Judgemental?

As individuals on a microsomal basis we are quick to judge, to pass sentence, to form and air an opinion on matters of all kinds on the double. On a macro level our society collectively loves to condemn, because in doing so, in belittling others, in trying to prove them wrong, we get a sense of our own goodness, a confirmation of our own salvation, a verdict of our being the chosen people.

The recent Maya Khan fiasco is a case in point. What makes a TV morning show host play moral police/vigilante in city's begone parks? What kind of a mind thinks up of a show on this theme exposing people on camera as though they are doing something morally illegal? And, even if they are? is TV the forum to dispense justice? What is ailing our sick minds? What did Maya think or is she under delusions and illusions of all sorts as her name implies?

Maya is out of a job and rightly so, not because she made a mistake, but her refusal to accept that blunder and apologize to the viewers unconditionally. How very arrogant and self-righteous is she, and I am very sorry to say, as a certain section of our society. We are adamant at whatever stance we take, for to retreat and accept that we have done something wrong is perceived a kind of weakness! Is that twisted or what? We love to act out la Taliban style, but we are unwilling to rethink our actions and show remorse?

I am not suggesting that we are the only people who are quick to judge, no, but we are the only people who love to do so and its one of our best past times, the judging and ripping of all others who may act differently than us, because we believe, that there is only one right way to think and act that is ours!

The fact that Maya is fired is some salvation. It goes to show that we will not tolerate la Zia regime repression, but the very fact that she being a woman even thought up of something this malign and her producers supported her is depressing to the hilt. Who do we actually think we are? Virgin Marys?

Intolerance is in our nature, or should I say our nurture. Our schools teach Islam in comparison to other religion ( and I know that for a fact as I have a school going child). We start off by saying that ours is the best religion just as other religions say of themselves. But, we go a step further, we ridicule other beliefs and creeds especially the Hindu belief in worshipping idols that hits home as a personal affront (why is anyone's guess?) Hinduism is a great religion and like every great religion it teaches the same tenets of being good, of the difference between good and evil, of how to live the good life. But all we can say to their ancient philosophies and exquisite lore of myth and grandeur is that they worship animals and statues???? For the record, the statues are ritualistic symbols of god as they understand it, and the manifold manifestations of god in animal forms is the affirmation that god is in everything, he is everywhere, and is all inclusive. Does it ring a bell?

I read the other day in a national daily that in Rawalpindi, a hate campaign is being launched against the Ahmedi community. How pathetic are we? Instead of concentrating our energies on what we believe, why are we consumed with hatred of others? The poor persecuted community of Ahmedis is given a wide berth in the UK where they also have their own TV channel and are free to practice their beliefs. Islam is not in danger if they believe what they believe? so why are we so paranoid?

How are we better than the next person? How can we pass judgements on anyone? who do we think we are?