Since the inception of Pakistan, our concocted culture has always been germinated by the sown seeds of colonialism. Now, it is a high time for us to relish the food we have been growing since the ages. The proliferation of western culture in our society has blessed us in many ways. It must be highly regarded after all it has connected us with our forefathers. Fundamentalists are still there in their own heavens. Moderates are still confused. Optimists are still there in the wilderness of their thoughts. But the colonialists are never tired of blessing us.
And the tools of colonialism have changed over time. Now in this changed game, there is no concept of losing, retaliating or winning. There are no opponents in this game; instead the game is being played by the natives themselves. The success of this veered colonialism lies in the fact that it goes in compliance with our very own, so called, cultural requirements. In this veered colonialism, we are satisfied rather feel proud in sneaking through our original identity.
In colonial days of the British Empire, British governments used to send their representatives in this part of land to control us. Those people were either the members of their parliaments or civil servants. But this veered colonialism offered us a change. The players of the game have changed. New pawns have been introduced in the field. This introduction has always been productive since its induction. Natives are playing this game as substitutes in a very well manner.
Recently, the rules of the game were modified. Now, the natives can also dictate the governments while living abroad. After all, the serving natives are to be protected from harsh weather conditions. So, the serving natives may continue to serve, but despite all harsh circumstances the patriotic spirits of native servants compel them to visit this piece of land of ours. So, they occasionally satisfy their patriotic spirits and visit Pakistan. The myth of Nawaz’s visit to England is still to be unfolded.
The veered colonialism is working efficiently in our concocted culture as it provides it with a fertile land. Our people can easily be controlled emotionally. Here rationality doesn’t work. The players of the game understand this very well. But our people are very busy. Our people are working hard in combating with their personal complexes. And in third world countries, people again and again become the victims of colonialists.
We people are brand-conscious. We people are busy in checking-in to five star English hotels in order to combat our inner grievances. We are trying to raise our standards of lives by using the second-hand standards of colonialists. Hence we are losing our own cultural identity and players are successfully playing their game.
The blogger is a student of English Literature at Government College University, Lahore.