Stereotype # 15 - Pakistani's are extremely intolerant!

Why is it that in most cases, the majority supersedes and gets to have a dominant say in most matters but when it comes to negative ideas/thoughts/stereotypes, the views of the minority seem to spread like wildfire. A limited set of people end up making things difficult for everyone.

The intolerant beliefs of the people and the negative actions of a few are more publicly reinforced, while the major chunk of Pakistan that does not wish harm on anyone is sidelined to the extent that people start questioning whether tolerant Pakistani's do in fact exist or not.

Here is the reality,

Not everyone in Pakistan is on a spree to target those whose religious views differ from theirs. Generally, people from the various sects and religions live within the same locality in peace and with no disagreements what-so-ever. It is the blood game that has been going on in Pakistan that ultimately makes it difficult for Pakistanis to live in harmony.

Pakistan came into existence keeping the rights of the minority sects in mind. The minorities in Pakistan have as much right on the country as any Pakistani Muslim. Pakistan is their home too and to say that all Pakistani's are intolerant to the point where they cannot accept other religions, is wrong and stereotypical.

So here's busting the stereotype!

Stereotype - Pakistani's are extremely intolerant!   Status = BUSTED!

Stereotype # 2 - All Pakistani’s Hate Indians

Three words – No we don’t!

Or at least, not all of us do.

Pakistan has a lot in common with India; both being multi-cultural countries that share more than just a common border.

Born just a day apart. The not-so-quite twins!

Natives from both the countries looking almost alike.

Make a Pakistani and an Indian stand shoulder to shoulder and you wouldn’t be able to discern one’s national identity from the other.

No such thing as a communication barrier.

Then how can you possibly hate one of your own?

For Pakistani’s reading this post and bloating with angry, ready to burst and vehemently disagree, here’s the deal. There could be a possibility of you just being indifferent towards India rather than blindly hating on it.

So I repeat, not ALL of us hate India.

We love to groove to the beats of Honey Singh!

All of the latest Indian flicks make Pakistani’s throng to cinemas in hordes!

Our shaadi’s are incomplete without medley dances, Bollywood style!

And this is just the cinematic and musical aspect of our not-so-hateful relationship with India.

I had an opportunity to visit India during my final year in school. As expected, I had been exposed to loads of politicallyand historically motivated BS about India by that time (Courtesy: History Books). However, I crossed the border with as much enthusiastic about India as I would have about visiting any other foreign country for the first time. By the end of the 12-Day trip I had learnt important life lessons. Best of which was, it doesn’t take much to hate on someone, but it definitely takes a lot to like someone who you’ve been taught to hate since pretty much the time you first opened your eyes into this world.  

So in conclusion

India is beautiful, its food is almost as good as ours. :D A little non-veg but with the same tarka and spices! :D

The people there treat you like you’e royalty. I’m pretty sure we don’t get such treatment in any other foreign country.

Pakistani's and Indians have the potential to form beautiful friendships.

And lastly, just like we don’t all hate India, neither do all Indians have Shiv Sena in them.

Hence proved,

Not all Pakistani’s hate Indians.

Stereotype - All Pakistani’s hate Indians. Status = BUSTED!

PS: For those who do in fact hate India, because I am aware that exceptions exist, maybe all you haters could shift yur attitude a bit. How about going with the Plain White T’s “Hate is a strong word, but I really really really don’t like you.” ;)

PPS: We don’t all hate India, but a Pakistan vs. India cricket match and IT IS WAR! :D