I just had a great idea. I should rename my blog as The True Hypocrites. Hypocrisy as has been the case since forever now is the national trait of Pakistanis. In fact, the hypocritical conundrum that we find ourselves is so complex, it has become a part of the Pakistani culture. Disagree with me, anyone?
This time it is Veena Malik. Last time it was Meera. Before we get to Veena Malik, let’s refresh our memories as to why Meera so suddenly shot to fame in 2005.
Meera went to India, and did a B grade movie called something or other (I don’t know, don’t remember, and don’t care to Google it) in which she kissed a Hindu man. Open gaping mouth? Eyebrows arched as if you’re trying to send them to the sky? Heart thumping so fast as if you’ve just run a marathon? Anger and rage bubbling in the pit of your stomach? How dare a Muslim woman kiss a Hindu man you ask? How dare she kiss him on TV? Well to that I say, with her ugly freaking mouth. But that’s not the part I’m interested in. Meera’s case study presents us with certain parameters which will come in handy when we dissect Veena Malik’s case. So let’s look at some of these fascinating points then?
Meera was disloyal to Islam. Obviously she disagrees but we don’t really care, and it doesn’t really matter because no one has ever taken her seriously. She broke all bounds and norms of decency, particularly those which have been set for Muslim women. So yes, she pissed off all Muslims including yours truly. She did what she did. She was abused, fun was poked at her, and well the world moved on. No one questioned her Pakistaniyat; well I don’t remember anyone doing that anyway.
Which brings us to Veena Malik. She too went to India and flirted and did other dirty, skanky stuff with an Indian Hindu man. Very bad you say. She brought dishonour and disrespect to herself, her parents and generally all those women who claim to have a bit of self respect (views from an op-ed on Tribune.com written by some girl). She brought a bad name to Islam. She wore slutty clothes and then came on national TV and cried whilst proclaiming she offered her prayers. No Muslim can deny that. And none have so far. The way she handled the Mufti sahib on TV was a treat to watch none the less. Veena Malik really knows how to hold her own. But getting back to the topic, she wasn’t ashamed of her antics as a Muslim, she wasn’t sorry and for all intents and purposes she will do the same thing again.
As a Muslim I disagree with her. What she did was wrong. And that’s the simple truth about it. But here’s the part where the hypocrites of Pakistan lost me. How did she bring dishonour to Pakistan? Does the declaration that she brought shame on Pakistan define how Pakistanis are supposed to behave? Who anointed these self eulogising dimwits the caretakers of morality in Pakistan? And who decides what a Pakistani is or isn’t? For all intents and purposes, Veena Malik did a great service to her country. She showed the world exactly what it wanted to see: That Pakistani women are more than just burqas and shawls and captivity.
Those people who have gotten on Veena Malik’s case because she shamed Pakistan and Pakistanis are the biggest hypocrites of this country. They all watch Indian soap operas, and Indian movies. They all go dreamy eyed when they see Katrina Kaif shaking to the tune of ‘Sheila ki Jawani’. These are the same people who watch porn day in and day out. These shameless hypocrites who act as if they are the upholders of morality are the same people who rape women for pleasure and fun. Where does their morality go then? For a walk amongst the trees of Changa Manga? Or are they after Veena Malik because they couldn’t digest the fact that a Pakistani woman could do what the Pakistani men are notoriously famous for and that too on Indian television?
I disagree with Veena Malik because my religion does not allow the behaviour exhibited by Veena Malik. But as a Pakistani, I have nothing to say to Veena Malik. She did what she thought was right. That does not mean she ruined Pakistan’s image. She would’ve ruined the image if she had murdered someone in front of a camera, or blown herself, or threatened to kill someone because the other person disagreed with her. No one can tell what being a Pakistani is. This is the same country that mourns the loss of Black Label Whiskey when it goes short, and this is the same country where men and women get together and do stuff that you only see in R rated movies. So really, the hypocrites need to put their own houses in order before you know, calling Veena Malik ‘beghairat’.
