Poisonous Heroism and Media-Induced Gender Violence: A Critical Sociological Inquiry
Title: Poisonous Heroism and Media-Induced Gender Violence: A Critical Sociological Inquiry Zabir Saeed Badar Abstract: This research article explores the pervasive influence of popular media, especially films and dramas, on shaping violent, hyper-masculine ideals and toxic gender dynamics. Drawing upon communication sciences and sociological theories of media violence, the paper illustrates how Bollywood and Pakistani dramas glorify male obsession and normalize the pursuit of women against their will. By analysing historical and modern media narratives, combined with real-world social reactions and murder justifications based on moral codes, the article reveals how media contribute to internalised misogyny among women and trigger societal decay. This study also draws from indigenous academic work in Pakistan to provide a local context. In Pakistani and Indian popular culture, countless narratives romanticise the idea of male pursuit regardless of female consent. A typical portra...