As a society, we have a long way to go in ensuring humane treatment to the people around us
As a society, we have a long way to go in ensuring humane treatment to the people around us
TeaThat day, I heard my mother describe her relationship with someone close to our family as unhealthy and toxic. Then she explained how most of her interactions with that person took away her peace of mind and how she needed to limit it to protect her peace of mind.
I was both surprised and happy to see her able to differentiate between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy one. I asked how he came to know about such terminology. She gave a gleaming smile and told me that she was watching some Malayalam YouTube channels that dealt with these topics.
YouTube channels in regional languages have helped people from all corners of the country gain awareness about topics such as relationship toxicity or abuse that were otherwise foreign to them. Previously, when social media platforms were not present or popular, only people who grew up in liberal homes or were part of certain strong social circles had access to such topics. Today, it is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and internet.
The recent cases of several dowry related deaths in Kerala and the discussions based on these topics have also helped Malayalees to understand the gravity of these issues. Recently, I heard my neighbor say how girls should marry only when they become independent on their own. Seeing men and women talking about such important topics in everyday informal conversations is a sign of positive change.
While YouTube and other social media platforms have made a good start in creating awareness about toxicity and abuse in relationships, we have a long way to go. From what I’ve seen around me, many people now consider physical abuse to be reprehensible, but not many feel the same way about emotional abuse. Even today in rural areas of Kerala, emotional abuse is counted as petty fights which are normal in relationships. Also, a large population does not realize that abuse has no gender; Both men and women can be abusers or victims.
As a society, we have a long way to go in ensuring humane treatment to the people around us. Let us hope that the developments in the world of social media contribute to that cause by sensitizing people to such issues and inspiring them to change.
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