Imagine someone telling a woman, “You should be more understanding of patriarchy. There is a rationale behind it. It is for the larger good. It’s part of our culture, you see. Let the men decide whether they want to do away with gender inequality. Until then, you must submit to the law.” This would outrage me.

Imagine someone telling a Dalit, “You should be more understanding of untouchability. There is a rationale behind it. It is for the larger good. It’s part of our culture, you see. Let the privileged castes decide whether they want to do away with this custom of theirs. Until then you must submit to the law.” This would outrage me.