I Think: The media exaggerates stories about rape
Hari Om, security guard, Sonepat
If I get the time, I read the newspaper. But I’m on duty for 12 hours and often can’t keep up with the news.
I think the media exaggerates stories when it comes to rape. For newspapers, what matters to them is improving their reputation and increasing their readership. So they tend to exaggerate. I think it is important for the media to tell the truth, and not go beyond the facts of the case. Even though the media has the freedom to report the truth, it ends up lying maybe 25% of the time in order to sensationalise a story. Still, the media does a good job. It manages to reach the remotest places. We’re able to keep up with what’s happening in the country because of the media.
The media has the responsibility to bring about a change. When anyone is treated unjustly, it is the media’s job to get the message across to the government. It should force the government’s hand when it comes to rape so that some action is taken. But, it should also provide some solutions in terms of how this can be done.
What used to happen earlier is that women would just stay at home. But now they are reaching new heights and getting educated. I recently read the matriculation exam results, and so many more girls are topping now than boys.
Times are changing, and I think there needs to be a change in people’s mindsets because that’s what will stop rape. While the media can encourage this change, it is in our hands. At the end of the day, only we can control our minds and hearts, but it is possible. If human beings can find a way to control something as large as an elephant, then we can definitely alter the way we think.
I do feel girls need to be careful about what they wear, as a precaution. If you wear the right clothes, then men are less likely to stare at you in an exploitative manner.
