Sonal Motla writes about looming shadows: the legacy of injustice through the ages

“The sky is full of mysteries; with the twinkling stars and the beautiful moon. But scientific research has shown that stars do not twinkle, and the moon does not look beautiful either. The study therefore warns: ‘Don’t trust what you see, even salt looks like sugar’.” — HEMA committee report.

This quote encapsulates the deceptive nature of appearances. Recent events have highlighted this reality in a poignant way. The brutal attack and murder of a junior doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9, 2024, highlights the extreme vulnerability that women face, even in environments meant to keep them safe. This incident shows that the threat of violence is not just a personal problem, but a systemic failure that persists despite measures meant to protect.

Similarly, the Justice Hema Committee report, released on August 19, 2024, exposes deep-rooted systemic issues within the Malayalam film industry. The committee’s findings reveal widespread discrimination, exploitation and sexual harassment, demonstrating that the problem of sexual violence and abuse is embedded in various societal structures. These revelations highlight the urgent need for broad cultural and institutional reforms.

Art has long been a powerful medium to reflect and critique societal issues such as sexual violence. Nicolas Poussin’s “The Rape of the Sabine Women” offers a historical perspective on power dynamics and violence. This painting, while rooted in myth, visually represents the abduction and violence women face, resonating with contemporary discussions of autonomy and consent.

Art for art’s sake or for art’s sake? Sonal Motla Ponders

Barbara Kruger’s “Untitled (Your Body is a Battleground)” continues this dialogue. Using a striking combination of text and imagery, Kruger’s work addresses issues of sexual violence and bodily autonomy. Challenging viewers to consider the systemic nature of violence and the ongoing struggle for women’s rights, the work presents a powerful critique of the way women’s bodies have been objectified and controlled.

Rameshwar Broota’s ‘That Common Story’ is most notable for its depiction of trauma. Broota’s 1990 painting depicts fragmented and distorted human figures, symbolizing the deep emotional and psychological suffering caused by systemic abuse. The muted colors and abstract forms capture the disintegration of identity and self that victims experience. Broota’s art goes beyond mere representation, offering a compelling commentary on the need for societal change and resonating deeply with the themes highlighted by recent reports and tragedies. His fragmented images reflect the emotional fragmentation and alienation felt by survivors of violence, making a poignant statement about the need for empathy and systemic reform. Broota’s work challenges viewers to confront the stark realities of trauma and calls for a deeper societal response to these issues, emphasizing the importance of not only acknowledging but also addressing the root causes of violence.

Unlike human behavior, which often involves coercion and violence, the animal kingdom offers an instructive perspective. In nature, males typically court females rather than force them if they are not interested, reflecting a level of respect that should inspire human behavior. Mothers play a crucial role in this cultural shift by teaching their sons respect, empathy, and that consent is a command, not a request. By instilling these values ​​from an early age, we can create a society that values ​​respect and equality, where every individual is valued and respected.

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We don’t just need protection from men; we seek true safety in all environments where men are present. Protection involves reactive measures against threats, while safety requires proactive, systemic changes that ensure that environments are inherently safe. True safety involves creating a culture where respect and equality are fundamental, eliminating the threat of violence and making it an unthinkable act.

Stronger laws and enforcement are also crucial. The enforcement of laws in places like Chip Square, for example, shows that when culture fails to eliminate the demon within, the fear of dire consequences must serve as a deterrent. Laws must be so strong that they paralyze any possibility of violence, making offenders fearful of the consequences of their actions. Ultimately, the journey to eliminating sexual violence requires a collective shift in mindset. When cultural norms fail to deter violence, stronger laws must intervene to prevent such acts, making the fear of consequences stronger than the compulsion to commit them. Only then can we hope to create a society in which safety, respect, and equality prevail and violence becomes an unthinkable act.