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Culture, as defined by Facebook fighters!

By Salima Aman 

A very disgraceful behavior of some people, I would say “ILLITRATES”, on social media compelled me to write this piece. Some brats are defining our culture in such a manner, using such vulgar language, that I simply cannot repeat them here.

Correct me here if I am wrong. Is there any single schooling in the culture of Gilgit- Baltistan that has directed us to use abusive language for ladies? Is there a single teacher who has taught us to criticize someone publicly using harsh language? Is there any single instruction, tradition in our culture, that has justified intrusion in others business? Hopefully everyone is getting what I want to convey.

The second thing, for those people who are playing the role of media on social networks; according to my knowledge I don’t think so Media and social networks are meant to harm and interrupt someone’s personal life rather it is to promote the opinions without hurting ones interest.

It’s a very disappointing moment to go through the compliments by some educated illiterates for the young lady who has participated in a cultural show. It is very easy to pass commentary sitting at your homes. But it is very hard to come up with the guts that she came up with. The lady was in full dress which we call shalwar kameez and was enough to cover the body parts.

What is wrong if she has depicted our culture with a diverse angle?

I think we need to mend our minds and implement our literal education in our lives. My information links me that the basic element that determines any culture is “language”. Isn’t it? If someone is fully confident that they are perfect souls of their culture, then I must say they should have first considered their own language through which they ill-treated and verbally abused her.

Their attitude determines what culture they belong to.

I agree with the fact that everyone is free to speak and criticize but criticize when it is required and makes any sense.  No one has the right to criticize just for the sake of criticism.

In my society I think there are a lot of worse illnesses that need to be considered with real intelligence and permanent solutions. I must suggest to the self-designated patrons and protectors of “culture” to go and provide your wise proposals and ideas on those subjects.

Criticism every time is not the permanent solution for wise communities. We must appreciate our people for their well doings.

Culture can’t be only represented through your get up it has also many more powerful factors; communication is one of them so we need to consider it as well. The lady belongs to Gilgit-Baltistan, the place which is admired for hospitality and respect for their women. Therefore, instead of using punitive and abusive language, you need to maintain your integrity and decency, for which you are known globally.

Our society will be much more perfect if we find our own illnesses and appreciate others rather than assessing them. A healthy criticism should be welcomed which lives some respectable effects.

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7 Comments

  1. — I do agree with every sentences and words of the writer. Criticism should be constructive not destructive, we as a society members can’t stop criticism how we make productive and constructive we have to strive. Criticism for the sake of criticism and destructive purposes we never encourage such individuals. we always welcome constructive criticisms and every one of us should encourage it to build and improve the actions based on the society we live and the society we accept.

    — The writer just narrated his thought well, but only the darker on now how to reduce it for the brighter part we are interested to listen and read here. In conclusion we have to build on it and mend it wherever that required or in a simple way we can say to use it (criticism) as an improving tool.

  2. Being ultra-conservative or extremely westernized, both are two ends of extremism. We all, regardless of gender and age, need to know our limits in any society we live. Culture can be evolved with the passage of time, but that should never mean its values could suddenly be obliterated by another culture’s values, otherwise crimes are inevitable.

    The reputation of Hunza regarding peace was always best in the region because our elders knew how to respect each other, but during recent past we have heard of many crimes including murders in the name of honor. Whenever a person smokes while sitting besides me, firstly, I would request him to stop smoking, and if he says ‘it is my life, I can do whatever I want’, and doesn’t stop smoking, there will definitely be an argument with him and a fight in the end. Because he has to think about other people living around him who are affected. Similarly, if a girl works to provide livelihood to herself and her family then there is no objection, but if she does something wrong in the name of culture which can have wrong impact on our next generations then it is the responsibility of the people to tell her in a PROPER WAY to stop it. If she does it again and again then there will definitely be arguments from ultra-conservative people living in our society, and then crimes as consequences.

  3. Well observed and beautifully written. There are issues which we need to highlight and go for the solution but again there are many who still have their boundaries of their minds. Women is always harassed by those who consider themselves as protectors. We need to come out of our limitations which only leads to negative development of minds in a well educated society.

  4. Well, the results of foreign investments in Hunza specially, in the name of women empowerment or supporting the marginalized segments of society etc through some NGOs, are budding out now. I feel sad to see and realize the future scenario, how naive we are and becoming easy prey. So, please do not generalize the Gilgit/Baltistan/Diamer , say it ; this type of dramas are presented by enlightened and sweet Hunzais and Gojalis mostly, and are expecting to receive good comments , due respects from the rest of Gilgit/Baltistan and Diamer !
    Now, it seems that, we won’t be able to follow our ancient code of Silajin Mo Nang any more…
    Allah Hafiz

    1. Dear bro!
      I agree some Hunzais and Gojalis go beyond the limits and defend their acts as the acts of enlightened and moderated people.Being a Hunzai I want to clarify one thing to you that the meaning of enlightment, according to majority of Hunzais, is not supporting feminism, westernization, obscenity and/or vulgarity. So I request you not to categorize all Hunzais and Gojalis in a specific group of people. Our ancestors lived respectful lives under the guidance of Islam and so will we. People who are trying to gradually suppress our soceity and culture, will soon know the unfortunate consequences, though some small incidents have already started happening. NO ONE WILL HELP THEM as every society/religion has awlays gone through worst times in history. We will try to open their eyes and ask them to look beyond Hunza and Gojal.

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