Is Dunk supporting the Me Too Movement or discrediting it? Is it even fair to show the other side? Ever since the drama has gone on air, fiery debates supporting, or rejecting the content have come forth. Each side is vehemently convinced on their stand – so where should we really stand?
As Dunk continues to reveal its story, episode by episode, it raises many pertinent questions yet has been the subject of controversy too.
Dunk’s initial focus was sexual harassment; its impact on the accused, Professor Humayun, his family and the alleged victim Amal. In the latest episode, it touches on the topic of suicide and mental health of the accused and accuser.
Since the drama is supposedly based on a true life narrative that occurred just a while ago (correct us if we’re wrong please), we have two parallel life stories for you, after which there are questions which require critical judgement.
Real life stories
Story 1: Haleema Rafiq
In 2013, Haleema Rafiq was a cricket player, who, along with four other women accused Multan Cricket Club’s chairman and team selector of harassment. PCB conducted an investigation but failed to find evidence supporting the young cricketers, hence, they were fined and banned from play for a period of 6 months.
In the mean time, Chairman MCC, Maulvi Sultan Alam filed a Rs. 2M defamation suit against the women. The pressure was too much for Haleema who eventually, drank a local cleaning agent at home & committed suicide.
The family is said to have not followed up on the suicide case as it is a criminal offense in Pakistan and entails too much legal paperwork etc..
(source: BBC)
Story 2: MAO lecturer
In 2019, MAO College lecturer Muhammad Afzal Mehmood, was accused of misconduct by a BS Mass communication student. Further inquiry and investigations were carried out. There was not enough evidence to suggest harassment so the case was dropped. At the same time, it was discovered that the student who has accused him had earlier requested her teacher to upgrade her marks, which he had refused.
Subsequently, the lecturer requested the college administration to clear his name in writing as he felt he had been publicly defamed. However, after following this route for 3 months, he gave up.
He left a suicide note stating he was under too much stress & left the final verdict to Allah. His last wish was that police should not investigate into his death any further or bother anyone over it.
(source: Pakistan Today)
Fact Check: It is said that Dunk is based on this real life story.
Sexual harassment and suicide in Pakistan
In our society sexual harassment and suicide are taboo topics.
Sure, after the Me Too movement, stories of harassment and misconduct have surfaced. Men, women, children have come forth with their traumatic experiences and social media has done its part by exerting pressure on authorities to bring the offenders to task & put them behind bars. Yet, many lives have been ruined, defamed or lost, yet most cases remain unsolved due to a lack of evidence.
So what is Dunk really accomplishing here? Is it really discrediting the Me Too movement?
In Dunk, the audience is torn between the multi-layered characters, mimicking our real-life experiences where we are never really sure of the real culprit in a harassment case. Should we side with Amal or Professor Humayun?
It has taken a long time for harassment victims to speak up. Is showing a handful of alleged victims lying about misconduct fair to the countless who are really suffering? Does it stir up the question: hum pe kon yaqeen kare ga?
Me Too Or Not, Here’s one thing Dunk IS doing
Dunk is showing us that it is critical that all those involved in sexual harassment cases (accused & accuser), need 2 things:
1.Public Anonymity to protect those involved from public defamation at least till the inquiry is ongoing. It is evident from current and past events that such a case is very sensitive and the public will take sides regardless of what the other side says or does, that a case may be decided in the court of law but in the people’s court, the matter is susceptible to smear campaigns, public humiliation for the accused, accuser and their families.
This results in serious mental trauma, as in the case of Ghana (Prof Humayun’s daughter), his wife and himself.
2. Stronger Inquiry committees. Perhaps we need a forensics expert, a legal advisor etc to be part of the inquiry team. This might help us delve deeper into the case, discourage possible false allegations and arrive at a higher percentage of conclusive verdicts
Is Dunk Dividing Us?
It shouldn’t. We all want to save lives.
We are all (or should be), on the same side! Dunk is starting conversations alright. It doesn’t matter whether they represent a handful, or a multitude. A story must be told, that is the duty of creative enterprise, every life is worth saving, and every case worth solving, before it’s too late!
How To Fight Sexual Harassment!
