Channels that affect public mentality must be guarded and proper steps should be taken to nurture values in society, says Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj Ji
As we know, the #MeToo movement, which started as a hashtag, later became a global phenomenon. The recent growth in the number of cases of people being held for charges of crimes against women are an indicator of the extent of moral downfall in our society. It’s a fact that most women around the world have experienced sexual harassment, assault and violence or have, at times, been pushed into a zone where they knew it did not feel right. In a recent high-profile case, involving an ambassador of a powerful country, it was a maid at a big establishment accusing the international figure of the charges. But this is only the tip of the ice berg, as in most of the cases, many economically weaker and socially backward victims are silenced under pressure. As a result, many such crimes go unreported across the world majorly because of the fear, shame, absence of any social support or the lack of will on the part of the authorities to pursue the case.
The media highlights such reports as a custodian of public. However, if statistics of people involved in adultery or having a criminal eye were to be taken, the results would be shocking and go beyond limits of class, age, gender and public profiles. So when such cases are mounting in the media and courts, and even juveniles and senior people are being tried for them, what is the civil society doing to stop them? A look at three of the most influential mediums of our times — the television, cinema and internet — and we realise that every segment of the society is instrumental in fanning the fire of lust. The entertainment channels and filmmakers manufacture suggestive, indecent images and sell them in the name of entertainment. The concerned ministry and the censor authorities also allow them to be aired or screened in the name of freedom of speech and expression and the public consumes them day in and day out. It is shocking to see that nowadays even ice-cream ads or animation meant for children are stuffed with such imagery, which are in no way relatable to the actual product. Even if a film gets an ‘A’ certificate, how does it ensure that younger people do not watch it. And who can confirm that such films are not detrimental to the moral health of adults? How do we expect a generation fed on skin show to bring up a society safe for women? In light of the situation, our society is doomed to an even greater moral downfall.
The present state is, thus, a distress call to spiritual organisations, women groups and human rights custodians like the UN to take up the fight against objectification of women in a big way. Channels that affect public mentality must be guarded and proper steps should be taken to nurture high moral principles in our society that’s reeling under crisis of varied forms as the monster of lust has been on the loose. Such organisations and government agencies need to impress upon the people that the moral strength of any society is strongly linked with the respect it accords to its women. Lastly, it has been found that role of education and media becomes very important in propagating values in society. Unless and until education is value-based and media, especially electronic and cinema make their contribution in creating awareness for values like respect, gender equality, tolerance and humility, there will not be any peace and harmony in the society nor will there be safety for women.