February 1, 2021

Freedom of Expression Vs. Comedy

There is often a statement made by people in the media, that our Country lacks Freedom of Expression. Stand up Comedy is a trend that picked up pace in the last few years. Open Mics, Live Performances and YouTube, were at its peak in the last few years.

Comedy, was always a part of our entertainment industry since forever. However, since the last decade, the definition of Comedy has changed. With no clear laws on the Censorship applicable on the content broadcasted on Internet, a lot of artist took the same for granted. People started openly uploading content with swear words and abusive language saying that the internet has young audience and they love such content with Abusive Language. Slowly and steadily using Abusive words and swear words became a norm and any standup act.

In the last few years, openly body shaming a person, insulting a person for their physical traits and their habits have become the new normal. The Kapil Sharma Show, which is the hub of Film Promotions, openly promotes degrading women and abusing women on Television. Just because the said show is packaged well and is promoted by Celebrities, they have made it a part of our lifestyle.

Comedy during the 80’s and 90’s even prior to that still had some standard. Nobody laughed at other person’s expense. Shows such as Dekh Bhai Dekh, touched the lives of the middle class and also gave social messages, along with clean Comedy. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s films, did not use abusive or cuss words. Even the servants in those movies were treated with respect, they were treated as family members and today’s shows openly kick the women and servants on stage.

They say it is the toughest to make a person laugh and the easiest to make a person cry. Some how, our comedians have chosen the easiest route. Abuse a person to the extend that others laugh at his misery.

These days, the so called comedians have not even spared the Gods and Religious practices. The Comedians can be great influencers, yet to choose to behave irresponsibly. We always say, that Hollywood makes sensible movies than Bollywood. But how many times, have we taken an effort to watch a content, which does not promote abuse. It is not the fault of the Film Makers and the Comedians. Simultaneously, it is also the fault of the Audience, who have been laughing at such ridiculous content.

A Country that already has problems such as Domestic Violence, Mental Health issues, which is increasing at a faster pace, we need to be aware about the consequence of the statements that we make in public. On one side, we claim to be fighting against all artificial standards of beauty set by the society, yet on the other side, we openly abuse a person, for their body structure, skin colour and physical features. We claim to be a Country, which respects Women as Goddess but never leave a chance to laugh on them, when they are degraded. We say that we respect our mother and our motherland but each of our cuss words include abusing women. Yet we claim that content to be funny.

Every Individual has freedom of expression, but if the same hurts the sentiments of others, there should be a limit to the same. Freedom of Expression never meant Promoting hatred or promoting abuse. Freedom of Expression means standing up for the wrong that has been done against you. Freedom of Expression means asking for your basic rights, like right to survive with dignity. If Freedom of Expression is basic right, then Life with Dignity is also basic right.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and generously SPONSORED BY Bugshield Clothing – Enjoy Outdoors More!

Aishwarya Says:

I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.

If you are interested in participating in the same, do let me know.

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The copyright of this Article belongs exclusively to Ms. Aishwarya Sandeep. Reproduction of the same, without permission will amount to Copyright Infringement. Appropriate Legal Action under the Indian Laws will be taken.

If you would also like to contribute to my website, then do share your articles or poems at adv.aishwaryasandeep@gmail.com

We also have a Facebook Group Restarter Moms for Mothers or Women who would like to rejoin their careers post a career break or women who are enterpreneurs.

We are also running a series Inspirational Women from January 2021 to March 31,2021, featuring around 1000 stories about Indian Women, who changed the world. #choosetochallenge

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