Pakistan is a beautiful country that comprises of different religions, cultures, and sub-cultures. However, each tradition, custom, and sub-culture is unique and different in their own beautiful way. Regardless, of the diversity, one thing is for sure, racism is an emerging vice that makes the lives of many filled with difficulties.
What is racism?
Racism is basically an act of making a specific community or person be regarded as different on the basis of their color, caste, or creed. Not only is it a repulsive practice, but it is also something that is becoming a second nature of many Pakistanis. From calling someone ‘African’for having a dark complexion to calling someone ‘pathan’ for being simply too innocent or a complete simpleton. Racism is becoming one of the most common aspects of Pakistanis.
ARY Digital & show Bulbulay in hot waters for racism
As these minor glitches slide by, ARY Digital a very profound show becomes the target for criticism as ARY Digital portrays a rather racist joke on their highly popular show ‘Bulbulay‘ where Pashtuns were portrayed as those who are interested in terrorism and drug jesting.
میں فاروق اے آر وائی ڈیجیٹل کی جانب سے پختونوں کی بے عزتی کرنے اور ان کو مذاق میں بھی دہشت گردی اور نشے کے مواد کے ساتھ جوڑنے کی شدید مذمت کرتا ہوں۔
تمام پختون بھائی اس ٹویٹ کے الفاظ کاپی کرکے اس ٹرینڈ میں دو تین ٹویٹ ضرور کرلیں۔
#BoycottAryDigital pic.twitter.com/D0ICjcTUFa— Muhammad Farooq (@its_FarooQK) July 23, 2020
Although, the idea of stereotypically portraying a specific group in accordance with such vices such as terrorism, or drug jesting is purely repulsive. Simultaneously, people are calling them out on their negligence and disregard for the Pashtuns community’s feelings. Thus Twitterati is ever ready to rip the ARY Digital into shreds for their indecency.
In addition, many people on Twitter are pointing out that many famous celebrities of Pakistan are also Pashtuns. Hurting or violating their image by referring to them as terrorists are highly unacceptable and also a great offense. To be honest, that doesn’t wrong, making fun of anyone on the basis of caste, color or creed is by no way justifiable.
This is also why Twitteraties are demanding the producer and the show cast to come forward and apologize for their indecency.
This is the real image of pashtuns. Bilawal Latif Dawar
A 12 year old young boy recently wrote a book on the history of Pashtuns. Shame on Ary to show the negative image.
Bilawal Latif Dawar now regarded as one of the world's most youngest author.#BoycottAryDigital #پشتون_بہ_منے pic.twitter.com/4Yu0PQj0vB— Ehtisham Bangash (@EhtishamBangas6) July 23, 2020
Pakhtun are not terrorist.
If individual person is a Terrorist we can't blame the whole society.
We must acknowledge the achievements of Pathans ❤️? #BoycottAryDigital#BoycottAryDigital pic.twitter.com/9yano62RiG— Awais Qarni (@AQarn11) July 23, 2020
#BoycottAryDigital
If it has happened in any western country, they would have banned the channel long ago. #پشتون_بہ_منے #BoycottAryDigital pic.twitter.com/YJzyysMm9A— Muhammad Yaqoob (@Shinwari1710) July 23, 2020
Twitteraties divided on boycotting against ARY Digital
However, some people have come up with the notion, that this is just propaganda and nothing much. Apparently, so it seems another nation-dividing banter is about to occur real soon.
Unable to find anything against #Pathans in this. It was said that HIS surprise will be like HIM. It was about individual. We are just in a habit of making issue of a non-issue. #BoycottAryDigital is bogus!#ARY brings quality entertainment & content for viewers. #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/L54ruUx4Xx
— Dumbo Talks (@DumboTalks) July 23, 2020
Acha itne c bat par ary band, bewakoof awam, pehlay zardari nawaz ko to phansi par charwa do
.— Mohsin Ali (@Mastrangermaa) July 23, 2020
What is this bakwas #BoycottAryDigital.
It is just a joke in a drama. Aren’t we all cracking Pathan jokes and Sikh Jokes?
Why taking it to the level that it causes uncontrollable reactions? #ComeToSense
— Suspend hogya iMartialBlood-phir say (@SwiftRetort27) July 23, 2020
In the end, it is still a situation of mixed facts and figures; whether ARY digital portrayed racism in their show or not. Either way, the best way out of this situation is to take the high road and excuse. On the other hand, people must also realize that not every situation is worth the hype.
Earlier this year, ARY senior anchorperson Sabir Shakir had predicted that 120 million babies would be born this year as part of the lockdown effect.
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