Aunty: Yashika doesn’t want to be an engineer, she wants to be a writer. She’s throwing her life away.
Hasan: But aunty, let her follow her dreams.
Aunty: Dreams don’t pay bills. You should know that better than anyone.
Hasan: But I have a Netflix original which won an Emmy! Anyways, congratulations aunty, I heard Yashika did really well in her Board exams!
Aunty: That’s because she had Arts. Had it been Science, she would not have handled that well, unlike Mrs Sharma’s son.
Hasan: But it’s great that Yashika is able to manage her social life and academics so well.
Aunty: Haan. I’ve heard about their social life. What small-small clothes these girls wear these days!
Hasan: But clothes don’t define their personality, aunty.
Aunty: You live in America na, you won’t understand. Wahan pe these things happen. India is not that safe Hasan.
Hasan: The only reason India is not safe is because no one is ready to talk about sensitive issues and address the ‘boys will be boys’ culture. We often overlook the casual sexual remarks both adults and children are making these days. It’s important to sensitize kids about issues such as rape culture, domestic violence, and sexism from a young age.
Aunty: Acha fine, but my daughter tells me you talk about very controversial things on national television.
Hasan: I think it’s very important to address things no one is ready to talk about. The youth needs to be aware of their democratic rights and stand up for what they believe in.
Aunty: My daughter keeps watching your show instead of watching ‘How to get into Harvard’ videos. The way she is going uska toh Cornell mein bhi admission nahi hoga.
Hasan: I believe that this generation has the power to change mindsets. I have been able to influence so many young minds because I have spoken about hard-hitting truths. I have always been passionate about comedy and I realised political narratives need to be propagated in a satirical manner to increase relatability. Even though I’ve been banned from the Howdy Modi event and by the Saudi government, it has never stopped me from chasing my dream.
Aunty: Alright, Hasan, goodbye! I need to go cook for Vijay and Yashika now.
Hasan: Goodnight aunty, I also have to cook for Bina. I hope Yashika chases her dream. Can’t wait to see that first Pulitzer prize on your drawing room shelf.
Here are some things we’ve all had to go through on a daily basis. It’s time for us to take a stand against this ‘Desi Aunty mentality’:
“Log Kya Kahenge?”
Make Desi aunties realise that in the real world, no one cares about what you wear or how much you earn as long as you are a good human being. The amount of make-up you put on does not define your personality. Their unsolicited advice should not put you down, instead you should find a way to politely tell them to leave you alone.
Overachieving Ivy League Child Is A Must
Make Desi aunties realise that anywhere you go, you’re likely to get a great education. It’s what you make out of that education that matters more than where you study. It’s okay to pursue your own dreams regardless of what that might be. Don’t let any aunty tell you that you have to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer (unless you want to be one, of course). Everyone finds what they love and are passionate about. It’s near impossible for everyone to be Ivy League or IIT material, and that’s something a lot of Indian kids have a hard time understanding.
Not Addressing Important Issues That Plague The Indian Society
In Indian homes, many things are treated as tabooed topics. Desi aunties need to understand that it’s okay to talk about sex, mental health, domestic abuse, divorce, LGBTQ community, etc. This is the reason why children do not feel comfortable opening up to their parents about things like their dating life, anxiety attacks, and alcohol consumption. Striking up casual conversations with your children should not be this hard. It’s up to us to sensitize desi aunties around us and make them understand that if they are not open and aware about these topics, their kids will most likely lie and go behind their backs.
Standing Up For What You Believe In
Always stand up for what you believe in. No matter how small it may seem. Your voice matters as much as any other person. Don’t let Desi aunties tell you that your opinion is not valid, or that you’re too young to have a voice. Be brave enough to stand up for yourself and others. You cannot go through life being a silent bystander. When you see something wrong happening, work up the courage to address it.
