Trigger warning: contains link to graphic video on sexual assault.
A new parody video has been making the rounds on the global interwebs this past week: “It’s Your Fault” is an extremely sarcastic response to the culture of victim-blaming and patriarchy that colors people’s reactions to sexual assault.
Starring Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin and television personality Juhi Pandey, “It’s Your Fault” is an uncomfortable comedy video that isn’t funny at all–perhaps because of the truth it tells about perceptions of rape. The short examines many of the common and ridiculous accusations that rape victims face, from choice in clothing to the question of who gave birth to a rapist in the first place (Hint from Pandey: “It’s us!”). The video even touches on inaction by police authorities and on marital rape–a subject entirely unaddressed in Indian rape law.
The comedy collective, All India Bakchod (loosely translated as “senseless fuck”), wrote and produced the video, which is particularly relevant in light of this past year’s high-profile rape cases in India. Maybe the video should be translated into Hindi (and every other language ever because this is a super important and worldwide issue) to reach wider audiences? Regardless, having well-known faces speak out against rape culture in India is heartening and is a great way to shed light on the issue.
New Delhi Television (NDTV) aired an interview with Koechlin and Pandey. They discuss the video and their experiences with misogyny in India and include a pretty interesting reflection on class and complexion. Check out the NDTV interview here.
Meanwhile, across the border, Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology has just ruled that DNA tests cannot be used as primary evidence in rape cases. One step at a time for the subcontinent…
Thanks to NDTV and The Express Tribune.
