Tele-serials propagate destructive values

By M L Satyan

Coimbatore, Sept 6, 2024: Of late I have been watching a few Tamil television serials. I was surprised to note a running thread in all the serials – hatred.

This hatred is usually fuelled by different types of revengeful activities. For this purpose, every serial has a few characters who play the role of ‘villain’ – may be father or mother; brother or sister; mother-in-law or father-in-law; brother-in-law or sister-in-law; uncle or aunty; police or lawyer.

Hate language: Invariably every serial uses the typical hate language:
• “I will destroy your career”
• “I will cause damage to his business”
• “I will make sure that you do not get job anywhere”
• “I will not allow any woman to marry the person whom I like”
• “I will separate my son and daughter-in-law”
• “I will separate my daughter and son-in-law”
• “I will not allow him to construct his house”
• “I will chase him out of this place”
• “I will kill him/her by all means”
• “I will get him/her arrested and send him/her to jail”
• “I will make sure that her child is killed in her womb”
• “I will destroy their married life”

Most tele-serials are telecast six days in a week. Just imagine – the viewers, mostly women and retired senior citizens, are forced to listen to this language continuously. Slowly their minds get tuned to such destructive language that their attitudes and behaviour become negative. Most people, who are addicted to these tele-serials, use this language knowingly or unknowingly.

Some serials depict revengeful behaviour without any limit. In one serial, a villain gets arrested for attempting murder. After staying in the jail, he gets released on account of ‘good conduct’. Normally, the viewers will expect a positive change in his behaviour. But he meticulously plans his revengeful activities again. So, hatred and revenge are kept alive.

In order to execute his revengeful activities, the villain succeeds in getting support from the temple pujari, panchayat leader, government official, local police and lawyer. Shockingly, they all become co-villains just for the sake of money. Misuse of power and position is indeed a destructive value. When such a value is propagated, a wrong message is sent out to the viewers.

Indian serials have long been a source of entertainment and cultural reflection. They wield immense power in shaping perceptions, beliefs, and values in society. While they can be a mirror that reflects the complexities of modern life, they can also be a double-edged sword, potentially eroding moral, cultural, family, and social values in the Indian context.

Portrayal of Values: One of the most prominent ways in which serials influence society is through the portrayal of values. They often serve as a reflection of societal norms and values, either reinforcing or challenging them. When characters and storylines in media deviate from traditional Indian values, it can subtly encourage viewers to question or even abandon these values.

Glorification of Materialism: A recurring theme in tele-serials is the glorification of materialism, consumerism, and extravagance. Lavish lifestyles and settings are often depicted as the norm, creating a subtle but pervasive influence. This can lead to a shift in priorities, with individuals increasingly valuing material possessions over spiritual or familial bonds.

Changing Family Dynamics: The Indian tele-serials have, in recent times, embraced the portrayal of unconventional family structures and relationships. While this reflects the evolving nature of society, it also challenges traditional family values. The joint family system, which has been a cornerstone of Indian culture, is often portrayed as outdated. This can contribute to a gradual erosion of the traditional family unit.

Impact on Youth: Younger generations are particularly impressionable. Their beliefs and behaviours can be significantly influenced by the content they consume in tele-serials. Exposure to violence, substance abuse, or casual relationships in media can normalize such behaviours and influence real-life choices.

Superficiality and Unrealistic Expectations: The serials often present idealized and glamorous lives that are far removed from reality. Characters live in sprawling mansions, wear designer clothes, and lead extraordinary lives. This can create unrealistic expectations among viewers, leading to dissatisfaction with their own lives and relationships.

Loss of Cultural Roots: While Indian culture is rich and diverse, some serial content may not adequately represent or respect these traditions. The increasing influence of western values and lifestyles can lead to a gradual loss of cultural identity among viewers, especially among the urban youth.

Impact on Gender Roles: Indian tele-serials can play a significant role in reinforcing or challenging traditional gender stereotypes. Depending on the content, it can either promote gender equality or perpetuate regressive beliefs. While there have been positive strides in portraying strong, independent female characters, regressive stereotypes still persist in many serials.

Moral Ambiguity: Some serials blur the lines between right and wrong, making it difficult for viewers to distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviour. Characters engaging in morally ambiguous actions can sometimes be portrayed as heroes, further complicating the ethical landscape.

Copycat Behaviour: In extreme cases, viewers may mimic the actions or behaviours of their favourite on-screen characters, even if they are morally questionable. This phenomenon can have real-life consequences, as individuals might emulate actions that they perceive as glamorous or heroic.

It is crucial to acknowledge that not all serials have a negative impact. Some also promote positive values, social awareness, and cultural richness. However, the responsibility lies with serial makers, writers, and audiences to critically evaluate the content they consume and create. Media literacy and parental guidance are vital tools in helping individuals navigate the influence of media on their lives.

As Indian media continues to evolve, it is essential to strike a balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility, ensuring that the values portrayed on screen align with the cultural and societal fabric of the nation. Continuous sensitization of the people on the positive and negative aspects of the tele-serials is the need of the hour.