HUMOUR AND PREJUDICE: GAUGING HIJRA STEREOTYPES IN SELECT INDIAN MOVIES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.2633Keywords:
Disparaging Humour, Hijras, Stereotypes, Indian Cinema, TransphobiaAbstract [English]
People of the third gender have been a vital part of Indian culture and society for centuries. They are known by several names in India, including Hijras, Aravani, Kinnar, Eunuchs, Jogappa, Khusras, Thirunangai, etc. Their human existence does not provide them with a valued social identity; rather, it is denigrated, disrespected, and disparaged. They face discrimination and humiliation in almost every aspect of life. The present paper attempts to read and analyse the stereotyped representation of hijra characters in mainstream Indian cinema via the prism of Zillmann and Cantor’s “disparaging humour theory”. Being “different” accords them a unique status that, in lieu of regard, respect, and acknowledgment, bestows upon them treatment that is worse than that of animals. In the lack of a respectful place in society, they experience harassment everywhere and endure undue pain and trauma. The present study focuses on this disparaged and marginalised aspect as portrayed in select Indian films.
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