Malayala Manorama: Send them back to school-Media criticism(Human Hights)

I noticed this atrocious photo about which I wrote in this article when I was in Trivadrum during 2003, I wrote this piece then. Now by coming to know about the independent publishing activity through web logs, I am happy to share the same for the larger audience

This piece seems to be late, strictly following the date of events discussed. But it is not too late. Please read it

MALAYALA MANORAMA-SEND THEM BACK TO SCHOOL

VINOD CV

It is a grim reminder of the kind of journalism flourishing in Malyalam print media. And it is doubly depressing and disheartening as it comes from a leading news paper house which has publications varying from year book to English weekly. What is referred here is a photo and news item carried in the second page of Malayala Manorama dated Feb. 5 2003 of Thruvanathapuram edition.

The same news story featured in all Malayalam dailies from capital. It was about nabbing of Tamil boys of less than 12 -13 year old from Trivandrum medical college campus for duping dumb for taking alms. It is alleged in the story, these boys were used by some vested interests in an organized manner. That's how the story ends in all newspapers.

But the disturbing part of Malayala Manorama coverage of this event lies in the nature of photograph used to spice the story. It appears innocuous and benign to non-discerning readers that we definitely are and became, judging from the lack of responses to this outrageously callous photograph. (See the photograph). It is evident from the snap shot, the picture is taken while they were in custody (photo features, the boys making gestures with hands and face as if they are really dumb and policemen looking on. It is clear boys were asked to act in the presence of policeman). It has taken with the help of an illiterate policeman who must be sent out of job for allowing and facilitating for making the boys act mute in front of camera in the total violation his rightful duties

Less said, the better about the photographer. Giving a short shrift to the evolved and evolving understanding of human rights from the time of New Testament to the plethora of UN declarations, photographer has committed blasphemy, considering the sacredness of the job, he is supposed to be doing and media morality he is expected to stick to. The sin becomes uglier as this passes the nod of a thoughtless desk and it reflects the poor comprehension and low judgement. Basic minimum arithmetic of media literacy and human rights schooling is sorely and painfully missing across the spectrum. That is the awful message from this act of indiscretion, which bypassed the concern for the elementary dignity of a human being, whomsoever he or she is.

At least the political incorrectness of having such a photograph in the dawn of this 21st should have stopped those who involved in the tracks, if not the plight and dehumanization of those boys and the depriving life they lead in the process.

Though it was a small news item, the way it was dealt with and handled is a pointer to the low level of standard, we unknowingly have in ourselves and the creeping carelessness we allowed to set in. And no critics in print and electronic media found it objectionable is again opens one to the kind of media criticism we have here, that too when one news paper and bunch of critics stand always alert to find the follies and foibles Malayala Manorama. It is not the bold declarations, loud pronouncements and empty sermonizing that inform about the quality and awareness of an individual or medium. But it is the subtle, sensitive, sensible and responsible handling with the knowledge of full implications and repercussions of the issue at hand, is the key and benchmark. It is where we are failing hands down.

The question remains to be answered is that how extent our media will be able to handle the gross violation of human rights other than howling in protest with out knowing either text or subtext, when the finer points, essential dynamics and guile nuances of the issues are poorly understood as evidenced by dumb-boys photograph of Malayala Manorama. It is no wonder then that in a society where this kind of news papers and journalists thrive, parents will be going for the mass withdrawal of their wards just because two of the boys in the school is unfortunate victims of AIDS.(referring to a famous incident which drew the attention of president Kalam when he saw a HT report on it) policemen colluded, the photographer and those who were in desk must go back to school, please. You are not adult enough to handle the job. Really sorry to say so.