Shiv Sena leader seeks ban on Bigg Boss for ‘obscene’ content
What can be termed as certain to set many a cat among the pigeons, a Shiv Sena leader has now come out vigorously against popular reality TV show Bigg Boss for its ‘obscene’ content and wants it banned. The demand comes at a time when persistent concern has been expressed over the fallout of such shows on Indian society, more so on young minds.
The Shiv Sena leader, whose name has not been disclosed yet, voiced out his objections in a strongly-worded statement by criticizing Bigg Boss for its alleged promotion of “content that goes against the cultural values and traditions of India.” He drew examples from previous shows in which participants acted inappropriately and indecently, so these things should not come on national television, according to him.
Bigg Boss has been the Indian version of the international reality television set called Big Brother and is still running on Indian television for the past decade. Loads of drama, entertainment, and interpersonal conflicts—the fare seems to attract audiences across a pretty wide spectrum. The show’s concept, which was hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan for the past few years, is to lock some contestants in a house together for a number of weeks, wherein they are scrutinized continuously on camera and put through various tests and tasks.
Due to this format of the show, endless controversies, emotional outbursts, and alliances among its participants get telecast 24 × 7 on television and live streaming platforms. According to the producers of the show, it is just entertainment and human behavior under pressure; however, some critics slam it for crossing limits because of sensationalizing conflicts and encouraging sensationalism for ratings.
The Shiv Sena leader’s call for a ban on Bigg Boss reflects a greater concern, generally felt across the more conservative sections of Indian society, over the effect that Western-influenced entertainment is having on traditional cultural values. He has accused the show of normalizing behaviors that go totally against the very moral fabric of Indian society with regard to issues of decency and respectability.
The people who are in favor of the ban believe that Bigg Boss, along with other reality television shows, tend to debase easily impressionable audiences of viewers, particularly young viewers who imitate whatever is on screen. Further, it is also contended that such programs must be regulated so that they do not degrade and debase the cultural norms of the country and the values which are enshrined by Indian ethics.
In contrast, champions of Bigg Boss say that Bigg Boss is a manifestation of reality and human relationships in a controlled and dramatized environment. They say, “Viewers can choose to watch or not; imposing a ban is a denial of the freedom of choice and expression.”.
Ever since its very inception, Bigg Boss has been controversy-prised. There have been periodic outbursts against the show by political leaders, religious organizations, and social activists from time to time. Complaints have ranged from angst over explicit language and behavior to charges of voyeurism or sensationalism.
With various criticisms in the past, producers of Bigg Boss have taken a few steps to include editing out those shots with explicit scenes or language considered unsuitable for television viewing, along with disclaimers to the audience regarding the content of the show.
The Bigg Boss debate also cuts across broad and extensive debates on media ethics, censorship, and cultural representation in India. On one hand, free speech propagates the least interference in creating or broadcasting content; on the other hand, the opponents underline responsible broadcasting in light of cultural sensitivities and societal norms.
Much will depend upon how the authorities and the regulatory bodies react as the chorus for a ban on Bigg Boss grows. Indeed, India’s media regulatory regime is overseen by agencies like the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council.
The Shiv Sena leader’s demand to ban Bigg Boss over some ‘obscene’ content has reopened an extremely controversial debate related to reality television’s role in Indian society. This puts up questions, pointed out by critics, with respect to the impact of such shows on cultural values and societal norms, while defenders hold arguments for keeping freedom of expression and viewers’ choice intact. It has thrown up some very interesting vistas regarding the balance between entertainment, ethics, and cultural sensitivities in fast-changing India.
Read more about related article, just click here