Gender and the entertainment industry

 Movies, Short Films, Soap Operas, Social Media Content and Web Series are the

catalyst for bringing about a social and psychological revolution. They have the

power to make people question their beliefs and practices. They, however, become

problematic when the viewers are subjected to stereotypical ideas. 

The Indian Media and Entertainment industry has actively enforced the much-

disputed patriarchal norms through the production of content solely meant to

pursue their economic motives. The notion that it is only women who are

responsible for homemaking has been presented in a naturalistic manner. Such

content has established that the solemn duty and responsibility of women is to

devote her life to the art of homemaking. I grew up watching such ideas being

presented in many movies and soap operas as a precondition for getting married.

These shows have propagated such notions through statements such as, “Learn how

to cook else you will get rebuked by your in-laws.” These ideas become entrenched

when even advertisements submit to the gender-specific roles built by society. How

many times have you seen a male advertising dishwasher, detergent or cooking

items? We need to ponder upon the fact that being a homemaker does not mean

you can be looked down upon. However, our society has continuously ignored the

efforts that take in the management of the house. This serves as the foundation of

homemaking as a job being solely reserved for women, yet another reflection of

patriarchy and how the entertainment industry has helped in its sustenance. Even if

domestic servants are employed for housekeeping, the female member has to take

care of the overall conduct. These shows and movies create a deeper division by

promoting certain mannerisms and behaviour as 'feminine' and 'masculine.' The

portrayal of women in such light has made it difficult to challenge the patriarchal

norms. It has dampened the ability of our society, especially the older generation to

question such prejudicial notions. It also poses a considerable threat for children and

teenagers by exposing their brains to misogynist as well as homophobic beliefs. 

Everyone should have a basic knowledge about the art of homemaking, regardless of

what gender they belong to. Considering that the audience targeted by movies and

soap operas is huge, such content has the ability to make colossal differences at the

grass-root level through their beautifully knitted-stories aimed at debunking these

socially constructed gender-specific roles. I strongly believe that if these platforms

are used in a proper manner, we can change the social fabric of our country and

make the general public more accepting towards not only women but to various

other communities as well.

-Ekta Chaudhary