History tells us that wherever traditions hold sway, the onus of family morality falls on the woman. Pakistan, as we saw with Qandeel Baloch's tragic murder, isn't kind to women who take charge of their lives. It's a bit harsher towards women compared to some other places. There's still this idea that feminism is only for women who can't find husbands or that it's a tool from the West to mess up Muslim families. It's sad that it was a big deal in the news that Qandeel's father wanted her brother punished for her murder.
Can people really be killed because of choices others don't like? Qandeel Baloch was a social media celebrity from Pakistan known for her bold and provocative content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. She garnered attention for challenging societal norms regarding women's behavior and expectations, often posting content that was considered controversial in the conservative Pakistani society. She openly expressed herself, addressing issues of female empowerment and individual freedom, which led to both support and criticism from various quarters. She was tragically killed by her brother in what was reported as an honor killing. The motive behind her murder was primarily attributed to her social media presence, which was perceived as dishonorable by her brother and some members of her family due to the nature of her posts and public image. Her death brought attention to the deep-seated issues of honor-based violence and the societal pressures faced by women who challenge traditional norms in Pakistan.
I believe that women today are caught between old traditions and new freedoms. They're taking risks to live life on their terms. More and more women are making choices that clash with old beliefs. Things like marrying for love, pursuing careers, leaving bad marriages, running away, or choosing different family setups can upset families and communities. These choices are seen as damaging their honor. Over thousands of honor killings happen each year in Pakistan. Beyond being perceived as damaging to family honor, women's choices challenge the established order, threatening the status quo. This fear of change and the loss of control prompts extreme actions that are justified under the guise of preserving honor.The people doing these killings, like fathers, brothers, or husbands, feel hurt in their pride. They're supported by village leaders who think killing is okay to protect honor. But it's not just about controlling women. These murders happen for many reasons: money problems, unhappy marriages, even if a woman is raped. It's about keeping things the way they've always been.
The role of social media in Qandeel Baloch's story was pivotal. She became a well-known figure solely through her presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, rather than through traditional avenues like film, television, or music. Her persona, 'Qandeel Baloch,' was essentially created and popularized on social media. She gained attention by openly challenging societal norms, especially regarding sexuality, which was unheard of for many in Pakistan. Qandeel's case highlights how social media has the power to bring transgressive behavior into the public eye on an unprecedented scale. In a pre-social media era, someone like Qandeel might have remained unknown. Her journey from a small village to national and international recognition solely through social media illustrates its ability to transcend societal barriers and influence mainstream media and public attention while traditional media struggles to catch up with this new reality. But at the same time, it makes me think was social media the major reason due to which Qandeel got killed as social media amplified her visibility and controversies.
Qandeel Baloch's life showed how media can challenge norms, but also revealed the resistance against unconventional voices. As her legacy echoes through time, it urges reflection on the evolving nature of fame, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of both media and society in embracing diverse voices without fear or prejudice.Her story highlights the clash between traditional expectations and individual expression. It's a reminder for us to respect diverse voices and navigate the changing landscape of fame and freedom of speech with empathy and understanding.
|Qandeel will be remembered for her brief rise to fame through the unregulated platform of social media