"She's Overthinking It": Why Does Society Dismiss Women's Sexual Harassment Allegations?

The Kapil Sharma Show has released the promo for a recent episode, and it is going viral online for a variety of reasons. Some people find it hilarious, while others believe it to be offensive.

In the promo video, Archana Puran Singh can be seen questioning Raza Murad over the filming of harassing scenes in films. She said, "Ladkia to uncomfortable hoti hi hain jab koi rough and tough zabardasti ka scene karna padta hai as an actor on screen. (Girls feel awkward when they have to act in a scene that calls for rough and tough or forced harassment on screen.)"

Why Does Society Dismiss Women's Sexual Harassment Allegations?

After that, he cut her off and stated, "Aisa ek zabardasti ka scene mera aapka tha. (There was a forced scene between you and me.)" After hearing this, Singh was seen giggling out loud while covering her face. Zabardasti ye kar rahi thi aapke sath? (Was she harassing you in that scene?), Sharma wondered to Murad as he saw him chuckling.

Archana Puran Singh On Harassment Scenes

Singh appeared to be expressing her concerns on the show, but it was quickly turned into a punchline, and both audience and the other actors just laughed. This particular incident just stems the much-discussed debate of how often films and media have long normalised harassment and discomfort.

For example, in many movies and TV shows, women are often objectified and sexualised, with their bodies and appearance being used as a source of entertainment. This can reinforce the idea that women exist primarily for the pleasure of men, and can contribute to a culture where harassment and assault are seen as acceptable. Additionally, movies and TV shows often portray aggressive or persistent pursuit of romantic interests as desirable, even when it crosses the line into harassment. This can normalise and even glamorise behaviour that is actually harmful and disrespectful and can make it difficult for people to recognise when they are crossing boundaries or making others uncomfortable.

For some people sharing experiences of harassment or abuse can be an incredibly difficult and vulnerable act, and it takes a lot of courage for someone to open up about what they have been through. Laughing or making light of their experience can be incredibly hurtful and re-traumatising, and can make it even more difficult for them to heal and recover.

While turning such admissions into mockery shows a lack of compassion, empathy, and a willingness to listen and support them, there are many cases when these matters are brushed away into the 'women overthink everything stereotype'. Women are just as capable of rational thought and decision-making as men, and dismissing their concerns as "">overthinking" can be a form of gender-based discrimination.