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Drama Serials
It isn't only suspense or horror serials that depict violence. Family drama serials are predicated on conflict and often depict violence - what is most disturbing, is that often this is domestic violence within a family and sometimes involving children. For example, Viruddh in one episode had six acts of violence. Kabhie Kabhie had seven acts of violence; Mahayagya had nine acts of violence. Shatranj and Amar Prem (afternoon repeat on Zee) had eight and 10 acts of violence, respectively, Aashirwad had eight acts of violence. Gumraah (Zee) had 32 acts of violence. With the exception of Gumraah where physical acts of violence such as pushing, tripping clobbering, kicking and punching are high most of the serials in this category are dominated by verbal and psychological violence. While some of this where male aggression is high is determined by marital discord and inter-generational conflict there are also serials like Swabhiman and Mahayagya where women and men are part of political and corporate rivalry and violence and yet others which are totally macho like Shatranj where it is the underworld that seems to be calling the shot. 3. Comedies Although we did not monitor comedies, there is a great deal of violence in sitcoms. This takes form of extreme conflictual situations and slapstick physical violence. When violence is shown to be fun, it loses its seriousness and children tend to imitate it more in their play. 4. Docu-Dramas A new, successful trend on television has been the docu-drama. These shows like Bhanwar or India's Most Wanted reconstruct real crimes. In the process, some very violent scenes are shown on television. These programmes are said to perform a social duty: they help catch criminals, and discourage crime. Many physical acts of violence such
as kidnapping and shooting are shown. Between these two they accounted
for 9 out 12 acts. However, it becomes difficult to enforce any guidelines
if docu-dramas in the name of reality depict violence in the most `realistic'
and explicit manner. This would lead to different standards for different
programmes which is very difficult to justify.
Representation of child and gender based violence 1. Involvement Of Children A few serials like Shaktimaaan, Shapath and Kabhie Kabhie had children involved in acts of violence either as victims or, in one instance as a participant. In Shapath, a child is shown witnessing the brutal murder of his father, then being kidnapped and taught how to handle a gun. 2. Sexual Overtones Crimes of passion, which exploit
sex and violence, are conspicuous in television serials; the love triangle
often forms the basic story line serials and the cause of the violence.
In episode of Yehi Hai Razz, X-Zone we monitored, the basic conflict was
an extra-material affair, which leads to the murders. In an episode of
Saturday Suspense, once again the murder was committed by a jealous women
in a man’s life.
Glorification
Of Violence
There are serial such as Hindustani,
Shaktimaan, and Shapath, which use the triumph of good over evil to justify
the use of violence. In the name of justice, there are no holds barred
in the degree of violence shown.
Role of Sponsors and Advertisers Are Commercials Targeting Children
Supporting Horror shows and Crime Services?
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