One of the most inspiring things to come out of Hollywood recently is the quick action that follows allegations. Even though Weinstein is not behind bars yet, he is out of a job, & Netflix has decided to cancel House of Cards given the allegations surrounding lead actor Kevin Spacey, so the big question is, will this hurricane head eastward?
Even if people prefer the term ‘Indian film industry’ to ‘Bollywood’, the fact remains that for decades we have seen American movies get remade into Indian ones, even television shows. French Kiss became Pyaar To Hona Hi Thaa, Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader? Became Kya App Panchvi Pass Se Tezz Hai? The list goes on.
Since so many trends and plotlines migrate to our shores, is it okay to assume that speaking up against sexual harassment courageously, might soon come to the forefront? But before we can address accusers and talk about laws, it is imperative to realize that before change can be made in our legal system, it must be made in our mentality.
The door swings both ways
It is true that men and women are both victims of assault and harassment, but more often than not, it is a man that’s the aggressor. In a country such as ours, where women and children are molested, sold and gang-raped on a daily basis, it is necessary that we talk with caution even while discussing cases where the aggressor may be a woman.
Harassment in the workplace
From Horrible Bosses to Aitaraaz, we have seen on screen various examples of powerful people (including women) proposition others for sexual favors in exchange for opportunities. However, more women are likely to experience abuse than men.
Most women in almost every industry have experienced inappropriate behavior in the workplace, like being stared at inappropriately, being told they must be in a bad mood due to their period, being asked questions that would never be asked to a man, assuming a man will be a better fit for a position because they are more likely to not let their personal lives affect them and so many others. There is a distinction between harassment and abuse, but both of those things are deplorable and quite frankly, extremely avoidable.
Normalizing sexist behavior, no matter how subtle, may be is damaging. Being uncomfortable in the workplace is mentally exhausting and can have serious repercussions. The cycle of abuse caused by sexual harassment is very real – victims of any kind of abuse, and especially sexual abuse, have to struggle for a long time to overcome their trauma and sometimes this trauma manifests itself in ways that can cause harm to the victims and others around them. While many people overcome and move past abuse, each person is different and their emotional capabilities should not be tested by their ability to deal with harassment.
Especially in the movies
In India, most celebrities are linked to the world of movies. We don’t have bands and musicians that are A-list celebrities unless they are also playback singers. Even the most talented and successful stand up comedians will settle for smaller roles on the big screen to play second fiddle to lead actors. Models transition to actors because that’s the sensible next step to elevate their careers; this all-encompassing attachment to the movies is one major differentiating element between India and America.
From movies like The Dirty Picture to Fashion and even episodes on Koffee with Karan, we have been hearing tales of the elusive ‘casting couch’ and how sexual harassment is rampant. In 2005, a TV channel conducted a sting operation exposing Shakti Kapoor engaging in inappropriate behavior with a woman. Even BBC conducted a follow up interview to find out more about the sexual harassment that resides in the industry. Like all news stories, this incident also faded away in due time. More recently, Kangana Ranaut shared details of an abusive relationship she shared with Aditya Pancholi, the allegations included being raped while she was a minor. While most of the media was wrapped up in the ‘are these e-mails real’ debate, it might be more prudent to draw focus on the part of the story where a leading actress stated she was raped, rather than any other relationships she may or may not have had as an adult.
Interestingly, we also live in a time where lots of young leading actors (male and female) have familial ties within others in the industry, so perhaps a good thing about nepotism is that a whole new generation will be shielded from sexual harassment because people will be less likely to make advances on the kids of their friends and friends of their kids. It is also true that allegations do not always check out to be true, and there are many people who would try and take advantage of those in power, but as audiences, we have to take control of our choices even outside the cinema. Unless timely judgments are made in cases such as these, all people can rely on is speculation.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to show evidence in cases of harassment and abusive behavior from the past, but there really is strength in numbers. Hurricane Harvey started off as a mild breeze that took form in the shape of an article, only when multiple successful women came together to reveal their stories did the breeze turn to a storm.
Viewer responsibility
I don’t know if the allegations placed on Kevin Spacey are true, but I can’t deny that his explanation and pseudo-apology was flimsy and unfair. I can’t deny that he is a fine actor, but I will think twice before purchasing a ticket to watch his movies. I can’t deny that Harvey Weinstein has produced some brilliant movies, but I sure am glad to see his privilege diminish and the day he is put behind bars will be a victorious day for many women who have felt defeated for so long. As viewers it id difficult to make choices as to what media we must consume, but it is a choice we must make because being ignorant can mean being a part of the problem.
Maybe it’s true that one must never meet their heroes, or maybe we must stop expecting actors (and others in the industry) to be our real-life heroes. Maybe the relationship between the entertainer and audience must be limited to a movie screen, but in a country like ours that’s not a possibility. I don’t know what the solution is to the rampant problem of sexual harassment in the workplace, nor do I know how it can be stopped, but I do think it’s only a matter of time before Hurricane Harvey comes to India.
