Dear Matrimonial Sites, Not Just Skin Tone, But These Other Offensive Filters Need To Go, Too

Srishti Magan

Recently, popular matrimonial site Shaadi.com removed their ‘skin tone filter for matchmaking’ after an online petition was started against the existence of that particular search filter. 

While it’s great that this particular option was removed, it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the bias and prejudices that matrimonial sites propagate through search filters. 

Caste, religious background, financial background, physical attributes, etc. are just some of the filters that matrimonial sites use to select a potential partner. 

Jeevansaathi

A match, using such filters, is not based on how common are the interests of two people, how their personalities complement each other, or how comfortable they are with each other.

Rather, it’s reduced to shallow, mechanical aspects, that actually further propagate the biases that exist in our society, especially when you factor in search filters like ‘height’ and ‘income group’. 

Shaadi

Of course, society isn’t suddenly going to change overnight, if these filters blink out of existence. But, just like movies hold a responsibility to not promote problematic behavior, matrimonial sites hold a responsibility to not normalize divisions on the basis of caste, religion, class, or color. 

shaadiwish

When a simple click removes a potential partner, simply because of a particular filter, then the gravity of ostracizing a particular caste or community is completely lost. And people will continue to indulge in bigoted behavior, without sparing a thought to what such behavior indicates for generations to come. 

Though the divide in society runs deep, this is a welcome change indeed. However, we still have a long way to go, before matchmaking is no longer looked upon as a business union, but rather, it becomes a way to meet a true partner for life. 

You might also like
Food Segregation Is One Discourse But What Is A Food Delivery App Without Its Delivery Executives?
9 Happy Holi Shayari That Capture The Joy & Beauty Of The Festival Of Colors
Significance of Holi: Exploring the Mythological Importance of India’s Colorful Festival
30 Holi Quiz Questions & Answers 2024: Embrace the Challenge of Festive Trivia!
Holi Skincare Tips for Pre, Post & During Holi: Your Ultimate Guide to a Colorful Yet Protected Celebration
The Internet Is Taking Note Of Abhinav Chandrachud’s Viral 2020 Speech Regarding CAA