YEARS ago, a local horror film wasn’t allowed to be shown in the cinemas and on TV. Only after its initial title was changed and numerous cuts made was it finally shown to the public.

And as expected, it didn’t go down too well with the public, as the storyline made no sense after all the cuts.

However, it has been a “trend” of late, that not just sex, but horror and supernatural too, sell.

I am referring to the local horror and mystic programmes and shows on TV, such as Saka, Anak Pontianak, Bilik 13, Susuk and the lot.

I don’t doubt that these shows portray “real” and chilling circumstances, particularly among the Malays, and in return, provide good entertainment.

Local directors and script writers now have the audacity to venture into the forbidden territory of ghosts and ghouls and others deemed too terrifying to mention.

Chilling sound effects, realistic and gory make-up, haunting surroundings – all of these aim to instil fear and terror into the viewers.

My concern is the effects these shows have on young minds, if children are free to watch them without proper guidance and supervision.

I have heard of cases of youths as young as 12 who claim to possess the power of the saka (a mystical being passed down the generations to protect the bearers).

They would use this “power” to bully others into doing what they want, and if somebody dares to object, he or she would be threatened with the saka.

A lot of times, they just claim to possess the saka without knowing what it really implies, as they got to know of it simply from watching TV.

Mass hysteria can sometimes break out in schools or hostels, arising from the panic and apprehension from watching these kinds of TV shows.

Children are indeed easily influenced by the things they see and hear, and it doesn’t do any good that local TV stations are airing bloodcurdling shows.

I find it extremely disturbing and alarming that the TV stations are free to air these shows without any censorship or proper guidelines.

Even more upsetting, parents seem not to care what kind of entertainment their children view, and don’t seem to think that this trend is not significant enough to pay attention to.

TV is indeed a powerful tool that can educate or destroy young minds, so we must all be extra vigilant of its contents.

NAZREEN,
Mersing, Johor.

Source: The Star – January 31, 2008