The Yuck Factor

Author's Note The novel is set in the contemporary Indian context where incidences of crime against women have reached alarming proportions and are prevalent in all strata of society. The stereotypic image of man is of the sexually aggressive male. The novel traces the story of 'a boy-next-door' through the prism of gender relationships. His ambition stems from meeting the expectations of others and getting a good name by serving society. Society notices him when he is at the pinnacle of his achievements. But a day comes when he is identified as male predator and is accused of 'sexual harassment'. Society does all the things it usually does in such a scenario. It calls up 'morality' and all kinds of interpretations and slurs are made. The innocent protagonist begins to believe others' interpretations and explores his past relationships with women. He finds himself guilty of enormous sins; and takes recourse in ending his life. Though in doing so 'he feels disgusted with what is being done to him' and 'what he is doing to himself'. Epilogue The protagonist is a simple man. The Holy club represents any social, political, judicial, commercial entity - an institution. The five main characters of the Holy Club represent the five pillars of morality i.e., harm, fairness, authority, group loyalty and purity. The 'yuck factor' or 'wisdom of repugnance' raises the issue that - as to what happens to our 'sense of humanity' when an innocent is abandoned at the pinnacle of his life and career. Achievements, reputation and relationships are destroyed by a hysterical society. The novel explores 'what goes through in his mind' or what is better known as 'stream of consciousness'. The novel is about keeping awake our 'wisdom of repugnance' when many such issues take place in our society across a wide spectrum, like for example, the 'impromptu shooting of a man over parking space'. Disgust is a powerful emotion and in a way our sixth sense of 'self-preservation.' When we question and abandon an innocent man, we condemn a society. When we condemn and abandon a society, we endanger a civilization and threaten human existence. The novel is an appeal to keeping our wisdom alive for the greater good. The NOVEL can be used for learning about MORALITY and a CASE STUDY material for Sexual Harassment awareness.