Among the many effects of colonialism are self-pity and self-hatred. Self-pity refers to feeling sorry for oneself as well as blaming others for one’s own mistakes.
Self-pity justifies personal weakness. So, when we say cheating and corruption is a Pakistani trait, we implicitly justify a sense of collective self-pity.
Self-hatred on the other hand is about hating one’s own culture, traditions and customs. When comparing our society with western or eastern societies, like Japan, we fear being a victim of self-hatred. Still we indulge in cultural romanticism without being self-critical.
We consider the West as rational, patient and disciplined — and that it acquired these characteristics through knowledge and science. While we are always keen to take advantage of their innovations in science and technology, we are also the first ones to attack and dismiss them.
We have an abundance of free time. We use it to dishonor others to protect our own honour. We don’t use this free time to gain knowledge, be charitable, and build human relations. We are not investing in happier times.
We believe religion is the only source of our morality. We also believe our culture more than religion makes us distinct from the West. We say the West is devoid of morality and invented slogans, like “madar Pidar azadi“. The fact is no human society has this kind of moral freedom.
Here, corruption, incompetence, sexual abuse, injustice and more are rampant. We have made no progress in science, philosophy or free thought. We have banked on moral hangover, and that too is fading fast.
Here, a five-year-old girl is raped and killed, women are paraded naked in markets and a son can kill his mother and not be punished. Further, religion is used to persecute minorities and tribalism is celebrated in the name of culture.
We have an abundance of free time. We use it to dishonor others to protect our own honour. We don’t use this free time to gain knowledge, be charitable, and build human relations. We are not investing in happier times.
