Friday, June 5, 2009

Sex-crime news 'damaging our society'

Mishandled media coverage of sexual violence/crime encourages sexist social attitudes and criminal activity, say speakers
Excerpts:
=The media's improper reporting of sex crimes had led to a phenomenon of ''sexual adversity''
=It is worrying that society was being subject to daily news reports of sexual violence, as if it were a common occurrence.
=''The journalists may feel they are doing their job well, reporting fast and intensely. But they forget that it may destroy the victims' dignity,''
=''We're in a society where humans are commercial goods. Humans make news. And yet we don't care what happens after the news is published,''
=''If we continue to accept that into our culture, sexual adversity will never end.''
Counter Point by Sociologist on the loose:
I think the problem is that these crimes are occuring at all. To say that we should not talk or report these crimes revictimizes the victim - first, because she was assaulted, and second, by implying that it is something that she should not talk about since by doing so, she is somehow being unpatriotic. It is violating the victim. The correct attitude (and about 200 years of research bears me out on this) is (1) have extensive education initiatives so society understands that a crime against a woman is a crime against society. It is not in any way the victim's "fault," and not because of how she dressed or spoke or whether she was in a pub or in the street at night. In fact, societies that cover their women up the most and have the highest restrictions over women, also have the highest rates of violence against women. These crimes are about power and subjugation, and the more women are subjugated, the more these crimes increase. It is very similar to bullying - unless you stand up to the bully, the bully never stops. (2) We should, as a society, support victims. Allow them to speak and share their experiences. In all countries, including western countries, the vast majority of women have experienced some kind of molestation and violence. The only way we can deal with this issue as a society is to discuss it, and make very clear that as a society, we find it completely objectionable (no ifs or buts)to in any way enter a woman's (or man's) space without explicit permission. (3) To say that talking about it somehow will reduce our "dignity" is wrongheaded. It is the ostrich policy of burying our heads in the sand. All women, all over the world, experience violence. The most informed method of dealing with this issue is education and discussion and information. Not secrecy.
Let the debate begin!
Related News:
Commendable job by Udupi Police: prevents unauthorized leak of sensitive information
ಮಾಧ್ಯಮ ಸೆನ್ಸಾರ್ ಎಂದರೆ ಹೀಗೆ: ಚೈನಾ ಸ್ಟೈಲ್ !/ Media block: Chinese style!

2 comments:

mahsu said...

Thanks for the "lovely news" Mr. Home Minister!!!! By pointing to this video link, what exactly you want to say? Do you mean we too should follow the Chinese? We are living in a democratic country, Mr. minister.

Blog Ed said...

Mahsu, it is not our idea to implement Chinese style of administration. The link has been provided to drive home the point that indian journalists enjoy real freedom!(they walk into high security areas to mortuaries in the hospital without being stopped!)
However there has been no response from "left leaning meadiamen" on this video!