CAUTION, DISCRIMINATION!

The management of the television channel Kanal S suspended the broadcast of the programme "Sözün bitdiyi an" (No More Words). The decision was made following remarks made by the show's host, Nigar Farhad, who stated that she would not advise her son to marry a girl raised in a fatherless family. She also asserted that she would take every possible measure to prevent such a union, claiming that a girl raised without a father does not understand the importance of a man's role in the family.

The question must be asked: can such statements be deemed ethical? It is not surprising that these comments have provoked public outrage and significant reaction.

The duration of the programme's suspension is yet to be announced. Prior to this, the Azerbaijani Audiovisual Council had decided to suspend Kanal S's broadcast for 24 hours due to the presenter's statements not complying with ethical norms. Nigar Farhad was issued with a formal reprimand.

Discrimination Unacceptable

It is vital to understand why such irresponsible statements, directed at viewers and effectively the entire country, are dangerous. This was not merely a personal opinion from the television presenter; it echoed a deeply rooted stereotype that can harm and impact an entire generation. In a world where many women, including in Azerbaijan, raise children alone and family circumstances vary, such words are not only unjust but also perilous. They foster bias, impose false notions about "proper" families, and undermine the efforts of those who demonstrate daily that love, care, and upbringing do not depend on the number of parents in a household.

There are likely to be several possible reasons for the presenter's stance. One potential reason may be her personal experience, where she may have encountered negative examples and subsequently made generalised conclusions. Or perhaps she holds traditional views and believes that a complete family is essential for proper upbringing. Concern for the future of her hypothetical son—she might worry that a girl lacks an understanding of healthy family relationships. However, this viewpoint is arguably unjust, as individuals are influenced not only by their family environment but also by their personal experiences, societal influences, and educational background. A girl raised without a father can be instilled with valuable qualities such as responsibility, and a love for family.

It is therefore surprising that such an opinion is often perceived as stereotypical and leads to discrimination. It assumes that girls from single-parent families are less worthy of a family life, placing them at a disadvantage. This viewpoint is simplistic and unjust, as it disregards the unique qualities and contributions of each individual.

Moreover, bias can form within society. This bias can be particularly harmful for young people who may internalise this message, leading to further division, stigmatisation, and the neglect of fundamental values. The composition of a family does not necessarily guarantee a positive upbringing or the development of strong moral values, just as the absence of a father does not necessarily imply poor child-rearing practices. Furthermore, such generalisations can devalue the efforts of single mothers and create unnecessary complexes for their children.

It is therefore vital to consider what message would be more appropriate.

If the objective is to ensure a family's future, then the discussion could centre on the significance of shared values, upbringing, and mutual respect in marriage. However, emphasising past family status is not only unjust but also harmful to society.

In this regard, media outlets and numerous bloggers in the country undoubtedly bear ethical responsibility for such statements. It is vital to consider the impact of these remarks on society and on young people who are growing up absorbing these prejudices.

Ignoring the Realities of Azerbaijan

In the context of Azerbaijan, such statements are particularly poignant. In our country, thousands of girls have grown up and continue to grow up without fathers, having lost them as a result of the First and Second Garabagh wars. These men made the ultimate sacrifice in defending their homeland, leaving their daughters to be raised by their mothers with remarkable resilience and selflessness. Consequently, the television presenter, potentially unknowingly, has raised concerns regarding the dignity and value of these girls as future spouses and mothers.

The primary concern here is the implication, albeit perhaps unknowingly, that these women lack the necessary strength and value as potential spouses and mothers. Instead of acknowledging the resilience and merits of these families, a public figure with a significant viewership conveys the notion that women raised without fathers are somehow less worthy. This is not just an injustice, but also a slap in the face to all deserving single mothers who have done everything possible to raise their children as noble individuals.

Responsibility

It is imperative to acknowledge that television and social media are not merely entertainment. They shape public opinion and influence moral values and culture. When television presenters and guests make statements of this nature, they must be aware that their words have consequences. It is therefore inappropriate for national television channels to become platforms for the oppression of certain segments of society, especially when discussing such vulnerable topics.

Editorial standards should clearly define boundaries, prohibiting the broadcast of opinions that may demean or stigmatise entire groups of people. Television channels must not only monitor such statements but also publicly clarify why they are erroneous.

What steps should be taken to ensure that this does not happen again?

How can we prevent similar occurrences in the future? The answer lies in media education and adherence to journalistic ethics. All public figures, especially those working in media, should recognise their responsibility in shaping public opinion. Television channels should consider public reaction, which is precisely what occurred in this instance. It is imperative that viewers articulate their perspectives transparently, insisting on clarifications and rectifications for such assertions. This fosters a culture of social accountability. It is also vital that television channels support families affected by war through their programming. It is vital to not only condemn discriminatory remarks, but also to enhance support for women raising children alone.

How can we ensure that such statements are not made in the media? One potential solution is the introduction of an ethical code by television channels that prohibits discriminatory remarks. Content filtering is also essential, with editors and hosts monitoring guest rhetoric.

Guests should be warned about the consequences of inappropriate statements.

Some countries have set up special bodies, such as media regulators, to track discriminatory content and impose fines or restrictions on channels that disseminate oppressive ideas.

The ideal television channel is one that does not provoke discrimination and adheres to ethical standards. Ideally, Kanal S should provide an explanation for the broadcast of such comments and offer an objective viewpoint outlining why these views are misguided.

Protecting the Future

How can we protect children from harmful content in media? The answer lies in fostering the development of critical thinking skills. It is crucial to teach children that not everything they hear or see in the media is true. We should encourage them to analyse information and understand where bias exists versus objective facts. Parental controls using internet and TV filters to restrict access to undesirable content should be implemented, while monitoring what children watch and read. Family discussions about sensitive topics are also essential.

With regard to social media responsibility, content moderation algorithms should be employed to combat discriminatory statements. Popular youth communities can run educational campaigns against bias.

The words of television presenter Nigar Farhad are not merely a private opinion; they manifest deeply rooted stereotypes that society must combat. Respect, love and fidelity within families are not contingent on upbringing or family background. It is vital for media outlets and social networks to disseminate ideas that are not harmful, but rather to encourage a culture of fairness and respect for all individuals, irrespective of their life circumstances.

P.S. After the incident, Farhad recorded a series of Instagram stories in which she noted that she did not intend to offend or hurt girls growing up without a father, emphasizing that this is a very sensitive topic for her, as her father has passed away: "If my words hurt you, I apologize, as I did not mean it. I myself will never be happy again because of not having a father. On air, I spoke about girls who are deprived of their fathers by their mothers, thinking it is the right thing to do and telling their daughters to 'live a free life.' I would not take the daughter of such a woman as a daughter-in-law."

Nigar Farhad also noted that she is ready to help 30 girls who grew up without a father and help them with employment, emphasizing that she herself is one of them.