Case 1
A: Hey! Did you see that latest episode of Sang e mar mar on Hum TV last night?
B: Hum TV? Oh no, I don’t watch Hum TV dramas
C: What?! Are you seriously kidding me? Who doesn’t watch Hum TV?
Case 2
A: Come here, lets take a selfie
B: Yes sure
*A takes out her phone*
B: You want to take a selfie from this phone? Who uses these old phones anymore? Iphone is the latest trend
Case 3
A: Why are you wearing a long shirt? No body at this party is dressed like you
B: I like this shirt I just got it made for this party last week
A: You got it prepared last week yet you didn’t know the trends were of short shirts these days?
You might have come across many scenarios like these in your life especially here in Pakistan. Whether you like it or not, you would be one of these three people:
1: The person following the trends happily
2: The person following the trends being scared of the thought “the society won’t accept me if I don’t”
3: The brave person living his/her own life just the way they like i.e the stereotype breakers
I, for one, belong to the third category and I am sure many people would want to jump from the 2nd to the 3rd category but do not know how to take that step. This piece of writing is to help them and make them realize that of course the society will accept you. Why wont it? Stop thinking about “Log kia kahen gay” and enjoy your own life.
Following are some of the modern day stereotypes that I, unlike many of you, don’t follow.
1. I don’t watch dramas
Yes, that’s true! I don’t like to watch dramas. In fact, I don’t even like watching TV that much. You must be wondering what I discuss with my friends then? Well I do watch movies and there are plenty of other stuff one can discuss with friends than just dramas.
2. Developed photos > Snapchat stories
In my opinion, developed photos i.e hard copies of your memories, are way better than those snapchat stories you upload. I mean, think about it; later on, after so many years when you will want to see your memories with friends, would you be more likely to open an album or search for pictures? Another thing, why not enjoy the moment first rather than just uploading stories and missing out on most of the stuff. Sure, it will be captured through the camera but not directly with your eyes.
3. What is your most visited site?
FB ofcousre! Right? NOT. Yes people, my most visited site isn’t Facebook. Its Google. I search so many things from movies to quotes to crafts to informative articles to anything I desire. Well I too use FB but not like a lot of people out there.
4. My favourite subject is English yet I am not a grammar nazi
“Their” “there” “you’re” “your” “than” “then” Who doesn’t like correcting others like this especially when you are good at English yourself? Me! Yes people why discourage someone in the comments in front of everyone?
5. I don’t have my earphones plugged in all the time
Like most of you, I don’t listen to a lot of songs and music. A friend once asked me “how are you even alive if you don’t listen to songs everyday?” Really? Is it oxygen? No guys you can try and really breathe without it. Yes I tried and I am alive. I do plug in my earphones while traveling though but not all the time.
6. I am becoming a doctor yet do not consider them the highest creatures on Earth
I have seen so many people praising the professions they are in. Engineers would say they are the best. A business man would say they are at the top. A teacher would think there is no better job than teaching. Even doctors, some actually consider their white coat as something very highly. I for one consider myself like all the others.
7. I love Pakistan
I am a Pakistani, a patriot. I am not like most people who decide to leave Pakistan as it is the worst, they claim. Guys why not try to improve and take steps yourself in order for its betterment. After all, it is our country.
8. I am a bright student yet I do not study 24/7
I don’t know why it is a thought that bright students study all the time. I don’t and I am positive many others agree with me. We do enjoy our life. We go out with our friends. When we are contented with our enjoyment we also find time to study during the exams.
9. Pink is not my favourite colour
Yes, its not! I am a girl and do not like pink. I am also not very fond of shopping and other girly stuff. Period.
10. 1 like = 1 prayer
I have never liked any such picture. How can a like be equivalent to a prayer? Why not genuinely pray for it. I have also never forwarded those messages saying “forward this to 15 people or you will die.”
I sometimes wonder who even comes up with these stereotypes. How it goes in peoples mind that following these trends are necessary otherwise how we will be accepted. People! Come out of your shells already. This is the 21st century for crying out loud! Nobody will judge you as long as you are happy and comfortable. Good luck in breaking the typical stereotypes.