I agree that it is very hard to fine tune decency and lay down cultural and socially acceptable limits of media and video content. This is the precise reason that why we have reached such a point and where we are forced to dwell on the issue. There is an underlying need to deal with the issue threadbare but how we go about it or do it or define it - This is the puzzle. Let us take a new look and find out why we need to regulate content and visuals?
WHY THE NEED?
The need for having regulatory control over social and cultural content through audio and video media arises only when the limits of self censorship or self imposed cultural and moral value lines are transgressed/ crossed/broken.
The transgression of decency limits is noticed by almost all but there being no medium to complain or simply “SANNU KEE” PUNJABI attitude is responsible for its non- reporting.
As is the case with the recent gang rape case there were many incidents like that and more brutal perhaps but did not get highlighted.
Now the issue has caught the attention of all due to REASONS like a possible maturing of national consciousness ( I hope I am correct in saying this) and self belief in enlightened people thet they can be heard on such issues by going for mass protest.
This shows that people have lost faith in the various organs of governance including their elected representatives as they think they are not up to the job and the purpose they were elected them for. This subject of decency in songs is also an outgrowth this gang rape issue.
A singer is fully responsible for the lyrical or content of RAP he sings on an audio or portrays through a video.
A FEW draft measures are suggested
- There is requirement to enlarge the ambit of the present Central Board of Film Censorship to include the censorship of songs in audio and video format. (As it is the songs of all films are censored by the board) and it can be renamed as CENTRAL BOARD FOR CENSORSHIP OF ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT ).There is crass vulgarity in Punjabi,Bhojpuri ,Hindi or for that matter in all kinds of cinema , local videos and songs. This can be done pan India rather than by states as Punjab Govt has also been mulling over this censor board idea after lot of cajouling by Women organisations like Istri Jagriti Manch who have been protesting against these singers who dole out such obscene and vulgar songs.There can be more members added to increase its effectiveness. These members can be from the field of art, poetry, film, theatre, journalism fields and eminent members from civil society.
- No audio tape /compact diskette will be released till is its contents are passed by the above board
- The Internet media like the YOUTUBE WHICH HAVE AN INDIA BASED OFFICE TOO can be asked to stop the offensive content after reporting .Also YOU TUBE etc can seek the required certification from the up loader else stop the offensive content as they do MOST OF TIMES.
