These Bhojpuri Songs On Kashmir Are Full Of Misogyny & Embolden Patriarchy
It says that "acche din" have arrived since Article 370 and Article 35A have been scrapped and they can now buy "zameen" in Jammu and Kashmir.
Within two weeks, a Bhojpuri song launched in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the northern most state of India into two separate Union Territories - amidst an unprecedented lockdown - has gone viral on the internet, crossing a staggering total of over 2.4 million views.
One would imagine that there must have been something in the viral song that must have drawn attention of viewers on such a scale but seconds into its misogynistic lyrics, coupled with an almost piercing vulgarity, and the frame of mind that went into giving shape to the song reveals itself and that is something you should be scared of.
Fancy this: The song opens with a couple, dressed in what is perceived as north Indian attires, asserting that since article 370 has been scrapped they can now purchase land in J&K and bid "bye bye" to the heat of summer. It then goes on to hail Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of accomplishing a "behtarin" task in such silly rhymes that would even put the subjects to shame.
It says that "acche din" have arrived since Article 370 and Article 35A have been scrapped and they can now buy "zameen" in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Bhojpuri music industry has always been receptive to changes in the political climate and this time is no different, news agency IANS reported. It failed to mention how these songs are further emboldening patriarchy and overlooking an issue that is currently underplay.
These songs come at a price and as a society, sooner or later, we will have to pay it.
One such song by one O. P. Raj imagines a scene where a Kashmiri bride is brought to Uttar Pradesh in a palanquin and says, "Kashmir se bhauji layenge"(will get sister-in-law from kashmir) while another goes as, "Kashmir mein leb do katta zameen"(now buy land in Kashmir).
"People want to listen to these songs. We are not commenting on Kashmiri women, nor talking about land-grabbing. The idea is to build a relationship between two states," he was quoted as saying.
Why we need to care?
Illiteracy is a major issue in most parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh while Bhojpuri songs are a huge source of entertainment for the local population in these Hindi heartland regions. These songs are not only being consumed as a source of entertainment but given the patriotic angle and misrepresentation of facts they are helping fuel a sentiment that is detrimental to any thriving democracy.
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While it is being argued that these songs are being produced because the people want them, it is also worth pondering over the fact that the people want a lot of other things too and these begin from jobs, healthcare facilities, higher income and education. To cut a long story short, the consumers of such videos aren't aware of algorithms and the numerous means of making a content viral whereas those who are producing these content are well-versed with such tricks. The consumers are consuming because it is being deliberately fed to them and it is taking place at an alarming rate.
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Pity a society that prides itself for, seemingly, forcibly marrying women from Kashmir. What prosperity and happiness is being lauded in these songs when the residents of Kashmir have themselves been cut off from the national discourse?
Politics at play
There is a political angle too and it is something more significant to watch out for in the view of Bihar elections approaching in the coming year. There are several patriotic songs, hailing the Modi government and cautioning Pakistan on the Kashmir issue too. Most of these videos show the symbol of the ruling party and other visuals that strike a matching chord with its ideology. Pictures of PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah are flashed onto the screens, along with the flag of the BJP, at several occasions.
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One should not forget that songs and movies have long been used as tools of propaganda and all parties, irrespective of their ideology, have used it time and again. What's worrying here that the public sentiment in the Hindi heartland has been so skewed that propagandist content is now being used as clickbaits to attract viewership and hits.
There's little attention, however, to the long-term implications of the misogyny and bigotry that such videos are propagating.
