Hypocrisy of the Indian Media – Salman Khan Rapegate
I happened to listen to the audio recording of the now infamous comment made by the said actor. It is clear that the present media burst into a collective laughter, and to an extent patted on Salman Khan for making another ‘bhai-type’ statement.
My question is – why no one interrupted then and there? Or after the interview? What was the laughter all about?
Let me tell you the answer:
The ‘mediapersons’ laughed for they knew they have struck gold with that comment. No one was actually offended, They were simply thinking of how to headline that statement next, and grab eyeballs. It is clear in the audio that Salman Khan immediately realized what he said was wrong. Infact, he even muttered the same. But, this portion was conveniently edited to sensationalize the story further. Prime time debates followed and the nation wanted to know or atleast the media wanted the nation to know.
I feel there’s this growing ‘intolerance’ of the media itself and a disgusting moral fabric that they pretend to wear, to make matters even more obnoxious. Why no one protested when a full-blown poem on rape and female genitalia was shown in the movie 3 Idiots? However, circa 2016, everyone seems to be sitting on a burner.
If anyone is actually concerned about rape victims, will they (news media) care to give airtime to the struggle of one Soni Sori in Dantewada,Chhattisgarh who’s been fighting a lone battle against institutional rape. Will they have equally passionate debate on the issue of ‘marital rape’ in India?
Lastly, not to defend Salman Khan (not at all), but time and again famous persons and celebrities are picked upon by the media acting as hounds – a word here, a remark there, maybe a wardrobe malfunction, a cleavage shot etc. Give these people a break. They shouldn’t be so important.
Addendum: While it is necessary to report the ‘truth’ but shouldn’t the media adhere to a certain ethical code when dealing with such sensitive issues?
