TV Show Debates ‘Who Is More Beautiful, Kerala or Tamil Women?’

The topic may be ‘entertaining’ but should a TV show normalize the objectification of women like this?

The topic may be ‘entertaining’ but should a TV show normalise the objectification of women like this?

(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

Vijay TV's Neeya Naana, hosted by anchor Gobinath, has often come under controversy for the views expressed on the show. This time, however, the topic itself has drawn flak.

Vijay TV has been promoting the show's topic thus: Who is more beautiful? Kerala women? Or Tamil Nadu women?

The promo is rather bewildering. The all women audience of the show has one side dressed in traditional Kerala outfits and the other dressed in Tamil Nadu's attire. From women pretending to cuddle a baby (?!) to arguing about why they were superior to the others, the topic certainly appears to be the most ridiculous chosen in recent times.

The TV show ‘Neeya Naana’ has had such controversial topics debated before as well. (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

It's possible that the topic was triggered because of 'Jimmiki Kammal' fame Sheril and her popularity in Tamil Nadu, which prompted discussions on similar lines on social media. However, should a popular TV show take this objectification one stop ahead and normalise it?

The channel is even running a poll on social media. "Kerala women? Or Tamil women? Sunday afternoon at 3 pm on Neeya Naana." It has garnered thousands of votes.

As counselor and psychotherapist Veena Jagadeesh posted on Facebook:

For the people who say “learn to laugh at yourself, chill, when women themselves can discuss this so nicely, what is your problem?” Unfortunately, that is the problem. In the name of jokes and fun, we are allowing such subtle discussions, which doesn’t serve any purpose. And I am only hope that women get strength to not laugh at themselves on such cheap topics. Well, TRP targets will be achieved for sure, as this is an “entertaining” topic. So this becomes a “chicken or egg” situation! Now, another question will be. . . if this program is doing an episode on men “Kerala men or Tamil Nadu men - who have got better six packs and who look more handsome?” Will I protest? I will. And you should. Because objectifying any gender is not ok.

Veena Jagadeesh, Counselor

Many on social media are questioning how the topic itself reinstates how women are measured by beauty standards.(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

The show is yet to be aired and it is perhaps premature to go hammer and tongs at it. But can there be a sensible discussion on such a topic? Ever? If yes, we'd be very surprised.

(This article was originally published in The News Minute)