Basic Level of Sensitivity: Too Much to Expect?
This post is in reference to the current show ‘Hadsa’ on Geo Entertainment. However, the basic premise remains true across the board – why can we not provide the most basic level of empathy in our portrayal of sensitive topics?
It is no secret that the Pakistani drama industry often fails in properly handling and portraying sensitive issues. Whether it’s domestic violence, rape or child marriage, we often find these topics either brushed under the carpet or used as a plot device solely to add to the climax of the story. Time and time again we’ve seen a mockery being made of the plight of women under the guise of awareness.
Adding to the list of such disappointing attempts, Geo – one of the biggest channels in the country -recently aired a drama called ‘Hadsa’. The story has vivid similarities to the Motorway rape case from 2020 – one of the most traumatic and horrific incidents to have occurred in recent times. The drama was written and produced without taking consent from, or even informing the victim. Not only is this utterly irresponsible, insensitive and unethical, but it also makes you question the true intentions behind the creation of this drama. Was this an attempt to monazite the Motorway case and cash on its virality? Was this just another mismanaged attempt at tackling a sensitive topic? Did the actors really truly believe this is a different story altogether?
Naturally this made it to the victim, who was severely triggered. One can only imagine the horrors she has already been through since the incident. To make her relive her trauma in the form of a story being broadcasted for the whole world to see is shameful. Furthermore our TV channels do not even provide a trigger warning for its audience. Claims have been made by actors/actresses involved, that to their knowledge this story is independent from the Motorway case. This is slightly hard to believe given the parallels and similarities present. On top of that, there has still been no formal apology or responsibility being taken by the makers of this drama despite all the uproar on social media.
Since part of the damage has already been done, we can at least demand this drama to be removed from our TV screens. It’s high time we hold production companies, directors and actors responsible for putting out such content. Rape is not a topic for you to cash on. The trauma and plight of real victims is not something you can ignore. Consent is not something for you to sideline.
If production houses wish to make drama serials on such issues then they should first and foremost provide an appropriate trigger warning. Secondly, if they the drama is based on a real life case then they should be obligated to take the consent of the victims. Furthermore when touching on such sensitive subjects directors, producers and writers should consult relevant people and professionals to ensure accuracy in their portrayal of things like rape. This can include referring to psychologists, lawyers, NGOs, survivors of abuse etc.
It is important to remember that abuse is a subject that deserves accurate representation on TV. Letting incompetent people handle these issues and allowing them to produce condemnable content with the excuse that it was subjective to their ‘interpretation’ is beyond shameful. If you cannot be responsible enough to do justice to these topics then do not take them up in the first place. Ultimately more harm has been done than good.
My heart goes out to the victim of the Motorway case. Until the producers realise their mistake and formally apologise, I hope PEMRA interferes and bans this drama. The least we as responsible audiences can do is to #BoycottHadsa.
The gut wrenching response of the victim to ‘Hadsa’ can be found on the twitter account of Fereeha M Idrees (@Fereeha).
Reference: https://twitter.com/Fereeha/status/1695932740242493531?s=20