Toronto-native and YouTube superstar Lilly Singh is speaking out.
Singh, 28, addressed the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates how brothers protect their sisters. “My entire life I, like many other girls of Indian descent, celebrated Rakhri (also known as Raksha Bandan) which is essentially a tradition that entails tying a decorative string on your brother,” she explained.
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“The general idea is to ward off evil eye from your brother and the brother is supposed to promise to protect his sister. For years I did this without questioning why or even critically thinking.”
But now the social media influencer, known as IISuperwomanII, is changing her tune on the tradition.
“So many traditions we practice in many cultures around the world have sexism embedded into them and if we don’t change that, they will always seem the norm,” she continued.
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“Girls shouldn’t be raised to believe that brothers should protect and sisters require protection. Rather, they should be taught that they are equal and should both make a promise to each other.”
Singh’s statement has resonated with many on social media. Read people’s reactions below.