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The perils of India's cancel culture

The perils of India's cancel culture

India’s cancel culture coupled with the dogma of Hindutva politics has taken a malicious turn.
Updated 17 Dec, 2020

On November 24, the Richie Mehta-directed Netflix original web-series Delhi Crime, premised on the 2012 Delhi gang-rape, bagged an International Emmy Award in the best drama category.

While this occasioned much celebration among Indian netizens, the outcry for banning Netflix India went on simultaneously. #BanNetflix was pitted against #DelhiCrime. As the praises for Delhi Crime poured in, so did the condemnations for Netflix India’s ‘inappropriate’ content.

The spat began on 22 November with a furore over an on-screen kiss between a Hindu (Lata) and a Muslim (Kabir) character in the backdrop of a temple, featured in one of the latest Netflix productions, A Suitable Boy.

The members of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) took no time to rally behind a campaign, demanding the ban of Netflix India.

A still from A Suitable Boy
A still from A Suitable Boy

While the campaign may not have particularly affected Netflix India in a significant manner, both legally and otherwise, the glitches emanate from the nature of the ‘cancelling’ it endorses in the country. In fact, this may have been the nth number of time when such a cancellation has taken place in India in the recent past.

It was not even long ago when [jewellery designer] Tanishq’s advertisement, showcasing a Hindu bride celebrating Diwali with her Muslim in-laws, was cancelled and even faced with boycott and vandalism.

Cancel culture in the West

‘Cancel Culture’ can originally be traced back to the West, be it in the context of the Republican Conservatives or during the #MeToo movement in the recent past. The essential ethos behind it is to silence an unprogressive standpoint as part of the internet’s ‘woke’ culture and socially block important persons/institutions, especially influential ones, irrespective of their deeds/achievements.

Delhi Crime
Delhi Crime

Though it is riddled with many conceptual complexities and unnecessary victimisations without caring much for due process, its current vogue has been in favour of progressive connotations. For example, in June 2020, eminent author J.K. Rowling not only invited the ire of netizens but also was virtually ‘cancelled’ for her allegedly transphobic comments. Not that such cancellations are particularly durable, yet the discussion that follows it bears potential.

Unfortunately, unlike its Western counterpart (which itself raises eyebrows), India’s cancel culture coupled with the dogma of Hindutva politics has taken a malicious turn. Under this precarious political climate, anything that antagonises Hindutva ideology faces indelible wrath.

Needless to say, the politics of Hindutva, at the behest of both the ruling-BJP and its cultural counterpart RSS, is strongly backed by an online army that has been carefully manufactured over the years.

The cancel culture of the country reached its pinnacle when the likes of Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt were cancelled for allegedly endorsing nepotism in the context of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s untimely demise. It is not unknown that the ruling party garnered much support in the name of delivering justice to the late actor on many occasions, especially during the Bihar assembly elections, by denouncing the so-called ‘liberal’ faces of the film industry.

Even the current uproar against Netflix India seems perfectly orchestrated and well-suited to the needs of Hindutva politics.

Online content and India’s political reality

The timing of the outcry against Netflix India is particularly noteworthy, as it has erupted at a point when the country is embroiled in controversies surrounding ‘love-jihad’. ‘Love-jihad’, as a concept, is nothing short of a figment of the Hindutva imagination, based on unverified claims and utter lies, that perceive an imminent threat of Hindu girls being lured into marrying Muslim boys in the name of love, and eventually, getting converted.

Things have come to such a pass that anything could antagonise Hindutva groups | Photo PTI
Things have come to such a pass that anything could antagonise Hindutva groups | Photo PTI

In fact, the draft ordinance, cleared by the Uttar Pradesh cabinet on 26 November, prohibiting ‘forceful interfaith conversions’, also known as ‘love-jihad’, is of little to no surprise.

This goes hand-in-glove with the government’s new-found interests in OTT (Over-the-Top platforms) regulations. Last year in October, the government made its intentions clear on promulgating a set of ‘not to do’ lists for the streaming platforms that include Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, as well as the digital news media.

On 11 November, in the absence of laws regulating these platforms, the government released a gazette notification to bring these platforms into the fold of the information and broadcasting ministry’s jurisdiction.

While the government has not yet clarified exactly what awaits these platforms in the future, concerns over the looming censorship are both troubling and worrisome. Particularly for platforms such as Netflix, that have in the past contributed to content critical of many facets of Indian society, how much liberty they will be allowed in the future remains vague and questionable.

What is disconcerting is not so much the controversy surrounding Netflix per se, but the overall paradigm of Hindutva politics heralding a kind of ‘cancel culture’ that is regressive, to say the least.

As this brand of politics has engulfed the online space, how it pushes forth an authoritarian agenda and false propaganda is no secret. Thus, the fear remains over the domino effect of such a perilous online culture, entangled in the socio-political issues of contemporary India.

Whether the ‘real’ (ie not manufactured troll army) netizens bandwagon for or against it, is going to determine the levels of online toxicity and its social implications in the days to come.


Debangana Chatterjee is a doctoral scholar at the Centre for International Politics Organisation and Disarmament (CIPOD), Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her research is trying to locate the existing Indian discourse surrounding the practices of female genital mutilation/cutting and hijab into the frame of international politics. — By arrangement with The Wire

Published in Dawn, ICON, December 13th, 2020

Comments

Nazir Gilani Dec 16, 2020 12:57pm
The Indian government had tried to offload its stake in Air India in 2018 but failed to attract a single bid.
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Sarah Khan Dec 16, 2020 12:58pm
India is a fascist state in every meaning of the word World's largest democracy is also its most shameful
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babu Dec 16, 2020 01:13pm
Why they always show a Hindu Girl in love with a Muslim boy, why not vice versa ? This shows the intent of getting cheap publicity of the producer.
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Ali Mehdi Dec 16, 2020 01:44pm
Whilst the author has bravely penned the intolerant attitude of the extremists on the non issues we too in Pakistan don’t fare that well. Our mullahs as well as the masses fall far below the line of tolerant society. The names of missing media men continue to grow. If an actor or a social activist even spells his views on a matter he may be served a severe reprisal by the masses it’s totally uncalled for
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indian Dec 16, 2020 01:47pm
How many minorities are there in Pakistan at the time of independence and now , in india it increases at manifold because it is secular country and this type issues will not make india communal
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Zak Dec 16, 2020 01:48pm
This is the crux of the matter. Putting out ' fake' narratives like the fake websites. Happens only fake countries. 'Needless to say, the politics of Hindutva, at the behest of both the ruling-BJP and its cultural counterpart RSS, is strongly backed by an online army that has been carefully manufactured over the years.
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Chaiwala across the border Dec 16, 2020 02:06pm
How could the percentage of population have increased? There are tons of ways, each worse than the other.
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Marquis de Sade Dec 16, 2020 02:22pm
How about something in the same vein about a neighbouring country? Or would that be against your "principles"?
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secular Dec 16, 2020 02:24pm
@Nazir Gilani I you do not know, then do not write. kindly do not spread propaganada news.
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secular Dec 16, 2020 02:25pm
@Sarah Khan Grapes are sour.
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musafir Dec 16, 2020 02:43pm
Both countries in varying degrees have the same problems with Religion and culture, its not surprising as both are the same people. However much we try to differentiate between ourselves we end up with the same isms. From Sun worshippers through Hinduism Bhudism Christianity Islam Sikhism etc our common culture held us together and it will in the future.
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M. Saeed Dec 16, 2020 02:54pm
India is already a rogue state of the highest order.
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Chrís Dăn Dec 16, 2020 03:01pm
A highly objectionable and a contrary to secular values conduct pattern by BJP in current India. Any and every discrimination & a racist,bigot behaviour pattern of FarRights involves disrespect for Indian Secular values which in good times were identity of progressive India. Either India should change her constitution from Secularism and then lose respect in eyes of world or stick to the secular constitution/values as cheating constitutional values is bringing more disrespect in eyes of civilized world.
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u2m4 Dec 16, 2020 03:01pm
we should be more concerned about islamic cancel culture which leads to headless people rather than cancelled netflix accounts.
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Rashid Dec 16, 2020 03:06pm
India is a failed state.
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Chrís Dăn Dec 16, 2020 03:08pm
@Sarah Khan India is exactly behaving like Turkey. Turkey is a secular country by constitution with a great past of secular values but Erdogan twisted all secular values for his own personal belief. Exactly,Modi jee has also twisted,manipulated &has seriously damaged Secular Constitution of India by bringing religious & racial hatred in working system. A serious disrespect of Indian secular constitution. Till when this Far-Right wing will continue damaging their own secular constitution-well depends on awareness of people. Till this moment BJP is successful in playing with base emotions of people and destrying their own values
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Dev Dec 16, 2020 03:24pm
@u2m4
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Abrol Dec 16, 2020 03:38pm
@Nazir Gilani You are talking about Air India which, even if Govt-owned, is still a company. What we're going to see soon is the international market rejecting the sovereign bonds issued by the Pakistan govt since there'd be no collateral & a lack of confidence as everything would be under Chinese CCP control.
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Li-N-Za Dec 16, 2020 03:42pm
The truth is when a Hindu boy loves a Muslim Girl, he gets killed. And we have the audacity to say they are fascists. There are no bigger liar than us in this world.
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Abrol Dec 16, 2020 03:43pm
@Chrís Dăn Incidentally, the prominence of both Modi & Erdogan began around 1990-95. The only difference between the two is that while Erdogan loots for himself and his family, Modi does it for the Party & ideology. By the way, Modi is much more committed to Hindutva than Erdogan is to the Muslim Brotherhood movement which he exploits cynically for political mileage.
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SATT Dec 16, 2020 03:46pm
Nobody can play with Hindu sentiments.
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Ibrahim S Dec 16, 2020 04:01pm
When I see photo of people with their mouth wide open with shout and eyes full of hate and violence , I begin to worry about the future of that country
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Dec 16, 2020 04:01pm
No doubt, the whole independent, neutral, impartial, mature, third-party, educated, learned and enlightened world knows that Hindutva is the core and crux of Indian culture and its sociocultural values, norms, history, traditions, precedents and practices, which have been exploited by racist, liar, bigot, prejudiced and biased Modi and his wicked, cruel, corrupt, cunning, crooked and fascist cronies to their maximum political, social, family, clan, caste, financial, business, management and other vested interests and competitive advantages.
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ABCD Dec 16, 2020 04:08pm
What is there in secular designation? It is just fantasy of western countries. Are these nations which are republic of any particular religion are stupids? When many countries are proudly declaring themselves as religious republic, why not India be a Hindu Republic giving opportunities to other faiths also like Pakistan? India is firmly behind Modi and that is the reason he won election with thumping majority. Just like Bin Qasim is remembered in Pakistan, Modi will be remembered in future India.
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Mr. Malaria Dec 16, 2020 04:28pm
The next season of this show will feature a Hindu boy kissing a Muslim girl inside a mosque.
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su Dec 16, 2020 04:35pm
So much obsessed with India. Convenient pill to ignore similar problems in own home. Hate is teo ways remember.
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AA Dec 16, 2020 04:39pm
Indians are the ones making these series and watching these series. Netflix and other OTT platforms market is booming in India. Just a few fringe elements in India calling for cancellation doesn’t make any difference to anyone. However, such fringe elements are showcased in Pakistan as the mainstream Indian population. These people only get noticed in Pakistan or some fringe media outlets in India. Rest of the country can’t be bothered about such backward mentality.
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Vijeth Dec 16, 2020 04:45pm
@Sarah Khan... First introspect what's happening in your Pakistan and then comment on India.... The world knows what is the position of minorities in Pakistan and the rapid way their existence is depleting. Shelve your hypocritical cheap attitude for once
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Baasha Dec 16, 2020 04:47pm
After reading this article, it can be concluded that Pakistan is the best well wisher for India.
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Sunil Dec 16, 2020 04:51pm
Rubbish reporting
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amitava ghosh Dec 16, 2020 05:04pm
"Cancel culture" is universal and morphs differently among different societies. Recently, an womens march and their slogans were denigrated in Pakistan; similar outcry was raised by " Trumpians" against liberal Biden- Harris team in USA. Constitution is for guidance of a society, NOT hooliganism !!!!
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Abdul Azeez Dec 16, 2020 05:05pm
@M. Saeed ....dream on
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sharath Dec 16, 2020 06:11pm
its 50th anniversary of 1971 win of India
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Pakhandi Dec 16, 2020 06:15pm
The moment India says Pakistani muslims welcome to migrate to India 50% of Pakistan including all those writing bad about India will migrate. Anyone wants to bet. Absolutely pakhandis.
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Rafiq Dec 16, 2020 06:19pm
@babu what was veer zara all about? suffering from short memory.
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Anil singh Dec 16, 2020 06:47pm
@M. Saeed India ranks way ahead of Pakistan in all good and tolerant parameters..Education ,literacy ,per capita gdp, position in world opinion.. They should not compare with Pakistan
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Taimur Malik Dec 16, 2020 07:10pm
A bit rich coming from the IMAGES staff...
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Communist Dec 16, 2020 07:29pm
December 16th is a black day in Pakistani history.
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musafir Dec 16, 2020 07:35pm
The comman man should not fall into the trap of politicians, when has any politician delivered what they promised. All this type of news is to keep your minds off the real issues, as those in charge hoodwink you into hate and jealousy against people who are in a similar situation to yourselves
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JudtSaying Dec 16, 2020 08:33pm
@M. Saeed " India is already a rogue state of the highest order... " But the World has a Different Opinion....
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Nasir Dec 16, 2020 10:23pm
There is lot of hate for Muslims after RSS-BJP government was formed in India in 2014 and its getting worse by every passing year. The fringe hindutva groups are comfortable after committing henious crime against young Muslims with the believe nothing would happen to them as they have the local RSS BJP support.
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M.Emad Dec 17, 2020 02:57am
India is has become joke for rest of world. Learn from Bangladesh if not Pakistan.
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RationalBabu Dec 17, 2020 03:07am
@Ibrahim S so you should be worried about Pakistan!
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RationalBabu Dec 17, 2020 03:09am
@Mr. Malaria hoping it will be shown in Pakistan - and see the reaction!
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Laila Dec 17, 2020 03:37am
@Anil singh doesn't India still have caste system? How is that tolerance?
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gt Dec 17, 2020 09:40am
@Nazir Gilani It is India's problem let them handle
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gt Dec 17, 2020 09:48am
@M. Saeed So why are so many muslims living in rogue state and not leaving for paradise Pakistan.
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jacky Dec 17, 2020 11:04am
If indian muslims are so gud than why not leaving for pakistan.
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Shiven Dec 17, 2020 11:33am
Movies & dramas are made to entertain, but nowadays all these are made with controversial content to get free publicity. The author should take a note on this. If public spends its money to watch these useless contents, they also have full right to criticise & denounce them if they show anti-religious or anti-cultural theme.
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Katora K Dec 17, 2020 12:12pm
Cancel culture is much better than a headless body.
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Observer Dec 17, 2020 01:39pm
@Sarah Khan, Look who is talking about democracy?
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Observer Dec 17, 2020 01:43pm
@Abrol Agree!
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Chrís Dăn Dec 17, 2020 01:52pm
@Shiven secular countries do not.
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Chrís Dăn Dec 17, 2020 01:57pm
@Anil singh yes prior to 2013-India definitely has been a secular country with secular values. It has been a secular pluralistic beautiful society. However Mr. Modi has contravened sacred Secular values if constitution as Trump did in USA and Erdogan did in Turkey. Modi Trump,Erdogan all three have damaged secular values. Hence India currently is turning into an fundamentalisthindutva state rapidly . It is sad .
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Right Voice Dec 17, 2020 04:41pm
@Nazir Gilani Tata has bid.
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Right Voice Dec 17, 2020 04:45pm
Muslims always forget that freedom of expression is a two way street. What you write can he called hinduphobia too because individual actions don't collectively represent India or Hindus in any way. Nobody appointed them as representatives so why would you react like they are in fact representatives of an idea that is unacceptable to you.
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Right Voice Dec 17, 2020 04:46pm
@Chrís Dăn If you don't live in a secular country don't define it.
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Right Voice Dec 17, 2020 04:47pm
@u2m4 Hinduphobia doesn't allow self introspection.
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Right Voice Dec 17, 2020 04:49pm
@Ibrahim S You mean like those pictures of Libya which were shown as pictures of Indian atrocities in UN by Ms. Lodhi.
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Right Voice Dec 17, 2020 04:53pm
@Chrís Dăn Define secularism.
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N abidai Dec 17, 2020 09:41pm
Modi has taken India backward! It is no longer a shining star !
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shubs Dec 18, 2020 01:03pm
@babu "Why they always show a Hindu Girl in love with a Muslim boy, why not vice versa ? " Remember Mani Ratnam's Bombay? Of course, you don't! Since this is an international audience I want to make sure in my own small way that people understand all of India has not lost its collective mind. All of us are not this insecure about our heritage and culture. All of us are not led around by the nose by an unscrupulous political party. We have the ability of independent thought and action.
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Digvijay Dec 18, 2020 01:05pm
Bard of blood is also part of your cancel culture
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Peter Dec 19, 2020 04:20am
@babu you need to separate religion from human relationships in 21st century, otherwise hindu- muslim vicious divides will remain unending. Jab Mian Bibi Razi to kya karega kazi?
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Shamoon Ahmad Dec 19, 2020 07:16am
Love-waves transcends all boundaries.
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Sohail Dec 19, 2020 12:24pm
@indian The garbage you're trying to peddle here has already been debunked by the very organization that came up with the number of Hindus in Pakistan. Don't forget that East Pakistan became Bangladesh in 1971. The majority of Hindus that were being counted in 'Pakistan' were then wiped out in Pakistan because of the new country of Bangladesh. Hindu Population in Pakistan, from 1971, has actually grown year after year, just like the Muslim population in India has grown, year after year.
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