Following an incident between the actor-politician Suresh Gopi from Kerala and a female journalist, the media’s uproar has drawn attention to the significant issues of consent, respect, and the unwelcome affection that women frequently encounter within the workplace.
This incident involving a female journalist representing Media One channel took place during a news conference in Kozhikode. The reporter was asking pertinent questions on the event that was being covered, actively participating in the press conference. The whole thing started when the female journalist asked a question that seemed to irritate Suresh Gopi. He put his hand on her shoulder and called her “mole” (daughter) at this precise moment.
Startled by the gesture, the journalist withdrew his hand and asked her next question, following which he placed his hand again on her shoulder while the reporter took a step back uncomfortably. This sequence of events, including the questions asked and the physical contact, has sparked a heated debate on social media platforms.
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However, the crux of the issue is that, regardless of gender, the person on the receiving end of any physical touch has the sole power to define its nature. Media and social media commenters must understand that only the individual engaged can evaluate whether or not they feel safe. It’s more like a constant reminder that women in the workplace deserve respect, not undue attention or affection, especially while they’re at their jobs.
Suresh Gopi, a well-known personality in Kerala, has however clarified that his motives were more paternal than sexual. In fact, any job or in this case, journalism, is not the place to show paternal or daughterly devotion. It becomes an urgent signal that every individual, regardless of rank or background, deserves respect, boundaries and professionalism at work.
Moreover, this particular incident raises deeper questions regarding what constitutes a “good touch” and a “bad touch.” Understanding the impact of any physical encounter should be based on how the recipient perceives it. No one else has the authority to pass any judgments in such cases or on the people involved.
The incident has also brought to light a larger issue with women’s dignity and comfort on the job and emphasizes the need to create a setting where people, particularly women, can pursue careers without fear of stigma or harassment. This is a social obligation, and it goes much beyond individual motivation.
The media outcry in the days following the incident also brought out a clear split in society. A certain subsection strongly supported the actor-politician, claiming that his intentions were solely affectionate rather than sexual, and a different faction accused the journalist of ‘sexualizing the touch’. What is critical in this scenario, however, is to recognize the reporter’s courage in coming out to the public, speaking out about how she felt, and standing up for what she believes in.
In the face of all these heated opinions, it’s necessary to remember that the focus should move from defending or criticizing people involved to encouraging a working atmosphere where respect and consent reign supreme. It’s a rallying cry for society to support those who fearlessly express their boundaries and demand the respect they deserve.
The Suresh Gopi incident strongly stresses the need for permission and consent and the importance of respecting individual boundaries in all parts of life, especially in the workplace. The media and society should recognize that only the individual who experiences an action can determine its significance. It’s a demand for a more respectful and egalitarian society, one that values dignity and consent above everything else.
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