Newindpress
Bangalore, Mar 31: The verdict is out. Most people are baffled at the Government's ban on Fashion TV for showing programmes "that are against good taste and decency, denigrate women and are likely to adversely affect public morality".
The offensive programme cited is 'Midnight Hot', that shows women in bikinis lounging in pools or beaches. "If women in bikinis is what is offensive and corrupting the minds of the people, then the government should shut down Goa and every single beach resort in the country as you will see women in bikinis there," says popular RJ Rohit Barker.
He adds that the models do it at their own free will and are not forced into it. This is not the first instance of interference by the government on airing adult content on TV. The NDA Government had completely banned adult shows that were previously broadcast between 11 pm to 6 am.
"There is no logic behind banning adult content as it will only backfire. It has been proved world-over that prohibition will only increase bootlegging. Similarly, in a world where adult content is available 365 days, 24/7 it makes no sense to ban it on TV. It has not been proved that such content corrupts the mind," says psychologist Kanchana.
There is also the question of what constitutes obscene. "Shows such as 'Fashion House' or 'Santa Barbara' show people wearing clothes that are seen on FTV and there are scenes that are more explicit than what can ever be featured on FTV," says Pallavi K, architect.
"Then what about the numerous ads and pop-videos produced in our own culture-rich country? Why ban only FTV and AXN ,"she questions.
One point everybody agrees on is that if there is a need to regulate, then rate the progammes. If the show requires adult supervision/parental guidance then it is the responsibility of the family to stop children from viewing it.
"Even if five people in the country want to watch a channel then the government cannot ban that," says Rohit Barker emphatically.
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