Fashionable Politics

Well it seems as if the educated youth of Pakistan have finally decided to take matters in their own hands. The recent demonstration in Lahore showed just how desperate we are for change. While this may seem that ignorance is slowly being eradicated, the reality may be slightly different. Are the winds of change blowing or is it that people have just realized that political affiliation can be used as a fashion statement.

Let me just ask the readers few questions: Do you support Imran Khan and think that he would make a good leader?

Do you know what Imran khan’s Position on Iran?

Do you know how Imran khan proposes to solve the water crisis?

While many of the readers might have given a very enthusiastic yes to the first question, I’m ready to bet that the other two questions would have been met with vague suggestions or no answer at all.

This sort of rallying behind a political leader is very common in all parts of the world. Most people are simply “Politically Charmed” by candidates, which is very effective as most people don’t really follow news or are aware of the issues which is quite sad as these people form a majority and more than often make a person or party win. I will take the most famous example in history which is of Che Guevara. He has become a worldwide symbol of rebellion but very few people know that he was a doctor and supported Marxism (which the world now completely denounces). Another good example is the election of Barack Obama, did anyone know he would cut the health budget?

So is Imran Khan the Che Guevara of Pakistan? Let us examine why most people like him. Or why he’s appealing to the youth. Firstly he is very good with words. His arguments are short crisp and mostly make sense. Compare this with other politicians who talk about fruits or say “degree tou degree hoti hai chahe jaali ho ya asli’.

Secondly his personality is very refined. He looks and behaves like an educated person as opposed to politicians who scratch themselves on TV shows, fight in the assembly hall, or sing and dance when giving a speech on TV.

Also, and this is probably what appeals most to people, he is a rebel. He is a renegade on the loose. And this is what we love about him. It doesn’t care what hes saying or how feasible it is or how did he logically come to that conclusion. What matters is that he’s disagreeing with the government.

So to conclude I would just like to say that while it’s good that people are realizing their potential power to bring change. Its good to see that the urban youth is finally becoming active, it should not be done blindly, no matter if its Imran Khan, Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King. Always be aware and informed.