Throughout history, media has largely been a tool for the oppressors to control the mainstream narratives, leaving few opportunities for the oppressed to shape their own stories and connect with each other. In today’s world however, with the onset of globalisation, freedom of press, open publishing, and the rise of social media, media has evolved to such great heights that it has been instrumental in giving a voice to all, especially the oppressed.

Growing up, I rarely questioned the history taught at school. It wasn’t until I began reading books, watching the news, and scrolling through social media that I stumbled upon a whole new world—access to knowledge shaped not only by the oppressors, but also by the oppressed. I discovered alternative perspectives on history and current issues, and learned far more than what was offered in mandated educational institutions. Much of what we are taught is shaped by the perspectives of the privileged claiming to present “an objective image” of past events. In the current age of endless information, critical thinking and the ability to seek out knowledge through independent research are crucial skills to see past the narratives being set by the authorities.

Access to different forms of media has allowed people platforms to voice their stories and connect with others. The Irish find themselves in the Palestinian struggle against genocide. The brutal rapes and killings of the of the people of Sudan are exposed with reports that women are killing themselves to avoid going through sexual violence. Kashmiris remain caged in a prison within their own homeland. The superficial dominant coverage of Kashmir as a tourist destination in an attempt to drive attention from the military occupation of the people, is simultaneously joined by the voices of Kashmiris documenting their oppression in the media. Stand With Kashmir is one such movement started by Kashmiris which has provided an authentic voice of the oppressed against the mainstream media dedicated to suppressing them.

New Media, such as video-sharing services like Youtube, have also allowed independent journalists to expose corruption and violation of human rights. Global news can be accessed about anywhere, from anywhere. Journalists go undercover in besieged and authoritarian countries, bringing atrocities to light. Despite limited coverage, documentaries and testimonies from defectors who have managed to escape reveal the North Korean regime’s propaganda and subjugation of North Koreans. Documentaries have exposed the harsh living conditions in Palestine where segregation is rampant. In India, mining regions in Jharkhand and Odisha have been documented for systemic neglect, where child labour persists and death tolls rises silently. Many documentaries have also exposed human trafficking which happens in plain daylight in numerous countries. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the long and painful history of colonial exploitation has been documented, with the marginalised still fighting for dignity and justice. The Congo is one of the largest producers of coltan and other minerals, used in making cell phones. Learning the truth behind the origin of technology we use daily—built on child labour and life-threatening conditions—made me look at my phone differently, it was no longer just another tool, but a product of a deeply unjust system.

Ever since October 2023, when the genocide of the Palestinians entered mainstream news coverage, the call for #FreePalestine has been joined by #FreeSudan and #FreeCongo among many other movements calling for freedom on social media. Echoing Martin Luther King’s quote “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” those oppressed by the western powers have connected beyond borders in their shared fight for freedom, allowing their voices to spread even more. People who were once only aware of the oppression faced by Palestinians have now also become aware of the struggles of those in Congo and many other places.

The stories of the oppressed travel far and wide, beyond geographical and language barriers. Kavya Karnatac (KK Create) is one such Indian journalist whose investigative journalism has given a voice to the marginalized and exposed the dire conditions they are forced to live in. With over two million followers on Instagram and three million subscribers on Youtube, her videos garner millions of views, providing a platform to those the mainstream media ignores. From documenting the most crowded slum in the world in Dharavi, Mumbai to the biggest coal mining city in India in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, the young journalist brings pride to the name of journalism.

Translation is another such instrument which has opened doors for the oppressed to express themselves beyond language barriers. Dalits—especially Dalit women— have found a voice in the media. One such voice is that of Indian Dalit novelist Bama. Her work, Sangati, details the experiences of Dalit women from birth to old age. The translation by Lakshmi Holmström has helped bridge across barriers that the oppressors have long used to subjugate. Casteism is an evil which is interwoven in Indian society. The current society is a product of the patriarchal framework that has laced this country since time immemorial. Sangati is a seminal work which tells us about the fate of a Dalit woman, which is determined before birth–the difference in treatment between girls and boys, men and women, the expectations, and the lived reality—all from a Dalit woman's perspective. The days of the oppressors driving the narrative are long over.

Social media especially has also been instrumental in breaking down misinformation shared by mainstream media. Misleading and biased news by popular networks like CNN have been publicly called out. A journalist working at CNN told Al Jazeera of an “embarrassing moment” for the media organisation when they claimed to have proof that the Palestinian resistance group Hamas was using an Israeli-bombed hospital in Gaza to hide Israeli captives. The document, written in Arabic, presented as the proof was alleged to be a roster of Hamas members watching over the captives. Despite warnings from colleges about the document actually being a calendar, the footage was still aired.

Even when events highlighting oppression make big headlines, there are those who choose to ignore the oppression or remain “neutral” on the issue and those who choose to learn and join the call against it. The voices of the oppressed in all shapes and forms—books, films, videos, posts, pictures, art, clothes and more—will never truly be extinguished. The claws of propaganda run deep in the media landscape, but the rise of social media, greater access to press and publishing, has created a space where such claims can be questioned, debunked, and the truth can finally come to light. In an age where information flows freely, the power lies with us to amplify the voices of the oppressed, hold those responsible accountable, and demand a world where justice prevails.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of The Jamia Review or its members.

Voices of the Oppressed in the New Age of Media 

Trends have always been a part of literature, much like any other human pursuit such as fashion or gaming. Therefore, the trend of reading, or specific trends in reading are not new phenomena but very familiar ones, as is the negative reaction towards them. One comes across a wide variety of books on their social media feed, but like any social media trend, certain books and genres inevitably take the spotlight. Naturally, these popular books get subjected to criticism. This brings us to question of what it means when this criticism is perceived as 

 rather than a valid opinion in the reading community, which has always thrived on critical thinking and meaningful discussions.

 “letting everyone read what they want”

 expressed in the online book community, often as a response to criticism of books one loves. Take, for instance, the recent backlash against 

, who gained massive popularity through social media platforms like

. The book has been criticised for being marketed on these platforms with a large viewership of impressionable young teenagers as supposedly a romance when it is a text revolving around domestic violence, as well as its perceived romanticization of the topic and the overall writing style. The backlash against the book has been widely regarded as just another trend, with many saying that it has now become cool to hate on this book and the author, refusing to hear or consider any critique of something they hold dear. While the notion of letting people read and enjoy whatever they want is fair and justified, it shouldn’t be used to dismiss opinions or criticism, and the space to indulge in constructive dialogue as just another

One of the most valued aspects of the reading community is the space to discuss books, share opinions, and express criticism or praise freely. Writing is an art, and its perception is largely subjective, with the individual's unique experiences of it leading to diversity in opinions. The trends in reading have also been subjected to criticism, including the quality of books that are being marketed, popularised, and sold on social media platforms. “Popular” books have been criticised for their formulaic nature, with similar plotlines and characters, reflecting the tendency to market books based on predictable tropes rather than unique qualities on social media platforms.

 are being criticised for their supposedly recycled and predictable plots. This rise of “

”— introducing a book through its tropes to fit the time constraints of short video content — reduces an entire book to a few phrases or indicators of what plotlines are to be expected, which has been said to take away the profound and complex nature of literature. Additionally, tropes can give away crucial details of the plot, often subjecting the viewer to spoilers. While some do seem to prefer knowing beforehand, it can ruin the experiences of many. For instance, there is an influx of books being marketed through the popular trope “

” on social media, which results in an instant buy for some while those who prefer to go blind into the book have it spoiled for them. Publishing houses are producing books fitting these popular tropes because ultimately, they do sell. They are read, recommended, and celebrated widely, making them part of the mainstream reading experience and hence, also subject to criticism.

There exists a notion that those who comment on the quality of books or critique popular books are “

. The term carries a connotation of superiority, which is why criticism that is perceived as 

 is not taken seriously. This isn't to say that elitists, who believe themselves to be superior in their reading preferences, aren't present in the community. This article doesn't include nor endorse the elitist mindset. It is merely aiming to express the importance of critical thinking and a space to freely express one's opinions with mutual respect to foster healthy and meaningful discussion. Any criticism or different opinions being dismissed due to a perception of it being elitist diminishes the value of constructive dialogue within the community.

The various opinions, ideas, and thoughts that arise from consuming any piece of art are central to the true appraisal of it. As Roland Barthes said, 

“The birth of the reader must be at the cost of the death of the author." 

After all, a book was an idea at first that grew into a complex work of literature. Engaging in constructive conversations and accepting that different realities exist — as perception is subjective — is the key to truly enjoying being a “reader” in a community. Personally, that's the part I love besides the reading: the connections one can forge over pieces of fiction, the discussions, debates, various interpretations, and perspectives that others’ experiences bring – allowing one to view the work in nuanced ways. One can love a book while also acknowledging it as a piece of writing that not all readers may feel the same about, viewing its criticism not as hate but as a valuable part of literary discourse. Embracing diverse opinions and acknowledging the complexities of trends in reading can lead to a healthy and rich experience of literature, furthering dialogue and a broader understanding of it, both in real life and in online spaces.

Are We Not Allowed to Criticise Anymore? The Significant Role of Criticism in the Reading Community

 is the most popular video streaming service that offers films, series, documentaries, animations, and the like, in multiple languages and is streamed across numerous countries in the world. Recently, several Netflix users have been met with the screen displaying ‘

This TV isn’t a part of your Netflix household’

 when they are opening their accounts. This is due to their new policy, which was introduced in February 2023, preventing family and friends from sharing accounts outside of one’s residential space. For many of us, Netflix has always operated on the premise that one person pays the bills while several others share the account. This practice has become common since the streaming giant became popular in 

. Due to its accessibility, it has been a major source of entertainment for people. Until now, being able to share accounts and split money between many has helped students and others on a tight budget to afford it.

Founded in 1997, Netflix originally started as a DVD rental service by mail, allowing unlimited rentals with a monthly fee, and has evolved into the streaming service it offers on the internet directly today. The multibillion-dollar industry is seeking to increase its subscriber base to garner even more money. The ban on password sharing has been introduced in over 100 countries, with the OTT platform sending emails to users informing them that their account is intended solely for them and members of their household. If someone outside their household is using the account, they are instructed to transfer their profile to a new paid account and consider changing their password. The move is ironic, considering how in 2017, the Twitter account of Netflix itself posted, 

It is no news that Netflix has definitely had a hand in changing the TV industry. It was the first video-on-demand streaming service to be introduced in 2007. Even With the emergence of other new streaming services following suit, Netflix remains the largest service in the world, with 269.6 million paid subscribers. It has allowed viewers to watch content from anywhere on any device possessing the capability to stream videos, which is what made many love it –for its accessibility. Despite all this, the multibillion-dollar company is taking away one of its assets, that made people buy a subscription in the first place, to generate more revenue. And it’s working. As people struggle to buy subscriptions after the password-sharing ban, Netflix has seen an increase in its ad-supported plan. The plan, which has been introduced in 12 countries thus far, including the 

, offers commercial breaks between streams. There have also been reports of taking down the cheapest ‘Basic’ ad-free plan altogether, starting in 

 this year. This change would leave subscribers with only two ad-free options: the $15.49 (₹1,291.55) ‘Standard’ plan or the $22.99 (₹1,916.90) ‘Premium’ plan. By ending the ‘Basic’ plan, Netflix effectively removes a middle ground for viewers on a tight budget.

In India, Netflix cut the prices of its subscription plans by 20–60% in December 2021 to attract a larger customer base. Previously considered a high-end service in the country, this strategy proved effective for the company. Engagement in India has increased by nearly 30% year-on-year, and in October 2023, a Bernstein report indicated that its total number of subscribers in India had reached approximately 6.5 million. However, despite reduced prices, it remains the most expensive streaming service in the country.

Despite the concurrent backlash it received for its brutal crackdown on password sharing, Netflix, surpassing analysts’ estimates, recorded an addition of 9.33 million new subscribers in the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant increase in its global user interface. Although in the face of its increasing subscribers, there has been a simultaneous phenomenon of previous subscribers cancelling their subscriptions or refusing to renew them again. According to a report by the market research group Kantar, the streaming service lost more than a million subscribers from Spain in the first quarter of 2023.

It seems that Netflix is giving more importance to consumerism over creativity. The streaming service continues to find ways to get its users to upgrade to more expensive plans or compel them to stay subscribed to the most basic plans while increasing ads. Its success in implementing these policies cannot be denied, leading us to acknowledge the company’s tactics in doing so. Despite this, the growing number of users turning away from it also cannot be overlooked. Over the years, there has been a rise in other streaming services besides Netflix, which provide entertainment content at a more affordable rate, that people have turned to. This is especially true in India, where other more cost-effective services such as 

 are easily available and continue to become more popular day by day. Which leads us to wonder what the world’s biggest streaming giant will do to continue expanding, or will it eventually be overtaken by its emerging competitors?

Netflix’s Crackdown on Password Sharing: Prioritising Profit Over Convenience

In the fast-paced realm of social media, short videos, typically lasting one minute, have become the major form of content consumed by users. Be it 

, they dominate our screens, making it impossible to escape them. It is very difficult to click away from these quick dopamine-inducing videos. Amidst the plethora of content, there are widespread educational videos, but also a concerning amount of ‘trendy’ videos that actually spread misinformation. One such example of this is the usage and portrayal of psychological terms. In our effort to have open conversations about mental health, have we accidentally turned these terms into mere buzzwords, diminished their seriousness and gravitated away from their intended clinical contexts?

What does this mean for our perception of them, as well as the disorders and symptomatic behaviours they are meant to help diagnose? Social media has undoubtedly helped in spreading awareness about mental health, but as more digital creators make these educational videos, clinical psychological terms are being thrown around, more casually, which leads to pathologizing behaviour and turning lived experiences into trends. Language is powerful, and misapplication of words can lead to misconceptions, shaping how we view ourselves and others.

It has been observed that people who are feeling “

” aren’t aware of the actual connotation of what they’re saying. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder experience uncontrollable and recurring thoughts or fears, leading to repetitive behaviours that cause distress or anxiety on a regular basis, interfering with daily life. While OCD may involve obsessive cleanliness, it does not mean that the term can be casually used to describe individuals who merely value cleanliness. People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings, episodes of mania or hypomania, and depression. Common mood fluctuations aren’t “bipolar,” and using the term as such is offensive to those who actually have the disorder. Another term that is used loosely on social media to label people if they exhibit any self-centred behaviour is “narcissist.” This diminishes the seriousness of the term, which refers to a personality disorder in which the person has an unreasonably high sense of their own importance, constantly requires attention and admiration, and lacks empathy. As the misuse of this term contributes to its stigmatisation, it strips away its clinical significance and can impact those who have NPD, discouraging them from recognising or seeking help for genuine mental health concerns.

Social media has obfuscated the meanings of psychological terms. They aren’t being used in their actual contexts. “

” is another popular term these days. “Impulsive” is what people actually mean, proving the importance of making the distinction between the two terms. The former means unwanted and unpleasant thoughts that cause significant discomfort or anxiety, while the latter means a sudden urge or desire that one may act on without thinking about the consequences. Intrusive has been interchangeably used with “impulsive” on social media, which has contributed to a misunderstanding of the psychological concept, leading to its trivialisation. Another popular term that is extensively misused is “

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)

, trauma is an emotional or physical response to one or more physically harmful or life-threatening events or circumstances with lasting adverse effects on your mental and physical well-being. It is characterised by anxiety, shock, denial, unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and physical symptoms. It is not one’s parents making one eat vegetables during their childhood. The term is widely applied to any unpleasant experience, diminishing its actual meaning and implications.

Some other clinically significant terms that are thrown around on social media casually are gaslighting, ADHD, delusion, and more. It is important to be aware of the implications of what one says in daily life, to educate ourselves on the issue, and to contribute towards decreasing the stigmatisation of mental health by using the correct terms in the correct contexts, therefore creating a healthy space for it.

This misapplication of clinical terms may lead to oversimplification of elaborate layered concepts to fit the constraints of communication on social media, the attribution of common feelings of stress or sadness to clinical terms without consultation with mental health professionals, and the glamorisation of certain mental illnesses. These misconceptions can be carried into conversations, perpetuating a cycle of misunderstandings.

Picking up popular terms from social media and using them in real life without knowing their actual meaning has become a widespread phenomenon, thus exhibiting the impact of social media on everyday speech. It is crucial to understand the context of these terms and unlearn this habit to give validity to psychological terms. The decrease in stigmatisation of mental health observed in recent years should go hand in hand with giving equal importance to its vocabulary. It’s important to spread awareness and correct others if you see them misusing such terms. A conscious effort to understand the nuances of mental health can contribute to a more informed, empathic, and inclusive online and offline environment.

Articles by Sidra Aman

Voices of the Oppressed in the New Age of Media

Are We Not Allowed to Criticise Anymore? The Significant Role of Criticism in the Reading Community

Netflix’s Crackdown on Password Sharing: Prioritising Profit Over Convenience

The Trend of Misusing Clinical Psychological Terms on Social Media

Voices of the Oppressed in the New Age of Media

Are We Not Allowed to Criticise Anymore? The Significant Role of Criticism in the Reading Community

Netflix’s Crackdown on Password Sharing: Prioritising Profit Over Convenience

The Trend of Misusing Clinical Psychological Terms on Social Media