I reply ...

I don't discuss my personal life because I am a private person. I do not PM forum members or chat with them (I have a very busy professional life).

Just because I am reserved, I am "hiding" something ?? Just because I am liberal minded, I am an immoral person? If I write about male dominated societies, I have an issue with males or I am in an unhappy relationship? Why the curiosity ??? 😊

Is it too much to expect that fellow forum members respect another member's privacy and accept them as they are?

I come to I-F after a long work day, to unwind, to read the posts and like the rest, contribute my two cents. So, what am I missing? I come from a different culture and hence I want to understand the Indian psyche. I want to know what I need to do to ease the situation and participate without feeling like I am always under a microscope.

I love this place and would like to participate like any other Indian. At the same time, since this is the Internet, I do not owe anyone any personal information about myself. 😊

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ...

It will be interesting to see how many responses I get for the above post.

😊

Hi Simone,

I'm really very sorry if you've experienced anything here that offended you or made you uncomfortable.

Our goal on IF is to have some healthy discussions regardless of bringing in member's religions, races, ethnicity, or any other issues of the sort.

We want healthy discussions amongst everyone! Doesn't matter what's your gender or ethnicity. You're most welcome to discuss anything here. Simone. There are some general rules for posting like respecting everyone etc. which I'm sure you have been doing.

I'm sorry if someone has tried to intrude in your person life. You can always let that person know that you're not comfortable with such questions and if they don't stop even then, you can contact any member of the IF Development Team and we would gladly help you out.

Once again, my apologies for any inconvenience you've faced here. I hope you enjoy your stay here and have great discussions - That's our goal!

-Mahi

Thanks Mahi ... your tender words have worked for me. I feel good and encouraged to stay and participate in the I-F forums.

Take care and God Bless ... 😊

Have a nice day ...

You're most welcome, Simone, and I'm happy that you're feeling better because of my words!

Enjoy!

-Mahi