Gag on satire?

Published June 15, 2019

YET again, Pemra has waded into the territory of attempting to sanitise our screens of not just particular content, but of concepts themselves. This is not the first time that the authority has issued ‘advice’ regarding the broadcasting of satire. And, indeed, its repeated calls for TV channels to develop more robust in-house editorial oversight mechanisms is warranted, given a general absence of self-regulation among media houses when it comes to enforcing codes of conduct — which often result in the broadcast of all manner of unethical content, from the invasion of privacy to defamation to hate speech. However, by attempting to cast itself as an arbiter of acceptable forms of humour, Pemra not only exposes itself to mockery but also reveals the antipathy of public figures and institutions towards criticism.

Tolerance of satire (or lack thereof) is a good indicator of the health of a functional democracy. It is no coincidence that, throughout history, authoritarian figures have sought to censor and suppress satire, considering the genre’s unique ability to make people laugh at — and even question — the sophistry, ulterior motives and imperiousness of those in power. The world over, including in Pakistan, lampooning public figures is a time-honoured tradition for precisely this purpose: to pull the flimsy scaffolding from under received wisdoms, to throw up impediments in the path of cults of personality, to act as a countervailing force against abuses of power. At its best and most sharply honed, satire expresses the fundamental optimism of dissenters and their desire for change. In issuing such overbearing notifications, Pemra is sending a message that conflates respect for authority with the fear of it. But seeking to preserve either through suppression or intimidation is bound to fail. Comics will continue to find ways to challenge and subvert such repressive policies, even if it comes down to offering “praise undeserved as “satire in disguise”. The medium is designed to make the powerful uncomfortable. It wouldn’t be funny — or true — if it didn’t.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...