Answer

The glorification of criminals in entertainment and news media has become a concerning trend, particularly in the portrayal of individuals involved in crime as anti-heroes. This glamorised representation not only undermines the ethical duty of these platforms to promote justice and truth but also misguides impressionable audiences, especially the youth, into perceiving crime as something appealing or desirable. Such portrayals necessitate a re-evaluation of the media’s social responsibilities.

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How Glorification of Criminals in Media Conflicts with the Ethical Duty to Uphold Justice and Truth

• Undermining Justice: By sensationalising criminals, media narratives can overshadow the criminal justice process, casting lawbreakers in a sympathetic or heroic light rather than holding them accountable.
  For instance: When news outlets excessively cover a criminal’s background or motives, they may inadvertently evoke sympathy, detracting from the severity of their actions.
• Distortion of Truth: Media portrayals often romanticise criminals as misunderstood or rebellious figures, leading to a skewed public perception that undermines the truth of their actions.
• Erosion of Social Values: Glorifying criminals disrupts the ethical balance of society, promoting material success through illicit means over genuine achievement.
  For example: Shows like Mirzapur create a narrative where criminal actions lead to wealth and respect, potentially influencing viewers’ value systems.
• Impact on Victims’ Families: The glorification of criminals can be deeply distressing for victims’ families, as it dismisses the suffering caused and negates the need for justice and accountability.
• Promotion of Vigilante Justice: Portraying criminals as symbols of justice or rebellion may encourage the public to take the law into their own hands, conflicting with the principles of a lawful society.
  For example: Characters like Pushpa and Gabbar who fight crime outside legal boundaries can romanticise vigilantism, creating a flawed understanding of justice.

Repercussions of Glorifying Criminals on Youth

• Increased Admiration for Criminals: Young viewers may begin to idolise criminals, seeing them as courageous figures who defy the system, thus distorting their understanding of right and wrong.
  For example: Social media fan pages dedicated to figures like Lawrence Bishnoi glorify criminal actions, making them appear admirable.
• Desensitisation to Violence: Constant exposure to criminal glorification through movies and series can desensitise youth to violence, reducing empathy and normalising aggression.
• Influence on Aspirations and Choices: Media glorification may encourage young people to imitate the behaviours or lifestyles of criminals, impacting their educational and career choices.
  For instance: The trend of emulating gangster personas from shows on social media indicates how criminal portrayal influences youth.
• Erosion of Respect for Law Enforcement: Glorifying criminals as rebellious figures against the establishment can foster a distrust of law enforcement among youth.
  For instance: Portrayals that depict criminals as heroes fighting against corrupt systems can damage the public image of law enforcement.
• Normalising Criminal Behaviour: When crime is glamorised, it sets a precedent where youth view illegal activities as paths to success and recognition, skewing societal morals.
  For instance: Movies that show criminals achieving fame or luxury can lead youth to see criminality as a viable lifestyle.

Preventive Strategies to Tackle the Issue

• Stricter Content Regulations: Enforce guidelines that limit the glorification of criminal figures in media, especially in content accessible to youth.
  For example: Introducing age-based restrictions for content that portrays violent or criminal activities can help reduce exposure among young audiences.
• Promoting Ethical Journalism: Encourage media outlets to report on criminals with a focus on accountability and justice rather than sensationalism.
  For instance: Public broadcasting agencies can set a standard by focusing on the implications of crime rather than glorifying individual criminals.
• Educational Programs on Media Literacy: Implement media literacy programs in schools to help students critically analyse and understand the impact of glorified criminal content.
  For instance Workshops that teach youth how to discern factual reporting from sensational content can reduce undue admiration for criminals.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: Encourage community leaders to discuss the negative impact of criminal glorification with youth, guiding them toward constructive role models.
  For example: Local community centres can host talks by police officers or social workers to offer positive perspectives on law and justice.
• Promoting Positive Role Models: Media campaigns that focus on successful individuals from various fields can provide youth with constructive figures to admire.
  For example: Showcasing leaders in technology, sports, and social services can divert attention from negative influences.

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The glorification of criminals in the media poses a significant risk to social ethics and youth development. Ensuring that content is responsibly crafted, and promoting positive role models is crucial to building a society that values justice and integrity. By focusing on responsible media portrayal, community engagement, and regulatory oversight, India can cultivate a media environment that inspires positive social values and deters admiration for criminality.

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