First Published Mar 7, 2023, 9:20 PM IST
Hmukutty wrote his life on Facebook despite not being sure of publishing a single newspaper or weekly. They laid bare the burning realities that pinched every inch of life. Later it became books. Hmukutty says that it was only because he had his own space on Facebook that Kothikeeran’s sharp experiences were shared and reached people quickly.
A writer named Echumukutty is also one of the pioneers of Facebook becoming a place to open up about the serious harassment faced by women. Echumukutty made shocking revelations about the writers who used to roam Kerala.
“The poet declared that he should suck my breast and drink without any difficulty and indulge me right there and then to his heart’s content.” Ayyappa Kavi shouted that a poem wakes up like milk after drinking the breast. The poet dared to put his hand on my blushing breast and ask me why I had to wear a padded bra and hide my milk.These are the words written by Echumukutty about poet A. Ayyappan.
Even today, they say that this open writing would not have been possible without the presence of Facebook. In no time, the comments box will be filled with those who criticize these writings. The critics may be eight and the pros two. Hmukitti also says that social media is the best place to shout out loud if you can stand up to two supporters who are not tired of criticism.
Yes, anything can be posted on social media. Some will criticize. Some will call it wrong. Sometimes there are filler songs. At other times it will be carried away. Anything can and should be expected. In the comment box, social media has evolved into a society that does not hesitate to speak out without fear of sword-filled taunts and hateful responses. There Rati, masturbation, body, relationships and torture, all things that till then were kept silent in front of the general society, are openly discussed. There is also the realization that there is not much to hide. It speaks to the freedom afforded by social media, which many deride as mere showmanship and farce.
Anjali Chandran, an entrepreneur, regularly writes about domestic violence through her Facebook page. They call out to the community what they know, what they have seen and the experiences shared by many. Every time I write a post, I feel that there is no end to these problems faced by women. But Anjali says that after every note, many people describe the harassment they face. Anjali became a representative of people who could not write openly about themselves. After writing for them, many people confronted Anjali by addressing the issue and attacking her. But Anjali has also found joy in these outspoken messages that many of the men realized what they were doing was abusive and texted her. Social media is the boundary of this society where when a group of people speak out, there are other groups that want to suppress it.
Film stars are the most likely to face ridicule on social media, which has classes to teach good manners. Their dress sense is the main problem there. Actress Anaswara Rajan and Anikha have been criticized for their attire on social media. But the new generation doesn’t shy away, instead they respond deeply. They don’t hesitate to say go and look at the work. This new generation of actresses share the question of who to fear in another beautiful picture in the next post. This generation who is convinced that ‘my body is my freedom’ can be seen replying on the same social media.
Everything that appears in this space is also a declaration of freedom of expression. A word, a picture or a video can go viral in no time and many have opened up a whole new world. The social media app ‘Tik Tok’ has changed the lives of many people in the blink of an eye. Those who had never sung a song till then, those who did not have the courage to come in front of the audience, and those who had never even acted in front of the mirror, were competing with singers, actresses and dancers. Although she was active in drama in school, it was Tik Tok that opened Sneha Vijesh to the big world of cinema. Sneha, who hails from Kozhikode, has acted in two films so far. After the baby videos on Tik Tok gained attention, short films also became active. Sneha says that she never thought that she would become a recognized face in the crowd.
Social media today exposes the youth of today who are far removed from the generations that were taught that the female voice should not be heard. A woman has changed from a time when she was not allowed to rise above the voice of a man, did not have the right to go beyond decisions, and was intimidated by the fact that there was a ‘demon’ waiting beyond the drawn line to be able to express anything that affects her and what she needs to say with firm conviction.
This has been largely due to social media and its reachability. Be it on Facebook, Club House, Instagram or WhatsApp, her freedom of expression and expression can be seen here.
In a space that is also a space for extreme expressions and glimpses into other lives, we have seen women clarifying their positions in a short period of time. Social media is the hope that women who are attacked through social media will be more clear and precise when they are attacked through social media in terms of clothes, opinions and expressions.
Last Updated Mar 7, 2023, 10:11 PM IST