I Think: Media should stop underestimating ordinary people
George Mathew, student, Kerala
Even though I am from a generation that predominantly depends on social media, I am very much into reading newspaper in the morning, and watching the prime time news shows in the evening.
I request all media houses to stop underestimating ordinary people. We are fully cognisant you are just bringing in the rape and sexual violence cases only for the sake of ratings and nothing beyond that.
Where are the follow-up stories? Most of the media houses today report rape and sexual violence cases because it has some ‘masala’ elements that hook consumers. Or else they would have done follow-up stories to dig into the issue and contribute to the nation and its people. Media is mighty enough to bring revolutionary changes, but they aren’t utilising its powers.
The death of two minor sisters from the Dalit community in Walayar is disturbing and thought-provoking. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court had acquitted the four accused because of lack of evidence. The family of the Walayar sisters were demanding a CBI inquiry into the deaths, and they continue to do so. After the court verdict, there was a visible decline in the stories on the case.
Why can’t the media dig into that case, and pressurise the government to take meaningful action? Why is the media not doing anything beyond just reporting?
In India, rape and sexual violence is normalised. I am extremely sad but not surprised. Only stringent laws and heartfelt media coverage can make a difference to this situation.
