I Think: Journalism students must be sensitised and could take an oath on professional ethics
Ansa Khan, lecturer, Hyderabad
Most of my knowledge of what’s happening around me reaches me through newspapers. In the present era when television news has been reduced to a cacophony of discordant loud voices, l prefer the quietness of the printed word — but during its golden era TV was also a major source of news.
The Hindu scores best in terms of not sensationalising news of rape and sexual violence. But, generally, in every news medium reporting of rape is far from being sensitive to the victim. The focus is on victim-blaming. In cases where the victim survives, very little sensitivity is shown towards the trauma that remains. More emphasis is placed on punishment for the perpetrator(s), which in itself is not wrong but somehow makes one believe that it can heal the victim and the family’s trauma. It may reaffirm faith in the legal system but does not address the structural flaws in society. It somehow manages to invalidate the victim’s experience.
The last incident l read was the gruesome gang rape and murder of the veterinary doctor in Hyderabad. It was all the more distressing because the crime scene is near our home. This case has somehow warranted the already high anxiety of parents of young daughters regarding their safety, and has taken it to new levels. As much as we parents want freedom for our daughters without being afraid and want the perpetrators to be held accountable, incidents like these shatter our confidence.
Many factors are responsible for rape and sexual violence in India. Patriarchy and how male superiority is ingrained in our social fabric is one. Religion is also full of myths that depict gods themselves indulging in such violence. Perpetrators of crimes are somehow confident that they will get away so the law also does not act as a deterrent. As a society we keep placing the onus on victims to protect themselves and invalidate their oppression more.
About media reporting on sexual violence, l feel that definitely better ethical standards can be maintained. Sensationalising may prevent victims from seeking help as they fear unnecessary spotlight on them. Students of journalism must be sensitised and could also maybe take an oath regarding professional ethics.
