Sir:
I share Pretinder Singh Sahiwal repugnance of Punjabi society’s treatment of females (On female foeticide; WSN 10/19/90). But the gender of fetus by the procedure promoted by the Ad in question is only a secondary information. It does satisfy an age old curiosity, however: “Will it be a girl or a boy”?
Punjabi attitudes towards females stem from their male dominated heritage of a patrilineal society. Is their preference for males perchance perpetuated by the belief that God is male and has the attributes of a dominating husband? Among the many reasons for Punjabis wanting a son, an important one is the requirement: Final mites of parents lighting the pyre, disposal of remains, etc. Must be performed by the oldest son, or the son of a nearest relative; otherwise the departed soul ever wanders! Who will take a chance!
Yours Sincerely
Sukhbir Singh
Indianapolis. IN
Article extracted from this publication >> November 9, 1990
