Modernity is not Modesty

The world is moving fast and evolving at lickety-split speed. People are trying to modify and harmonize their life accordingly. Sometimes too much exposure and knowledge leads to disorientation.

Culture plays a significant role in every society. The art, language, and religion of a community represents its culture. We are blessed with rich, exquisite and long standing culture in Pakistan. However, with growing influence of the west, it has not only permeated us socially and politically but also influenced our minds and customs to such an extent that we are losing touch with our roots. Subsequently running the risk of forgetting our heritage and basic principles of our religion.

Media has played a helping hand in spread of westernization throughout our country. People want to emulate everything they see and wish to be identified as bold and modern. The values which were instilled by our forefathers are slowly and gradually eroding. It is rightly said by Dr. Sarvepalli; “Civilization is what we have, culture is what we are.” Culture is the mind and behavior of a society. It defines what we are and represents our nation at the global platform. Therefore, it is foremost to preserve our norms, language, dressing and values.

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There is a growing mentality that the more you expose, the more modern you are. But being modern doesn’t always mean that you ignore your moral values and religion. These days, people have the mindset of judging others as modern by looking at their lifestyle. This so called modernity has changed our outlook towards life that’s degrading our belief system. First question that we all need to ask ourselves; does our religion allow this? But nowadays no one seems bothered as social media is exploiting masses in a way that they don’t see any moral falling in it, passing same to the future generation as well as crippling the already weakened culture and values.

TV programs are leaving a negative impact on the youth and encouraging them to adopt the western culture. Especially, the dressing worn by most of us, is not part of our religion. Why unnecessarily promote foreign dressing, language and culture? We should be proud of our heritage and identity. Never let it go as it represents us on a collective basis. Does western world promote our clothing and lifestyle in their movies or dramas?

No! then why us? Why there is an underlying complex wearing our own clothing?

I guess it is not cool anymore, but we can make it hip again by using and promoting them. Two times Oscar winner, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, is a shining example who chose to wear eastern dresses on both occasions, highlighting Pakistan’s rich culture.

We have seen our celebrities especially the female lot complaining about being trolled on social media platforms for their clothing. Let me be very honest with these celebs that whenever you cross a certain threshold in promoting so called modernity, be ready for the repercussions and backlash. Modesty is part of Islam and maintaining it will bring peace and benevolence to you. If you are putting yourself out on the showcase then the audience has all the right to judge. You are taken as role models by many, hereby, I say try to adopt your culture and inspire our young generation.

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Another serious issue at present linked with this modernity is drug overuse. According to a 2015 world drug report, teen addictions from western countries were found leading by a good margin.

This hazardous trend is seeping into our younger generation that is trying to embody modern era via drug usage.

Peer pressure and false sense of adventure push more and more to embrace drugs. This leads to spread of erratic behavior in the society. Eventually, people in such societies consider nothing inappropriate and it becomes the new culture, making them forget old values.

REMEMBER: Adopting certain aspects of western or any other foreign culture is not forbidden or worthy of frowning upon but, blind adoption of certain aspects will do more harm than good.

We must respect our Pakistani norms and not completely capitulate to the western culture. The obvious question being, how can we pass on our culture to future generations? We need to promote our language, dressing and values on all communication channels. Remember, it’s all about building the correct perception and perspective. Given the right direction, same media can positively influence the minds of people.