Colored and Constrained Hues: Exploring the Depiction of Gender-Based Violence in South Asian News Media

Abstract

This paper critically examines the representation of gender-based violence (GBV) in Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi news media through the lenses of sensationalism and victim-blaming. Using the vivid metaphor of a color spectrum, this analysis delves into how media frames, language, and imagery contribute to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes, rape myths, and the stigmatization of survivors. The narrative is anchored by  personal reflections of the author, who navigates the patriarchal landscape of Karachi, Pakistan. Drawing attention to a tragic incident involving Noor Mukaddam, the paper dissects how media sensationalism transforms real-life tragedies into spectacles, overshadowing the gravity of the crimes. Examining specific cases and headlines, the study reveals the sensationalist tactics of attention-grabbing language, vivid imagery, and the creation of a spectacle around certain types of GBV. Simultaneously, the victim-blaming frame is scrutinized for its role in shifting responsibility onto survivors, discouraging them from reporting, and fostering a culture of shame. Victim-blaming language is exposed through strategic details being deleted, euphemisms, and the 'good girl–bad girl dichotomy,' which perpetuates stereotypes and diverts attention from the true root of the social problem. The paper concludes with a call for transformative narratives in South Asian media, emphasizing the need for thematic framing, intersectional analyses, and a shift away from sensationalist and victim-blaming practices. Ultimately, the paper envisions a reimagined color wheel where empowering narratives replace debilitating hues, fostering justice and institutional change.