As a woman, a politician and a senior member of the Tamil film industry, Khushbu has been outspoken on women’s rights. Considering her progressive views on contraception and virginity (which got her into a controversy), we expected her to show some sensitivity and understanding when it came to questions of women’s safety and the role of popular culture in shaping social attitudes towards women.
In fact, when we drafted a petition calling out stalking in Tamil cinema, she was among the first few actors we approached through social media requesting her to support the cause. Of course, we did not hear from her then, but it is very disappointing to see her public defence of stalking in cinema while women around us are being harassed, molested, attacked and killed every day. Her response is not only insensitive and irresponsible, but also lends apparent legitimacy (coming from a woman) to the movie industry’s wilful ignorance and blatant misogyny.
To understand why her response is part of the carefully orchestrated myth in Kollywood that they do not contribute to the perpetuation of violence against women, let us consider her statement in parts.
First of all, she admits that heroes are shown relentlessly pursuing women ‘for love’. It is important to note here that in the movies, the woman concerned is most often shown as unwilling to entertain the hero’s advances, yet the ‘pursuit’ continues. The hero goes on to use what Khushbu apparently sees as “nice and positive ways” to win her love, which in our movies, include threats directed at the woman and her family, harassment in front of her teachers or colleagues, emotional manipulation and blackmail, verbal abuse and “eve-teasing.” None of these antics, which would legally qualify as stalking (under IPC 354D) and harassment (IPC 294, 509), are shown in the movies as offences that result in a conviction or punishment. Movies glorify and reinforce these forms of behaviour as ‘heroic’ traits, never dwelling on their criminality or the unpleasant consequences suffered by the woman. Full story...
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In fact, when we drafted a petition calling out stalking in Tamil cinema, she was among the first few actors we approached through social media requesting her to support the cause. Of course, we did not hear from her then, but it is very disappointing to see her public defence of stalking in cinema while women around us are being harassed, molested, attacked and killed every day. Her response is not only insensitive and irresponsible, but also lends apparent legitimacy (coming from a woman) to the movie industry’s wilful ignorance and blatant misogyny.
To understand why her response is part of the carefully orchestrated myth in Kollywood that they do not contribute to the perpetuation of violence against women, let us consider her statement in parts.
First of all, she admits that heroes are shown relentlessly pursuing women ‘for love’. It is important to note here that in the movies, the woman concerned is most often shown as unwilling to entertain the hero’s advances, yet the ‘pursuit’ continues. The hero goes on to use what Khushbu apparently sees as “nice and positive ways” to win her love, which in our movies, include threats directed at the woman and her family, harassment in front of her teachers or colleagues, emotional manipulation and blackmail, verbal abuse and “eve-teasing.” None of these antics, which would legally qualify as stalking (under IPC 354D) and harassment (IPC 294, 509), are shown in the movies as offences that result in a conviction or punishment. Movies glorify and reinforce these forms of behaviour as ‘heroic’ traits, never dwelling on their criminality or the unpleasant consequences suffered by the woman. Full story...
Related posts:
- Stalker avoids conviction after blaming behaviour on Bollywood movies...
- 7 ways Bollywood is contributing to rape culture in India...
- Computer stalking is now more widespread than face-to-face
- 81-year-old woman arrested for stalking neighbour and gay son...
- Twitter trolls in India: Sexist abuse as a tool to muzzle women...
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