We need role models in Maldives not porn stars :: Dhivehi Observer

Opinion
We need role models in Maldives not porn stars

31st May 2005

In any society famous people like footballers, actors and TV presenters have a great impact in shaping up the thinking and behaviour of the young generation. They grow up watching these people or reading about them on a daily basis and idolise them. Therefore, these famous and public figures have a responsibility to project themselves as role models who respect Islam, uphold the rule of law and hard working. Otherwise, they could be the reason for corrupting and criminalising the young mind.

Recently, a children's TV program presenter Aminath Suzan, herself an A level student, was exposed because she had taken some indecent pictures with another female school mate of her. These pictures are now widely spread in the net. In Maldives and in most countries for that matter, porn or indecent photography is illegal but with the advances in technology, with camera phones, it is now a very easy task to perform. It is one thing if someone plots to take pictures in secrecy and expose you but when someone poses for photos knowing fully that these pictures could be leaked then one has to think very hard about such actions because it will not only reflect on the person but their family and friends as well as their fans in the case of public figures.

Over the past 10 years, several Maldivians have been exposed on the internet posing nude and many have been arrested. In the case of Suzan and her friend, they have apparently been exempted from punishment by law because of their connection with top people. It seems that they are far too powerful than most because they have powerful friends.

In an earlier case, a student who was secretly filmed by her boyfriend and the film leaked, was banished to the island and her studies came to a halt. Suzan and her friend are reportedly suspended from school.

Perhaps, they need counselling and a period of reflection and community service as punishment. It is not acceptable in any society to tolerate these kinds of behaviours because it will corrupt the young and make them believe that it is a cool thing to do.

We must all act responsibly toward our own selves, our family, friends and the society at large. Think about it like this, would you like your own daughter or son to pose naked and be seen by thousand of people? Most people will not want that.