Women causing earthquakes ! Should they cover up?

"Many women who do not dress modestly... lead young men astray, corrupt their chastity and spread adultery in society, which increases earthquakes" an Iranian cleric was quoted, while giving an explanation for frequent earthquakes hitting Iran, a few years ago and more recently, a few foreign tourists in Malaysia were blamed for a massive earthquake because they stripped naked to click photographs on top of a sacred mountain.
At first glance, all of us (self-proclaimed) sane people would laugh at such an incident. But, if we think about it, it's something we all come across in some form in our normal, day to day life, be it Asia, Africa, Europe or the Americas. This isn't something limited to the developing countries. It also exists in other (non-superstitious) forms elsewhere around the world. It is the manifestation of a deep seated gender bias which most people won't even realize they are a part of.
I came across this disturbing incident while travelling in the metro, the day before yesterday. A girl seated on one of those 'two seat spaces' of the metro, wearing a rather short dress, which I guess she was very comfortable wearing till, a gang of 8 to 9 guys, all in their early 20s walked in. If it could be considered as a concession they were not vocal, abusive or passing comments but, when all of them just stare at your thighs...... To catch a glimpse of as much as they can or should I put it, raping you with their eyes,
I guess it is a rather uncomfortable situation to be in (like I'm a guy yet, even I wouldn't be comfortable if, I'm being stared at like that). Having observed such incidents previously in the metro and in the news I know, even if she complained to the police, the maximum these guys would go through, is being forced to de-board and given a warning and let of. Because, merely staring can't be justified as a crime to our policemen, especially when the girl is wearing something inappropriate according to them. They would in fact, say, "pehen ne se pehle sochna tha na? Agar shaukk hai toh khud ki gaadi main aa jaana" ( did she not think about this possibility before wearing anything like that? If she has a penchant for donning such clothes she should travel in her own vehicle.)
So, it just occurred to me and I walked up to her stood in front of her, blocking those stares and requested her, if she could hold onto my backpack as it was too heavy. At first, she looked offended and reluctantly took my bag and kept it on her lap covering her legs. She seemed to have realized then, what I was doing, which might explain the smile that followed along with a soft, thank you. I merely smiled back.
Sometimes I, as a person who takes immense pride in India and Indian cultural heritage, am ashamed when I come across incidents like these. Like come on our ancestors were the ones who created the erotic marvel of Khajuraho, the Kamasutra and that voluptuous beauty the Didargunj Yakshi { check her out ! ;) She is a few 1000 years old } among many other things.
            
There was a time when in ancient India (no, not stone age!) Women just covered up, in a single piece of un-stitched clothing ( mentioned in the Rig veda) much similar to a saree without blouses. I think it was still in practice till a few decades back in Kerala. So, wearing something revealing or literally nothing is not un-Indian, according to our culture and it never invited such unasked for or unwarranted attention earlier. Then WHY  NOW ?!
A woman’s life choices are nobody’s business except her own!
Women are not some trophy. They are not a property that, a man possesses and boasts of as his. They are not those colour coded ranking based Karate belts, that with each higher/better colour you show off your supremacy. The idea that any woman owes anything to any man will always do more harm than good to our society. We need to teach our kids who will someday grow into adults that, "what a woman wears or does or doesn’t do with a man or another woman, is her choice and nobody has a right to force anything on her. Ever !"
If one has a differing opinion, one can but try making a point in an attempt of convincing her and even that, in a very benign non-intrusive way!
A healthy discussion is always welcome and a person convinced by it will easily comply and be glad about it too.
Perhaps one of the most blasphemous stereotypes perpetuating rape culture or eve teasing or molesting or any forms of physical/sexual abuse is the justification that, a woman was dressed so and that she was “asking for it."
Boss, if you are a man and wearing just undies on a beach it doesn't mean some gay guy just comes and pins you down there on the beach(assuming he is too powerful to overpower!) and you can imagine the rest!
Okay, nothing against gay people, just that most straight men won't get it without this example!
A woman’s clothing choice is not an invitation for you to disrespect her. If you want to approach her, go about it the same way you would if she was wearing a pair of casual jeans paired with tees, a salwar kamiz, a burqa or any dress for the matter of fact. Gauge her interest by having a good conversation and seeing her for what she actually is and not through baseless assumptions.
Women were forced to cover up because it would give men impure thoughts. Not only is this a stupid notion that suppresses their womanhood, but it is also insulting to other men. I for one, am deeply insulted by such a notion, "Am I such a primitive caveman that, I will not be able to hold myself from assaulting a female if she is wearing too little to cover herself?"
Coming back, even I find some girls randomly on the streets to very 'attractive'. Doesn't mean I open my mouth, start salivating and gape at her, as if, I have never seen a girl in my life. Like come on every man (though most won't admit) does find some girl to be hot, it is a natural thing, but you can appreciate it by looking at her through the corner of the eyes, keep it subtle (even women know they are being looked at, 6th sense!). Don't just keep staring, that would make her uncomfortable!
(It's a different thing I have stopped checking out random women because I don't feel like, blame it on some Four lettered crappy phenomena - L#VE)
This was one of those impulsive posts, I felt disturbed by that incident and I had to pen this..... Err... Type** this and post it!

Would be glad to hear from you, about your experiences, if any.