Films and art are mirrors of society, reflecting its beauty, challenges, and darker truths. Vulgarity, obscene narratives, and gruesome depictions in media are often stark reminders of the harsher realities of our world.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, as well as Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently addressed the Lok Sabha on the need to curb vulgarity on OTT platforms and social media. He argued that such content does not align with Indian culture and is harmful to the fabric of society. He added that this is because of foreign influences from the countries where these platforms originated. He emphasized the need for stricter laws to safeguard cultural values.
While the minister’s concerns come with good intent, the implications may be much more difficult. The internet has made cultural exchange faster, blurring boundaries between nations. While it’s crucial to address illegal and explicitly obscene content, taking very strict measures can impact art forms that aim to raise awareness about societal issues.
A balanced approach, such as implementing age restrictions for certain types of content, could protect younger audiences without repressing creative freedom.
However, overly strict regulations without proper evaluation might suppress artistic expression, risking the variety and different stories that art brings to society. Striking this balance is important to fostering both cultural appropriation and creative freedom.
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