KOCHI: The worst of social ‘activism’ came to the fore as Malayalees, mostly men, hounded a 19-year-old girl for two days who dared to work against all odds to support studies and her mom. The news of Hanan Hamid selling fish in her uniform after college hours should ideally have been part of a ‘curious in city’ columns of the local pages.
But rudderless Malayalee men took hold of a feel-good story, spun it around and spewed venom. Reason? She was wearing decent clothes and had a ring on her fingers. What followed was a virtual hate-mongering bordering on online sexual abuse of an undergraduate student.
When Facebook posts and ‘live videos’ claiming Hanan to be a fake and part of a film promotion campaign went viral, Malayalam news portals jumped on the bandwagon giving rumours credibility of news. The backlash almost derailed a genuine effort to help by a film director.
Branded a tout, Hanan, barely out of the hospital after a surgery, had to go in front of the TV cameras to claim innocence.
Yet the vitriol, from those who spilt copious amounts of online blood in support of Kathua rape victim and stood virtually behind Hadiya, continued till the state government put its foot down.
Sebastian Paul, a former legislator and media critic, called the Malayalee social media criticism nothing but ‘unrestrained anarchy’. “The situation has come to such a pass where anybody can say anything about anyone, without giving heed to other’s privacy. This is highly irresponsible. We are getting into a situation where limiting the freedom of expression will find justification from among the public,” he said.
Some, like social media activist V K Adarsh, said passing off public relation materials as the news might have triggered the aggressive reaction. “PR work getting mixed with news in the past has left a bitter taste on the people. This might have created the aggression when someone questioned the truthfulness of the girl’s story,” he said. Yet there was no justification for the online abuses hurled at the girl, he said.
Abuse posts pointed out she was wearing a decent dress, a disposable cap and gloves to sell fish. Forgetting the fact that she was minding her own business, online Malayalees wondered whether Hanan was faking her poverty as if she was not poor enough to command Malayalees’ collective sympathy.
Fanning the fire was the rumour she was part of promoting an upcoming movie. The wild allegations broke out when director Arun Gopi offered a role to Hanan, who has also worked as a dubbing artist and an anchor. Gopi came out harshly against the detractors on his social media page. “The only information I had of Hanan was from the news article about her. I respected her and shared the news.
Someone asked me if I would give her a chance in my movie. I said yes and one of the journalists got in touch with me and gave Hanan’s number. I spoke to her and offered her a role. This is what happened. However, I must thank the person who theorised we staged the whole drama to promote our movie for which the shooting is yet to begin. You are the one who taught me we should ignore all these things,” said Gopi on his page.
Hanan did receive support online. “Dear, Hanan please don’t lose your courage and spirit,” said wildlife photographer Seema Suresh. “Some men think women are only worth to share their beds. With the keypads of their mobile phones, they like wounding women who live with pride. There is another section that maintains silence even after hearing this (online abuse), women... I hope you will bring those people who spread false news about you before the law,” she wrote.
Women’s panel registers suo motu case
The Kerala Women’s Commission has registered a suo motu case against those who allegedly abused Hanan on social media. MC Josephine, the chairperson of the commission, also sought a report from State Police Chief Loknath Behera in connection with the incident. It will take further action after receiving the report.
KWC writes to DGP
The Kerala Women’s Commission (KWC) has written to State Police Chief Loknath Behera seeking legal action against those who unleashed an online attack against KWC chairperson M C Josephine and her family.
Ensure protection to Hanan: CMO
The Kochi city police registered a case against a person identified as Nooruddin Shaik, who uploaded videos in his FB account, insulting the girl. The CMO also directed the Ernakulam District Collector to ensure protection to the student. In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister appreciated Hanan for her determination to support her family.
“Entire Kerala should come out in her support”, Pinarayi said while criticising the social media for spreading half-baked information. “It’s a matter of pride when someone tries to be self-dependent and fund his/her studies with one’s own earnings. Only those who have undergone such life experiences will be able to understand this.
However, Hanan from Kochi is one step above. In addition to her studies, Hanan is also trying to support her family. I feel proud of her. Hanan. Go ahead with confidence. Entire Kerala stands by you,” Pinarayi wrote. Pinarayi also warned social media activists about forwarding everything that comes across. CPM veteran Achuthanandan demanded legal action against those who resorted to cyberbullying Hanan. A case should be registered against those behind the cyber lynching, he said.