The reaction that one expects after having written an explosive story on the gay and lesbian community in Pakistan is threatening warnings and murderous calls. All I got however, apart from that usual list of fiery comments on the article, was a very interesting email suggesting a ‘match’ for me (replete with a bio-data and picture akin to a rishta service).
I honestly don’t know what to make of it especially since the email that was sent to me with this ‘proposal’ of sorts several months after my story was published.The fact that it coincides with my recent change in marital status-and the email states as such- makes me wonder if indeed I should be flattered that I am that good at my job that a reader couldn’t believe that someone who isn’t a homosexual could feel so deeply and sincerely for the cause. Or feel thrilled, as a close friend pointed out, that I am ‘hot enough to incite both sexes’.
My well-wisher certainly found it hard to believe that I could be ‘straight’ and still report with the depth and sincerity with which I had written that feature-and that made me sad. Sad that if you demonstrate good will and an earnest intention towards someone, or a community at large, general compassion has atrophied to the level that people have no faith that you would do good unless you had a vested interest.
Well surprise, surprise.
As a reporter the only vested interest I have is work on a story that creates a stir and is talked about. This is not to say I support the vulgar sensationalism that Pakistani media is increasingly imbibing. Blame it on my academic training as an anthropologist but if I am to pick up a social cause or pen on gritty matters, I will write if I can ‘feel’ it.
Perhaps if we all did justice to our job and not treat it as ‘something we have to do’ instead of ‘something we want to do’, we might be able to bring about serious social reform- even if it’s something as simple as being a mouth piece for the disenfranchised in society.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.
Aw, the blog was too short! I wanted to read more about the proposal!
(What can I say? Media’s vulgar sensationalism has spoiled me)
yes,this is the juvenile mentality of the majority of ppl in our society.if you say don’t murder the ahmadis than you must be an ahmadi,if you say gays and lesbians have as much rights in this world as the straight ppl, do than you must be gay ; if you say atheists and agnostics have an equal right to their opinions,than you must be atheist.
the concept that anyone in pakistan can speak out and defend the basic rights of someone else is an alien concept.our public believes that if u are speaking in favour of someone than you must belong to their community otherwise why would you defend their rights.
self obsessed much?
@Modazul:
what corrupts and destroys societies is when hatemongering religous fanatics sieze power through intimidation and violence and then set out to inflict their myopic viewpoint on the rest of society.what is disgusting is the extreme self-righteousness of religious ppl who have absolute confidence in their infallibility and sit in judgement on others and enforce their regressive ideology on the rest of society.
This is what you get when raised in an elitist out of touch bubble, suddenly you decided to reach out and ‘inform’ the common man. Continue with your ‘well intentioned’ activism abroad if you must or pick a topic to campaign about more relevant to the majority of Pakistan. (social inequality, corruption in the upperclass etc) At the very least if not that, go teach a poor child to read and write or teach at a public school. Your grooming as an anthropologist will be more relevant then this rant on the blog!
Wow you’re work is so amazing. Its the best. But how about you let others say it–and its not a big deal people with vested interests do get attracted to the stories they feel for especially if they are so rare (or unwelcomed) like the one you did…so its nothing that outrageous that you have achieved.
@Aakasa
Brilliant! I am still loughing.
lolx
“As a reporter the only vested interest I have is work on a story that creates a stir and is talked about.”
which text book of journalism did you study?
Decent Reaction of Indecent Proposal…..! keep it up..!
Inspirational !
Now this is what i learned from it: Expand your facebook status like information into 400 words and you can get it published as a Blog !
The blogger takes every opportunity to call her story exceptional, herself hot and how she keeps getting rishtas. please tell your friends instead of the entire world
@Cynical:
And I laughed when I read the blog!
Don’t flatter yourself.
Your blog indicate evolution of conservative Pakistani society to Enlightened Moderation….