I Think: No one is safe until we change our mentality
Pranav Harsh, Army Officer, Bihar
Iget my regular news from TV, newspapers and social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and news blogs.
The situation that the victim has to face worries me. It doesn’t end with the heinous crime or even punishment for the culprit as society continues to remind her of what happened all her life. The media adds to that by focusing on the victim — instead, it should use its power to reverse this and bring the culprit into the light so that he faces the same situation as the victim.
The media should report on rape extensively so that we realise that no one is safe until we change our mentality. However, once again, the reporting should give extensive details on the culprit, while providing the bare minimum information about the victim. She has already gone through enough. Also, religious and caste details should be avoided.
I get really disappointed when public figures are involved in rape as they are role models for society at large. If they commit such crimes instead of fighting against them, it sends a negative message and may encourage others to follow suit.
If I were a journalist, I would start a blog in my personal capacity to share with the public, covering more than just the facts of the matter. Coming from someone with experience of covering rape, such a blog would go a long way in spreading awareness about this heinous crime.
