Before you read this post, let me state a few things because I have observed that maybe not everyone reads the whole post before jumping to conclusions on my stand.
1) I don’t want the documentary to be banned.
2) I don’t say that we should hide unpleasant, stark realities of India from the world.
3) When it comes to the ground realities in India, I don’t care about our so called ‘image’, if we have a problem, well, then we have a problem.
4) I’m not worried that India will or will not be shamed because of this because the problem is far greater than a false notion of shame.
Aren’t you also curious as to why she didn’t interview and seek the opinion of the man who tried to save Nirbhaya? And then what do I say about the authorities? How could they have been so naive as to giving Leslee Udwin access to Mukesh Singh is beyond me. However, banning the documentary is something I don’t condone. But I can’t stop every fatuous act, can I? Hence, if someone purposely decides to give a mouthpiece to a living scum there’s not much I can do except maybe refuse to accept it as responsible social commentary?
India has its share of problems especially when it comes to women’s safety, problems bigger than anything even Hercules could have lifted. That’s no secret, you know it, I know it and your pet dog knows it too. But before dissecting our problem I would like to mention that India is not the only place in the world with these problems; there are places where the conditions are far worse. But you don’t see a Leslee Udwin making a documentary on Saudi Arabia, do you? However, I stress, that is no excuse to ignore the problems we as Indians face, we as Indian women face. Because like it or not, only a very small percentage of Indian women are actually free and independent in the true sense. And when it comes to safety, well, the danger is posed on all sections, educated or not, independent or not. Not only that the sermonizing is free for all.
Hence, what the convict and his contemptible lawyers preach in the documentary, I agree, is a line of thinking deeply seeded in the minds of many in India. Both male and female. But giving them a sound byte is what I don’t think is wise. I cannot deny, in fact no one can, that we have a horrible mess at hand when it comes to how we treat our women. But I cannot stereotype the entire Indian society on the basis of that, even if the sane amount only to a fraction.
 |
| Source: IWD |
In my humble opinion, yes this discussion is important but do you bring detestable parties like this rapist on the table? Do you show his guilt free take on an incident which ruined a family and took away a promising life? Well, I say no because as evident he doesn’t believe he is wrong. For him it was just a fun evening with his friends, the heinous act a leisurely activity to which the woman shouldn’t have protested even. If anything, his views if heard may give a push to more like him lurking in the shadows.
But maybe, just maybe, there is a positive side to this too? Maybe the ridiculous notions of this man and his misogynistic lawyers will jolt the conscience of those who openly or secretly subscribe to these views. Maybe they will see how ludicrous blaming women for rapes is. Maybe they will realize that women are not pieces of meat to be taken by dogs. And the streets belong as much to women as to men.
Patriarchy, Sexual violence and misogyny are problems we cannot turn a blind eye to. But how do we fight it? Well, one word, feminism. A relentless movement in which not only women but men join in as well. I know many women who keep themselves away from this word. They are skeptical of it. But trust me feminism is neither a strong nor a bad word. If anything, it’s a much needed word, a much needed uprising. So don’t be on the sidelines and take a safe stand. Feminism is not anti-men, it is just pro-women. And it is much needed. So join in and do whatever you can.
So, tell me will you paint it purple to support the women in your lives too? Will you make it happen for all of India’s daughters? I hope you do!
Having not seen the video, I have no clue exactly what was in it. If all there was in it were the interviews of these scum, their 'lawyers' and the parents of the victim, I cannot see much need for shooting any such video except to make yourself known by using a sensational case – blatant opportunism, if such really be the case. For, after all, is it any great new insight that a significant proportion of Indian Society has these very antediluvain concepts relating to women? WHO exactly was being educated about the reality of Indian Society here?
As for banning the damn thing – it just played into the hands of the people concerned. A ban in India is just what propelled viewership for it and made the maker's name a household name. I would oppose the ban for its sheer stupidity in addition to the fact that it muzzles freedom of expression. I may have my views on the makers' motives but that does not mean that they should not be free to show it around. If anything, I agree with you that a self-seeking venture should never have been given permission.
I wonder too! That what Leslee Udwin was thinking when she took the interview. Sometimes I even wonder what is the need to broadcast the views of someone with such a sick mindset. I haven't seen the video but have read so much about it already! And as Suresh said above, banning it has only made it more popular!
I agree with your views. A man who is convicted for his act and is sentenced to death would try to justify his act somehow by giving ridiculous explanations! Do we believe him to tell the truth? Also, why give this sick man so much importance by airing his views
Excellent views expressed. Good observation. This documentary was made only to shame India. If you had watched closely you would have known this. The convict got 40K payment for this and the way he spoke it was clear that he was memorizing a script. Here is more
http://themalefactor.com/2015/03/05/is-bbc-storyville-video-on-delhis-rape-convict-scripted/
Very thoughtful post. I didn't see the documentary, but agree with you on so many of the points you've made. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I thought the documentary was very well made and I don’t believe that its intent was to shame India. At least I viewed it differently. I think its intent was to emphasise that if change is required, social conditioning needs to change at grass roots level. You cannot bring change until you understand the mind set of people and I believe that the documentary was trying to portray how disturbing the thoughts of the criminals and their defending lawyers are. And perhaps the man who tried to save her didn't want to participate. But regardless of how each of us view the documentary, your post was well written. And thanks for your thoughts on my post.
Naba, I am happy you wrote this post. Thank you for raising your voice on this topic. And you are obviously well-aware of all that I think on this matter 🙂 I just want to add one point here that forget Saudi Arabia, BBC will first need to make such documentaries on the scores of horrendous cases of rape, sexual assault, pedophilia and all other such evils in their own country! But even if we forget for a minute who made this particular film, the point remains what do we really learn when we hear the filthiest, most inhumane utterances by some vicious, evil person. Not much. Animality in human beings can't be eradicated by more exposure to animality.
A very well written post on women's day. I can feel your anger and understand your concern for the daughters of this world. Let's make it happen for us all.
I completely agree with your views on the subject. I was aggravated that not only was a criminal given cash, but also an international forum to air his views- which is ridiculous! I am sure some people can take this positively, but I am sure a lot of harm will be done too. Like you said, his views may give a push to more like him lurking in the shadows. And, why not? You rape & kill a girl. Human rights activists will champion your cause. Educated Lawyers will defend you. BBC will pay you to speak about your views on the issue on an international forum.
-Shantala
I dont understand. Why you are lashing out on Leslee Udwin? Okay, she made the documentary for name and money (okay, she also want to degrade India because rapes here happen only once in a year!!!). But, the documentary insisting us to think more about women in our society. Her timely documentary again brought nirbhaya in front of us, when we are all about to forget that incident. It's the patriotism in you insisted you to lash out the documentary totally.
Maybe you need to read the whole post before insinuating that I'm not aware of how deep rooted the problem is or how many women are raped in India…I never said once that I'm against it because it degrades India…So, maybe, just maybe you and I can comment on posts and continue this discussion after you have read what I have written 🙂
Kudos on your post, Nabanita ! 🙂 It left me thinking a lot about the documentary. I too, didn't understand the rationale behind the ban of the documentary when the whole world got to see it and judge us. The comments of the accused and the lawyers were indeed controversial and it did surprise me that such educated, messengers of law and order would bring out such views to our society. But as you said, we shouldn't be judging our country on the basis of a small fraction. It is definitely our responsibility to take notice of the current situation and help, whichever way possible, in this issue.
I have read your post fully, but forgot to mention that I am okay with all your points except your hatred towards the documentary.
And you may not need such documentaries and incidents because you already said that you are aware about them. But, this is not the case with some other section of people (I believe, major section) . Hence, we always need media attention towards women and I believe this documentary again brought the media attention.
I am just a hot-cool reader out there and I am sorry if my comments are not nice. I just expressed my, my own opinion.
This comment has been removed by the author.
All has been already said.
Just a loud applause for your views!!!!!!!!!!
I watched part of the documentary on Youtube…yet to watch the rest but I'll say this: I think her reasoning behind it was to understand the thinking of men. Yes, she probably would have had similar reactions from men in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan or Saudi Arabia. Personally, I too wouldn't have given any recognition to the perpetrators — they can rot in hell. And should rot in hell. But, while I guess I expected their views, the views of the lawyers were appalling. Stating quite proudly that they would set fire to their daughter for staying out late or something like that shocked me.
The documentary did highlight the underlying problem with Indian culture — misogyny. The only way that can be tackled as you said is feminism. The mindset has to change. Whether it will in our lifetime? I doubt it.
You said it here! I agree, what was she thinking when she made the documentary?! And to think that she actually paid the accused guy a Rs.40,000/- for churning out all that crap! All we can pray is that we further do not raise our sons and their generations to come with this kind of mindset and instill the right values in them.
A very well written post :-).I like the part of the post where you mention about Indian mother 'and the society attitude towards the male species 🙂 .Alas they forget that their also have come out in this world only by a female. If they don't respect her she wouldn't care a dam for you as she will see to that she doesn't give birth to any child .For the nature to progress.
I love this post, and I respect this post and your thoughts expressed herein, Nabanita. But I want to echo what Suzy said above. I respectfully disagree with the idea that unpleasant and disgusting events and people's violent and harmful actions should be hidden from society. For westerners–Americans in particular–documentaries like this ARE essential. Granted, we have our own problems with feminism and women's issues in the States, but I think Leslee Udwin's documentary does serve a very important function. When one sees first-hand what you rightly termed "the unremorseful views of a rapist," his apparently unvarnished views, as well as the other men reputed to be in the video, the message is brought home much more deeply. To view all of India as the problem, to view this documentary as a smear against India or as casting aspersions on the whole of Indian society, is to conflate it too much, I think. If the film is done well and has a thoughtful audience, I don't think anyone will say "all of India is to blame for these men's actions." I hope the sophisticated viewer will say or think that, yes, like any large, growing country, India has considerable strengths mingled with some weaknesses (Whatever various media might say, The United States has many, many problems). I hope s/he will then also say, if I ever have the opportunity, I want to help the Indian people (in whatever form that aid takes shape in the context of the moment), particularly children, women, and the oppressed, whomever they are, regardless of either theirs or my nationality or religion or whatever other differences we might have.
I should also say that I haven't seen the documentary–I hope to–and my opinions might change, but I don't think silence is going to be the answer. Until then, I say, expose the monsters of the world, of human society, and have him/them judged accordingly. In fact, in the U.S., one of our Supreme Court justices (Brandeis, specifically) had a salient thought on this: "Sunlight is the best disinfectant." These rapists need a heaping dose of worldwide sunlight, which will help bring them to justice, I hope. Again, excellent post. Keeping the dialogue going about women's issues worldwide is the key, and I commend you for doing just that. –Leigh Ward-Smith from Leigh's Wordsmithery
It seems that you haven't seen the documentary "India's daughter". If so, you would not have talked like Arnab Goswami, who has an axe to grind in this battle as NDTV would have got huge TRPs and you would not have talked like a ruling party politician who feared this documentary will again bring back those crowds to Delhi's streets.
This documentary is a very sensitive portrayal of the issues. Initially I thought that this documentary may be trying a sensationalistic one, however, I was moved into tears watching it. Later I came to know that she herself is a rape victim and hence done such a sensitive portrayal.
It is a study in contrast. One rapist and two of his lawyers speaking in the same tone shows the majority view. On the other hand, we learnt that the values of the parents.
How many of us will sell our land to fund for our daughter's studies? Most of the people will save it for the daughter's marriage instead. This man had even worked as a labourer in the airport. Yes. Such noble values is not just the domain of the well to do middle class and the rich. When he says that if we don't tell our sons then how will they learn, it is a strong reason to self-introspect and show the documentary.
The mother was such dignified even in her grief and when she said that she expected her daughter to bring light in their lives and had name her accordingly.
The documentary hasn't given recognition to those vile creatures. It tells us the story, the repulsive mentality which is a common thread between the rapists as well as the lawyers. And we know that the same thought runs in the veins of various politicians and well to do people as well. It tells us that India has been divided into islands of prosperity and slums. Just outside your high rise apartment buildings there are slums where people from various places have come and are trying to eke out a living. Neither there is education, nor there is ethics, nor any semblance of values. They too have aspirations and are ready to snatch it. If this continues, tomorrow you have to send your daughters out in armoured carriers. India is afflicted with a deep malaise. Just banning a documentary and attributing motives to the filmmaker doesn't take us anywhere. For how long can we push things below the carpet?
We have to wake up before it is too late.
And please watch it so that you may like to revise your stated position about this documentary "India's daughter".
Best,
Sabyasachi
First of all I never said the documentary should be banned…Secondly, I have watched and that's why I don't understand why those scum bags need to be given an outlet…Did you not know about how serious the problem was without seeing those animals speak? If so, then I'm glad that the documentary was made..And please having different opinions doesn't mean running off to insinuate things like I want to push the reality under rugs like politicians…I don't care what people think of India because if we have problems we do…But I don't want to give people like the rapists or politicians with misogynistic views a platform to preach and reach millions just like them..Thanks
I wish others asked the same questions Suresh..but I guess we are missing some kind of bigger picture here as we are not going gung ho about it! sigh!
True, it shouldn't have been banned but then we know the tolerance level in our country , don't we?
That's exactly my point Ratna..that's exactly my point!
You know Partha, I don't much care if people resort to shaming India for this..what bothers me is why give the man a mouthpiece! why?
Thanks Laurel..
You know Suzy I don't worry much whether it was made to shame India or not..my only question perhaps is why do we give that man so much importance…
Thanks for your comments…
I think your last line said it all Beloo!
Amen to that Sulekha !
You know that's what I am thinking…what surprises me is that people don't see it that way! One word against the documentary and well you become a politician or a misogynist!
Thanks especially for reading the whole post before jumping to bash me for not really supporting the documentary 🙂
I agree with what you say and I hope that the positives far outweigh the negatives !
No that's fine…I guess we are all so passionate about changing things and even if we have different , slightly different point of views, we are still on the same page!
Thanks Swati
Agreed Sanch, I too worry if this will happen in our life time..And don't even get me started on the lawyers! Oh God!
Agreed our only hope is the future generation I feel too and it is upto us to ensure that they change things
Agreed and we need to remind them that!
Thanks
Thanks Leigh..Appreciate your comment and your views…And yes I agree sunlight is the best disinfectant…And I'm all for bringing out the truth to the world, the unpleasant truth…but my only problem is that I don't want to give an avenue of any sorts to rapists and lawyers who state they will willingly burn their daughters alive.. Does that make sense?
Nabanita – This is a great post and these are pretty much the same questions that I had in mind. You have articulated them all so well. We should make it a better world for the rest of India's daughters.
After seeing the documentary yesterday, I am still unable to digest which world are we living in! When? When the world will become a better place! When?? When will the women not think before stepping out???
I understand your anger, Naba. It is the same we all have. It is absurd that the girl is no more and the guy talking out loud, it is disgusting and unfortunate. But the reality this! How unfortunate it is! We should not let these interviews get to us. I am hoping that some actions will be taken by the government after this.
You echo many of my thoughts and feelings on the issues which you discuss Naba, some of which my recent posts have indicated directly (http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2015/03/international-womens-day-make-it-happen.html). The making of this documentary was ludicrous and I am curious to know what the intent truly was. I agree that a lot of these crimes against women are to do with honour as you say though unrightly so. There is NEVER a valid reasons for such crimes no matter where it occurs anywhere in the world. One solution is feminism, the gathering of sisters – men too – to stand up for us females. Here's to solidarity! 🙂 <3
Indeed I will paint it purple!
Naba – that documentary "affair" gave me a major WTF moment. What hypocrites. Even worse, blaming women on what basis?
It is sad that the mind will not awaken to so many things. And the herd mentality of people? Ugh!
I love your stand. Hugs! Happy Women's Day to you!
Naba, I was miffed too that a rapist was interviewed. I mean, I didn't expect anything better from his ilk. Also, a very pertinent point you made is why her friend was not interviewed. His story needed to be told too. All said and done, banning it was foolish. I watched the documentary and did not find it offensive at all. Of course, there are some who were offended by it and that is their view. I guess, we must just leave it at that.
You have put it across so well. Why, why, why! is the woman always to blame? And why is it that she is shamed after the rape and not the rapist? He is considered a stud while she is abused by everyone around. And the worst part – this is so deeply ingrained that most of us grow up with these views. As an 80s child, I used to believe that the poor raped woman is now dirty and she should commit suicide – what choice does the poor thing have? And how did I end up with such stupid ideology? – through watching movies which portrayed this and listening to others talk. Its after I grew up and started reading and talking to different people is when I realized that I had grown up with horrible notions. Thankfully I changed the way I think, but most people don't! And that's why Indian society today is what it is … Very very sad.
I saw the hour long video on YouTube and I was disgusted by the views shared but then what did we expect? I am glad that this documentary came out, at least it mirrored the mentality of (some/most) men in our country. We definitely need a change in the mental make-up of our society regarding women! It's time it happens now!
When the news came about the views on the rapist, my first thought was why the hell BBS had to interview this guy? But after seeing the video, I am glad they did. We actually came to know their perspective. that no amount of imprisonment is going to change them… and no one … no rapist deserves a second chance. But yeah, on the other side, they don't deserve a chance to speak. They should be completely silenced.
No wonder the post is a top post on Indiblogger. I am with you on the same page here.
Yes agreed with every bit of your post Naba. The documentary may not highlight the issues of the country, but certainly brings out the mindset of the accused and his defense lawyers. We had almost forgotten Nirbhaya till this documentary was released, thats true, as said by one of the readers above. Banning the film has made them popular now! As long as the mind set does not change, we (girls) will suffer. Well written post.