KARACHI:
In several Pakistani television dramas, we regularly witness different forms of highly charged gender-based violence. There are no trigger warnings before scenes of abuse or violence, which can often be distressing for the viewers. Also, there is plenty of research demonstrating that intense levels of violence shown as entertainment normalise violence and desensitise the audience. Consequently, it contributes to an increase in imitative acts of aggression and violence in young viewers.
Such scenes are frequently justified as showing the ‘reality of our society’. We agree that domestic violence is a real problem and TV dramas can play an important role in starting a conversation about it. Yet, it is irresponsible and unjustifiable to show popular male leads with a large fan following get aggressive with women on-screen. In Pakistan, women are already frequently subjected to domestic violence. Therefore, such scenes should be handled sensitively otherwise they send off the wrong message.
Just as acts of sexual abuse are often hinted at in local television productions, televised scenes of violence can also be avoided. Regulatory bodies such as PEMRA, TV channels and production houses need to be cognizant of the negative repercussions of the content they are creating and allowing to be broadcasted. They must explore more palatable ways of depicting the ‘realities of life’ for a family audience. PEMRA’s code of conduct for media broadcasters, which is available on its website, clearly states: “No programme shall be aired which is likely to encourage and incite violence…” and “programmes must not be directed against the sanctity of the home, family, and marital harmony.” Therefore, PEMRA should take strict action against television channels and production houses that broadcast graphic violent scenes and depict negative stereotypes.
Zafran Awan
Rawalpindi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2022.
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