The debate around the politics of problematic dress codes emerged a few years ago when female students at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) were named and shamed for wearing jeans and tights – or liberal attire, as it’s termed – as opposed to wearing more modest clothing, particularly the dupatta.
The Politics of “Problematic” Dress Codes
It is said that Pakistani universities are promoting vulgarity and Western culture among the youth, decaying the modesty within our culture and skewing students’ mindsets and values. However, will universities ever draw a line on moral policing through enforcing dress codes on female students?
Recently, a private television (TV) channel aired a two-minute twenty-second video footage, of a college cultural show wherein many found much to offer criticism on, particularly in the way of what the female students were wearing. Naturally, the clip went viral, and every last person had an opinion. Harsh words were used against the institution.
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Can One Justify Strong Words?
With that said, however, how justified are these opinions and words? The very existence of the internet may offer one the right to state what he wants – but that also means they have to hear all that can be held against them.
These hypocrites, who stand against coeducation, going around trending hashtags like “Universities Ya Fahashi Ke Adday”, are the same who remain silent on the homosexual, pedophilic sexual assaults occurring in madrassas. They are the same who watch porn, listen to vulgar music, and watch inappropriate movies. But that’s all behind closed doors, isn’t it? And after all, “everyone does it”. Therefore, “I’m right, and you’re wrong”.
The reality of it is – everyone likes to be a keyboard warrior. Granted, the promotion of liberal culture such that our own culture is being left in the background is wrong. However, what is also wrong is a lack of self-reflection, but being quick to point out the other person. Or in this case, an institution.
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Liberalism Vs. Conservatism
With that said, while yes, to a degree, liberalism may be considered wrong, however, one has to realize that at one point, you can’t go around forcing your own notions onto others. At one point, everyone knows the difference between right and wrong. Where they are wrong in wearing inappropriate clothing, the other is wrong in offering unduly harsh criticism. If the freedom of expression exists, it applies to everyone.
Furthermore, one has to give some credit to whatever positivity liberalism has brought. We have to be real – our nation is not the most tolerant towards most things, frequently bordering on extremism in the name of religion. How many killings occur each day in the name of honor? One might say that’s a separate issue, but the truth is, it’s not. It’s a product of conservatism, a lack of desire to be receptive to change. Where religion tells women to cover up, it also gives women rights that they don’t have in this society.
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Need for General Acceptance
Having said that, at the very least, liberalism is allowing for more general acceptance of that which is different from what is conventionally accepted. The internet has presented a picture of many modes of life. Going by without being influenced is impossible, considering how widespread it is.
However, saying that, as extremism in religion and conservatism is bad, extremes of liberalism is no good either. If you have to be a social justice warrior, make it so that it actually helps others. In this case, it would be the right to allow women to live in peace. One must bear in mind, consequences of any action are inevitable, but where willpower is involved, that’s on the person themselves.
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