When Freedom Turns Into Foolishness

When Freedom Turns Into Foolishness

An Indian Reflection Beyond Liberal Narratives

The Coimbatore Tragedy A young woman was recently gang-raped in Coimbatore.

Before the investigation could even take shape, the familiar voices of self-styled liberals and feminists filled the space — talking about individual rights, freedom of choice, and patriarchal control.

But what these commentators miss — or refuse to see — is the ground reality of India’s social fabric. Here, blind idealism often collides with practical life, where families still bear the moral and financial responsibility when tragedy strikes.

When “Freedom” Ignores Common Sense

A few years ago, an actress in Chennai drove drunk along the OMR road late at night. Her friend, who was with her in the car, was thrown out during the crash and died on the spot.

Her parents didn’t even know she had gone out that night.

When well-meaning elders said, “Parents should at least know where their children are going and with whom,” the liberal camp erupted:

 “What patriarchy! Once a person is 21, they can go wherever they wish. Parents have no right to question them.”

But when tragedy happens, who receives the first phone call?

The parents.

Who rushes to the hospital, arranges for blood, pays the bills, and endures the pain?

Again, the parents.

When responsibility ultimately falls on them, should they not have the right to know where their children are?

The Burden of Responsibility

The loudest defenders of “freedom” and “feminism” rarely appear at the hospital. They don’t share the grief or the bills — only the opinions.

Every time an accident or crime happens, the first questions from the police are simple:

“Where did your son or daughter go? With whom? At what time?”

Even in missing-person cases, these questions repeat.

Now imagine parents saying, “I don’t know. They’re adults. I have no right to track them.”

How would that sound to any police officer — or to society itself?

Responsibility without rights is meaningless.

Expecting parents to answer for everything while denying them the right to guide or monitor is not modernity — it’s irresponsibility.

Freedom Needs Boundaries

Dragging every tragedy into debates on feminism or patriarchy is not intellect — it’s ignorance.

If someone counts their money loudly in a crowded bus stand, claiming “It’s my right,” will thieves spare them?

Common sense must guide the exercise of rights.

Freedom without wisdom is an open invitation to danger.

The Missing Empathy

Yes, everyone has the legal right to study, love, and live freely.

But knowingly walking into unsafe situations and later calling it “my right” isn’t empowerment — it’s recklessness.

Have these so-called liberals ever thought about the agony of the parents? Do they understand the shock, trauma, and fear of the victims themselves?

They jump from one outrage to another, without empathy or continuity.

That’s not awareness — that’s performance.

The Real Question

When a tragedy happens, the real need is not a shouting match about patriarchy or individualism.

It’s empathy, wisdom, and the courage to teach responsible freedom.

Those who bear the responsibility must also have the right to protect.

That’s not control — it’s care.

Because in the real world, freedom without responsibility doesn’t liberate — it destroys.