Paper-10 Module-21 Violence Against Women As Depicted in Films

Paper-10 Module-21 Violence against Women as depicted in Films

I. (A) Personal Details Role Name Affiliation Principal Investigator Prof. Sumita Parmar Allahabad University, Allahabad Paper Coordinator Prof. Sisir Basu Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Content Writer/Author (CW) Dr.Saswati University of Burdwan, Burdwan Gangopadhyay,

Content Reviewer (CR) Prof. Sisir Basu Benaras Hindu University Language Editor (LE) Prof. Sumita Parmar Allahabad University

Description of Module

Items Description of Module Subject Name Women’s Studies Paper Name Women, Media & Films Module Name/ Title Violence against Women as depicted in Films. Module ID Paper-10 module-21 Pre-requisites The reader needs to have some idea about violence and how gender violence is shown in films. Objectives To make the readers aware about violence against women and the various types of violence on women depicted in films Keywords Violence, Domestic Violence, Rape, Dowry Violence, Sexual Harassment, Eve Teasing

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Objectives

In the earlier modules of other units, women and film have been discussed from different perspectives. This unit discusses the violence against women as depicted in films in the Indian context.

This unit tries to help you understand the following:

 Explain different types of violence against women in India  Describes portrayal of such violence on women as reflected in Indian films  Discusses the impact such violent depictions may have on society

Introduction

In the four earlier units you have acquired familiarity with representation of women in media; media and culture; and new media, women and empowerment. In this unit you will learn about different aspects of films.

Films can be read like text if you are aware about the fundamentalsProf. Sumita and Parmar the basics. To understand different types of structures, some help is needed and this unit triesAllahabad to do that University,. Allahabad

The focus of thisPrincipal unit will Investigator be to understand the different types of violence that are perpetrated upon women. Paper Coordinator The discussion would be on the most common forms like domestic violence and dowry harassment along with

rape and sexual harassment. Further as this unit is on films and women issues, hence we will try to learn about Paper Coordinator the depiction ofContent such violence Writer on women in films and its impact on society.

Content Writer Different TypesContent of Violence Reviewer against women

Before discussing how violence against women is depicted in films, let us briefly touch upon the different Content Reviewer aspects of violence against women.

The word violence from the dictionary meaning implies treatment or conduct proceeding from or caused by or resulting from great physical force or intensely excited feelings or language. In most cases, it is unlawful exercise of physical force and in some cases of mental harassment used against people. Violence is a state which is marked by physical force or roughness upon person/s. It may also cause intense emotional or mental pain in certain cases. 2

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The United Nations’ declaration on the elimination of violence against women, adopted by the General Assembly of the UN in 1993, defines violence against women as: ‘Any act of gender based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivations of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life. Violence against women shall be understood to encompass but not be limited to: physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family and in the community, including battering, sexual abuse of female children dowry related, violence related to exploitation, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women, forced prostitution and violence perpetrated or condoned by the state.’

Violence against women across the globe has inhibited women as a group from enjoying the basic benefits of human rights and they are at risk of violence because of their gender. Women are subject to violence in the family in different ways like wife beating, sexual abuse of female children, dowry related violence, incest, deprivation of food, marital rape, female genital mutilation, etc. At the community level, violence against women rears its ugly head in the form of rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and trafficking. Sometimes there occurs violence against women induced by the state like women forced to become comfort women for soldiers during wars.

Domestic violence is a violent oppression of women within the family. It is perpetrated usually by the husband or partner. Violence may be both physical and psychological. It indicates threat or aggressive behaviour towards a woman not just physically, but towards her self-respect and self confidence as well. Domestic violence is a global phenomenon happening all the time across the world. In India, it has a different dimension, as here, not only the husband, but also his family members especially his mother take active part in inflicting violence on the unfortunate bride. Among the different kinds of crimes against women, this is the most frequent and the least reported crime, as women are reluctant to file charges against persons on whom they may be economically and psychologically dependent.

Originally, dowry meant some gifts given willingly to a newly married bride by her family members to set her up comfortably in her new home. However, it is seen that the dowry has been anything but voluntary, where the bridegroom and his family demand gifts and cash and the bride’s family has to comply. Dowry is unfortunately deeply rooted into the socio-economic system in India and is accepted as a part and parcel of 3

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the marriage process by the people. It is based on a view that a woman is not of much value hence some material interests have to be satisfied before she is accepted by her in- laws. She is an object, passed from one social group to another. Her inferior status is reinforced when her matrimonial family accepts her, albeit grudgingly, even when dowry has been paid. Dowry violence is a sinister extension of domestic violence where young brides are tortured or even killed if their families have been unable to satisfy the demands of dowry from the bridegroom’s family. The torture may be mental, physical or both. This crime is particularly prevalent in South Asia and such places where there is a sizeable South Asian diaspora.

Rape is the most repulsive crime committed against women worldwide. Women are subjected to forcible sexual act without their consent. In most cases, the women are physically injured and mentally scarred. In deplorable cases of gang rapes, often women succumb to the injuries sustained due to the extreme brutality of the criminal act. Here sex is used as a weapon to subjugate women. Sometimes rape is also used as a tool to dishonour the woman, her family and in many cases the social or religious group she belongs to. Rape is a global menace.

Sexual harassment is any form of unwelcome sexual advances by men towards women which may either be direct or through implications. Sometimes, men harass women in public places or workplaces to satisfy their unfulfilled sexual fantasies. The need of this kind of annoying behaviour on the part of men jeopardizes the dignity and safety of women. This is within the patriarchal structure where the power dynamics are played out with male dominance and female subordination. Women from all sections of society all over the world have been at the receiving end of this extremely disturbing and irritating harassment in public places and workplaces or educational institutions at some point of their lives. It is euphemistically called eve teasing in many places.

Violence against women has been one of the primary causes for the emergence of the women’s movement in India in the 1970’s. In the initial stages, the women’s groups had the double burden of pressuring the police to take action against perpetrators along with counselling the survivors to come out in the open and talk about the violence they have endured as the patriarchal bias is a major reason for women to keep quiet about their sufferings. The women’s groups have urged in various public forums that violence against women are not private mattes as put out by patriarchal elements but concern society at large.

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The women’s groups have campaigned along with some help from mass media to bring this extremely crucial problem to the public domain. The mass media, especially print and electronic media, to some extent, have highlighted the activities of the women’s groups and the causes they have championed. This has helped in keeping these issues in the public domain and led to the creation of public opinion which in turn has led to the formulation of important legislations on women’s issues. Interestingly, many women’s organizations have been critical of how violence against women is depicted in mass media especially popular Indian films.

Violence against women in films

Films are indeed reflections of reality, maybe with some amount of exaggeration. Hence films that viewers watch, are in many cases inspired by real life incidents. The directors and script writers are part of society and hence they will be influenced by societal events either directly or indirectly. Many events and issues happen in society of which some are positive while some are negative. Amongst the overtly negative happenings in society are the different types of violence perpetrated upon women in society. Some of these forms have been discussed in the earlier section. All these forms in their varying degrees of severity get reflected in films from time to time.

Films in India have been using women to portray various roles. They are shown as mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, love interests, friends, neighbours and co-workers of men. They are in most cases either depicted as good and virtuous women or as bad women with loose morals. However, the interesting part is that both good and bad women are at a risk of violence perpetrated upon them by men.

Rape

Movies on rape often have storylines which are rape-revenge thrillers. In these types of films, rape scenes may be pivotal for the storyline and therefore their portrayal justified. The rape survivor takes revenge on the perpetrators of the crime. In the case of Shekhar Kapoor who directed the movie Bandit Queen, the gang rape scene, in all its violence and horror, played a major part in leading the story of Phoolan, the female bandit 5

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forward. It is seen that the storylines are such that either the female vigilante, who is fighting injustice of some kind, or the sister/ near female relative of the male vigilant is raped.

Poster Courtesy: en.wikipedia.org

Often violence is triggered after the incident of rape when the vigilante is male. In such cases the woman raped is the symbol of honour for his family or social group and her dishonour (izzat lutna) is his direct dishonour too. Rape is committed not for sexual pleasure, but to instill fear in the hero and emotionally devastate him so that he will submit to the evil oppressors like land sharks, corrupt politicians and policemen. In such cases, the rape depicts not so much the agony of the women upon whom this violent atrocity has been committed, but is shown more as an assault on the honour of the men folk of her family or community who have to seek revenge. The films clearly indicate that the woman’s body symbolizes the battlefield upon which the men folk and the oppressors will fight. Use of rape to justify the mindless violence that follows in such films is not very desirable. It is disheartening to note in most films that if the rape survivor does not turn avenger, she either dies of the grievous injuries or she commits suicide as she has been dishonoured. It is indeed distressing to note that film makers try to give this message to viewers, that in society, a rape victim is better dead than alive.

Rape, a violent crime, is shown in many films almost like a sexual encounter and the camera movements are almost voyeuristic. Except a few films, most movies depict rape not as an act of violence but as a sexual act with skin show which immediately scales down its impact. Instead of showing the violent criminal act, it merely excites some sections of the male audience for whose benefit this scene has been introduced by the

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film makers in the first place. Instead of the viewers being sensitized towards a heinous crime, they are made to derive pleasure out of it. It would have been better if in the film, the narrative would have built up the incident of the rape and then moved forward to the scenes after the incident without actually showing the act itself. This has been done in films like 15, Park Avenue, where director Aparna Sen has featured rape as an important and critical juncture in the storyline yet portrayed it in a suggestive and sensitive manner without showing it directly.

Sexual Harassment

Films seem to erotize violence between men and women making violence appear almost a good thing. This seems true while watching song sequences in most popular Indian films where the hero often resorts to harassing the heroine. The acts range from not so subtle dances moves and suggestive lyrics to downright physical attacks like pulling her clothes and hair or catching her hands. The heroine is shown to be not responsive to the hero’s overtures for whatever reasons and he is shown resorting to these deplorable methods to win her affection. Regrettably at the end of the song, the heroine succumbs to the hero’s un-heroic and negative advances and falls in love with him. In a particular Hindi film, Hasina man jayegi ( the Girl will agree) starring Govinda and Karisma Kapoor ,the hero is shown harassing the heroine while singing to her, and within the song , telling his elder brother, played by Sanjay Dutt, that at the end of the song the girl will comply and fall in love with him. Sanjay Dutt is shown taking out a knife playfully and holding it in front of Karisma to force her to say yes to his brother’s overtures. This is indeed an extremely negative episode that almost legitimizes the use of force to win a girl’s affection. Many films show that the anti-hero or his sidekicks follow the heroine whenever she steps out of the house. This method both irritates and intimidates her along with her family and leads to a change in her normal routine. She is forced to restrict her movements and live under constant fear and mental pressure. A classic example is Hindi film, Darr (Fear) where the anti hero played by Shah Rukh Khan makes life a living hell for the heroine Kiran played by Juhi Chawla by stalking and harassing her.

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Poster Courtesy:movietalkies.com

Domestic Violence

This type of violence is shown in films where women in arranged marriages are shown to be ill treated or even beaten by their husbands or mothers- in- law if they are not satisfied with the wives’ looks, capacity to cook or gifts (dowry) brought during marriage. Films show that violence occurs at any time due to a small difference of opinion which may be as mundane as not doing the household chores properly or when the woman is perceived as either being disrespectful to elders in the family or being childless or unable to bear male offspring or is suspected of being immoral in character. Any of these causes are enough reason for a woman to be physically beaten or mentally tortured. This is done to discipline her and to bring her to the level of expectation of her husband’s and in-laws as shown in the film, Sau Din Saas Ke.

Poster Courtesy: ebay.ca

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Very rarely do films try to give the message that domestic violence is wrong and that a women could leave an abusive relation and not suffer in silence. Instead most films depict and even try to glorify the Hindu concept of Pati Parameswar (Husband is equal to God) where a woman should bear all sufferings rather than raise her voice in objection or walk out of the marriage. The concept of marriage being sacrosanct is still perpetuated in most mainstream films, though, a very small number of films have been made where women are shown fighting for their rights or leaving abusive or adulterous husbands and moving on in life.

Just like in real life, in films too, domestic violence is not restricted to the sufferings of the daughter –in- law only. In some films, it is shown that the son and the daughter- in- law are shown torturing aged parents especially the mother, who is infirm and dependent on them. They are made to do household work and all their valuables are taken away from them and they are ill-treated by both the daughter- in- law and son. Films like Swarg and Bagbhan are some examples of aged parents being victimized.

Films also depict violence being meted out to young girls who have formed romantic liaisons with men without familial consent. Many films depict the heroine being subjected to violence at her parental home for falling in love with someone behind the back of the family members or with a boy who is not approved of by the family like Abhishek Bacchhan and Bhoomika Chawla in Run. The victimization shown in films ranges from being sequestered inside the house and not being allowed to meet anyone, to being beaten up by relatives and being forced into a speedy marriage against her wishes like in the Kareena Kapoor and Akshaye Khanna starrer Hulchul.

Dowry Violence

Dowry violence is a regrettable extension of domestic violence, yet very few films have been made in India directly highlighting the problems of dowry or related to the dowry issue. Films like Dahez (Dowry), Dulha Bikta Hain (Bridegrooms are sold) and Sasthi Dulhan Mehanga Dulha (Bride cheap costly Bridegroom) have tried to address this issue, but such films are few in number.

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Poster Courtesy: youtube.com

Most movies show this dowry harassment within a family as a sub-plot where the mother- in- law is shown as the key figure in perpetrating violence on the often newly married bride for the inadequate dowry provided by the bride’s family. The films show the daughter-in-law being harassed by the mother-in-law. The harassment ranges from verbal abuse to physical chastisement and even depravation of food. Tyrannical mothers-in-law in films have been made famous in yesteryears by actors like Lalita Pawar and Sashikala to later days villainous mothers- in- law played by Bindu and Aruna Irani. The demure daughters-in-law have been played by many actresses especially up to the late 1990s where they have been seen to suffer in silence. Very rarely did these films show any form of support coming from other family members including the husbands. The harried brides are shown to tolerate such violence and continuing doing all their household duties despite the violence and humiliation.

Impact on Society

Films have been a major component of popular culture in society. They have helped in understanding the ethics and value systems along with social structures of many ethnic groups. Unfortunately, violence is a social reality and hence it is only normal to depict it in films. Amongst all social groups across the world, violence against women is the most shameful reality hence such portrayals are only natural. Women are shown in most films as victims, rarely as survivors so that we are made to feel sorry for them. This type of depiction may lead to a strong belief among certain section of viewers that women are weak and hence force may be used upon them to make them do what others want them to do. Therefore, taking inspiration from reel life, many men in real life may use violent methods to force women to do their bidding in case such women refuse to do as they have been told. It may so happen that after watching a lot of different types of violence being perpetrated

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upon women in films, male audiences may get insensitive to such violence and treat them casually. This would set a dangerous trend in society as when they will find women being subjected to violence in real life, they would often remain indifferent and less sympathetic. In many films, where domestic violence or sexual harassment is shown, the storylines are shown in such a manner so as to justify the violence or harassment against the passive women on screen. Rarely do films show the victim trying to resist the violence strongly. These types of depictions of harassment and stalking further ensure in sending out messages that it is normal and acceptable to use such violence against women either at home or public places. However, this leads to curbs in the mobility of women and increases their dependence on men for protection, even in the cases of mentally strong and financially secure women. Also in films, physical violence on women is shown very explicitly but discrimination and harassment are given light treatment thereby making these appear casual and unimportant to the viewers. According to some scholars, many films use typecast concepts. They tend to follow the traditional gender roles of society with males dominating and women being submissive and obedient.

In a conservative society like India, it is still an uncomfortable situation for parents and children to sit together and talk about the facts of life, even in urban areas. The idea of sex education in schools is yet to take off, hence it is only natural for young people to be curious about romantic and sexual relations and look upon films as one of the most important sources of information about them. It is indeed unfortunate but true that Indian films are still considered a primary source of knowledge about romantic and sexual relationships by most common people. Regrettably most of the information shared in films is either exaggerated or divorced from reality.

The films clearly have divisions on gender. The important characters are put in gendered divisions with most female characters shown as victims of violence and male characters as aggressors. In some cases, it is not only the villains who are the perpetrators, but the heroes also act aggressively. This is a cause for concern as men, in particular, identify with the onscreen heroes and when they (heroes) are shown as aggressors of violence, it is highly likely that male viewers would follow their examples just like they follow their heroes’ mannerisms and dressing styles. In most cases the heroes are found to be guilty of committing violence like sexual harassment or domestic violence. This gives license to young men indulgently named Roadside Romeos to use these negative methods on unsuspecting women who may be present in the vicinity; this is popularly termed

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Eve Teasing. The men make obscene gestures and catcalls towards women in accompaniment of such songs from popular films. The hapless women, for no fault of theirs, are made to bear the unwelcome sexual advances. It is surprising that these are coolly ignored by most people and may encourage male viewers to indulge in sexual harassment and stalking. Filmmakers seem to suggest that since the heroes are committing such offences, it is acceptable as they are heroic and likeable. To depict violence in films is alright as it is a social reality and objective representation of such social evils may help in bringing about awareness amongst public. Unfortunately, this does not happen and in many cases such portrayals are used to promote the films. Some Indian and Western scholars are of the opinion that violence against women as depicted in films may have actually prompted violence against them in real life. They have suggested that violence against women shown in films may give male viewers a false sense of power and right to dominate over women.

Summary

It is noticed that atrocities and violence are common to women all over the world. Sufferings are caused by diverse issues ranging from social, economic, cultural and religious problems. Discussion has been done about violence against women. It has pointed to the fact that some forms of violence like rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment are commonly faced by women globally while some are area and culture specific like dowry violence in India. It is clear that the violence may be physical or mental, mostly caused due to deep-rooted prejudices against women.

Popular cinema is an integral part of popular culture and a reflection of society, though not a totally representative one. Though the form and content of popular films have changed along with advancement in technology, yet interestingly the women of films never question the male dominance in family or society. The women are sometimes allowed by the script to avenge wrong doings upon themselves directly without a male revenging on their behalf, but once physical action and fights are over they go back to their traditional form. Along with this is the use of sexual molestation or rape scenes in many films, which sadly exploits the female body further and advances the woman’s victimization concept. The unwelcome sexual advances of the hero on the heroine before they actually fall in love, sets a dangerous precedent to be followed by young males in society. With social evils like rape, harassment, bride burning and domestic violence on the rise, films are

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regrettably portraying such incidents not so much to create awareness amongst masses but merely to promote the films.

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