In the modern age where everything is being performed on social media platforms, television plays an important role in shaping human behaviours and crafting the public opinion. Norms and traditions that evolve with the passage of time are largely impacted by the content aired on television. Unlike past generations, today’s values and norms are heavily derived from the internet and the media.
Even though many countries have wisely understood the significance of pleasant contents aired on television that promote brotherhood, humanity and respect, the case in Pakistan is quite different. The theme and content of Pakistani dramas nowadays have done more harm to our young minds by perpetuating patriarchal societal patterns. It is generally the case that most film directors in Pakistan are men, so they often come up with ideas that demonstrate a kind of society where male are dominant in every sector. In almost all of our dramas, female characters are painted as innocent, submissive, quiet and shy, depicting the gloomy picture of the society under which a girl is unable to speak up for her rights; while males are portrayed as spoiled aristocrats. Taking inspiration from such characters, young boys take pride in hanging out, going to clubs, partying while remaining manipulative and hostile to girls.
It is high time for producers and writers to realise that such depictions form the future of our society. Television content must not be filled with intolerance for those who have different identity.
Usman Janjua
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2020.
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