#MeToo strikes a chord despite limitations
There are certain parameters for news items like rape and harassments to be considered as newsworthy in the media. The incident should have happened in Delhi or some part of north India. Victims must be from upper middleclass and if they work in IT or BT it’d be even better. The news would get even more prominence if the survivors are working and belong to upper caste. That does not mean all other incidents are ignored. If media had paid equal or significant attention to all kinds of exploitations and harassments against women, things wouldn’t have come to this point. Media considers two kinds of news of exploitation of women, worthy of inside and cover pages. Because a certain group of people who are also journalists, believe women deserve bad treatment, the society has been viewing this social menace with dual standpoint.
If a Danamma has been raped and killed, police department would dismiss it as a result of ‘illicit relationship’. No hashtags appear in the social media. But if an upper middle class woman reveals the harassment she went through in her work place at the hands of a man, it becomes a cry of solidarity. And the result is there for all to see through MeToo movement. On one hand, while welcoming the success of MeToo, we also need to understand ways of extending it to be movement of all women in the country.
One thing we need to understand is, why has the media taken MeToo so seriously? It is because they are concerned about women and their rights or owing to the background of women who are part of this? If the women didn’t belong to upper middle class or rich people sharing details of the mental and physical harassment they underwent, MeToo wouldn’t have been this serious and such discussions wouldn’t have taken place on social media platforms.
In the world of celebrities and their occupations, discussions about casting couch has happened many a times. Many people have indicated if women want to progress in politics, or entertainment industry, they need to ‘cooperate’. It has also been part of social media discourse and discussion too. In the recent times, a senior politician had said this very candidly at a public event. Another politician had used this line of argument when Jayamala was made the lone minister in the current cabinet, asking what ‘favours’ she had offered to get this plum post. These ‘compromises’ are deemed pretty common in entertainment and political spaces. Even common people understand this well now. Hence when celebrities speak of the harassment they face, it is reported in the ‘entertainment’ section. Woman’s body is ‘entertainment’ (actor Silk Smita’s words) for the cinema industry and this cruely is so totally acceptable to us now.
A director will ask an actor such as Tanushree Dutta to strip and dance even if the script does not demand it. Thousands of people come together to watch it. How does one identify how she has been exploited even in the name of ‘performance’? The audience may not have touched her, but what about their animal instinct when they watch her dressed skimpily on the screen? Why is this not a basis for MeToo? Tanushree has spoken about the revolting touch she had to put up with Nana Patekar. The latter has denied all allegations. This does not absolve all the spectators from their guilt of having watched her on the screen though Tanushree has not complained against them. This problem exists on the very basis of cinema industry which thrives on a woman’s body. To restrict the argument very callously to Tanushree’s accusations would be doing injustice to a larger issue.
One thing has struck very clearly through MeToo. Woman’s suffering knows no bounds. Even if she exists in rich class, she remains a woman and has to perform all the duties as per the norms of that space. She has to face torture of being the woman. Since women of that space opened their voice, this issue has come to the mainstream. We have to appreciate all the celebrities who rendered their voice to MeToo. Through this, men who always took women for granted in media, police department, banks and courts have begun to fear the repercussions. This issue has turned into a middle class problem of working women. This is a good indication. Even if MeToo can give a small solace to working women, who face hell for being born women, this movement is successful. This movement started by Tarana Burke in 2008, should help empower women in working spaces and outside across all categories and classes in India beyond allegations and counter allegations.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
