Sehar Tariq
There is dancing on the streets of Pakistan. In markets, in malls and in restaurants, groups of young people are breaking out into dance. And it’s wonderfully choreographed and spectacularly synchronized. But what are we dancing for when there is so little to be happy about?
The dancing is part of Coca Cola’s new advertising campaign in Pakistan. The phenomenon is called a flash mob and has been used a marketing gimmick in Western countries but I believe is being done for the first time in Pakistan. The company has hired groups of young people both boys and girls (yes girls too!) to dance to the new coca cola jingle in crowded public places.
It begins with one person breaking out into dance and strategically positioned “onlookers†joining in. Towards the end there are about ten people dancing. The dancers seem to be in their twenties and urban middle class youth, probably belonging to the more privileged segments of society given their trendy clothing.
The dance is fun and I cannot help but tap my foot to the upbeat music of the jingle. Also, I cannot help but be amazed at the courage of these young people dancing on the streets in such times. Yes, it’s a corporate gimmick and yes they must be paid for it but given the rising levels of intolerance in our society towards things like music and dance (especially where it involves a performance by both men and women together) it’s still pretty brave.
The locations are carefully selected. So far it’s been performed at more upscale locations in Lahore and Karachi where the crowd is more likely to be accepting of the co-ed dancing. But a group of performers performed in Liberty market in Lahore where there was no crowd screening or control.
It takes courage to perform in public. It takes even more courage when there are small but violent segments of society that are opposed to such artistic expression and have exercised violent means to put an end to such performances in the past.
What is heartening is that so far there have been no reports of any kind of violence or aggression against the dancers. Lots of videos up on you tube show, surprised Pakistanis looking at the dancers with amazement and then some even joining in with clapping or nodding or tacit smiles and in the rare case by joining in the dance!
Indeed there will be segments of our society who will claim that this must be stopped as it’s against our culture and this is an exercise in corrupting the morals of our society. There will be those who claim that this is foreign propaganda. But I believe it is an expression of our cultural evolution. The popularity of music and dance from around the world is evident in Pakistan. And while we might deny it, music and dance remain deeply entrenched in our historical and cultural legacy as well as in our displays of happiness at festivals even today.
As I see these talented young Pakistanis dance with such skill and gusto and enthusiasm, I cannot help but feel a sense of pride. The numerous complements of non-Pakistani friends on the sheer creative genius of Pakistanis and their dancing abilities also did wonders for my Pakistani ego. After all, whoever these young Pakistanis are, they do a pretty good job and would put even top Bollywood dancers to shame. And the effortless and carefree joy with which they dance makes me nostalgic for gentler and happier times in Pakistan. But as I watch these young people break out into dance I cannot help but smile as I look to those around them.
There is something strangely heartening in watching people letting go of their fear of expressing joy in public and joining in the fun. It reminds me that our spirits have not been entirely crushed by the recent years of terror and violence. It makes me proud that we still have the courage to view with tolerance a form of expression that we might not approve of. It gives me proof that we are more tolerant than the world makes us out to be. It gives me hope for a better future.
I absolutely fail to understand why people keep feeling the need to reference Islam in their arguments where in almost all instances they really have no idea what they are talking about regardless of which side of the fence they are on.
The way I see it is that Islam takes very clear position on almost everything that deserves a mention. In 95% of the cases matters are either halal, haram, mustahib, mukrooh etc. There is something called Urf…something along the lines of customs of a society…but even that’s not entertained if the customs of a society go against Quran and Sunnah.
I think its pure hypocrisy to be bringing in Islam to support your argument be it conservative or liberal, when you really never bother to understand the basics of Shariah. If you are going to bring in Islam, then let Islam drive the argument and if you are going to seek support from your culture then please keep Islam out of the argument.
In all the events I have read about the sahaba, one thing comes out pretty clear and that is that they were never hypocritical…if they accepted Islam, they accepted it in its totality with heart and soul.
Our predicament seems to be that we haven’t deep down in our hearts decided where our heart and soul belong!
Adil Najam’s site deserves better substance than articles delving in the depths to link carbonated water commercials to our cultural evolution.
God help this mediocre Jiala mentality!
Pakistan Zindabad!
Why we Pakistanis are so ashamed and embarrased about laughing, dancing, singing and enjoying life. Why we have made our God so un merciful that he will do unmentionable things to us for doing the above activities. He is not doing to for the rest of the globe. Why we are so scared of letting our wemonfolk sing and dance. Has it become a part of collective psyche that we are collective idiots?
Progressive? Bold? Give me a break!!!
Bold? No, more like baysharam. Others may disagree, but this is not in line with my cultural and religious values. My litmus test usually is, will I be comfortable watching this spectable with my father, or mother. No, absolutely not. Will I like to see my daughter or son do this on the street? No absolutely not.
And please don’t label this as liberalism or progressiveness. It’s not. There are better ways of being liberal. Adopting only the worst parts of western culture does not make you a liberal.
I know we have people here with a wide variety of beliefs and opinions. The article is suggesting that dancing is an integral part of “our” culture. I am just voicing my opinion by saying that it’s not part of mine. So please, speak only for yourself.
And there’s nothing “heartening” about watching people dance for money. You have got to be kidding me. Isn’t that what mujras are?
1) These people didn’t hurt anyone …. then why don’t we have more strip clubs they don’t hurt anyone do they? and let these people’s mothers and sisters work there … as that will put loads of smiles on a lot of people….
2)telling the ATP comment policy says no personal attacks… sorry did u mind if I put ATP in caps…
3)you still did’nt answer my question, did Prophet SAW his companions and his family dance in the market place or not?
if they did I would love to go and join them.
4) still there are no versions , your theory of going to babji and maulvis is flawed, because you find me any Aalim either he is a sunni, shia, sufi or salafi who says dancing of females in public is halal, I would have no problem accepting it but if you cant find any, then you know within yourself that you have taken a wrong stance.
5)Nobody is pushing their version, its simple if you want to haven these things then don’t say it has anything to do with religion don’t try to fit this in religion.
6) Since when are we asking anybody about their opinion and not the experts since when the DIY is introduced in the faith.
7)@saad >Bangash … when did he say that they doomed fir hell and the video is extremely evil, always with arguments you need to provide proof ,dalaail
8)@ according to jk … “The only people who hurt others are the ones who try to enforce their own personal interpretations of morals on each other.” In Islam anybody’s opinion doesn’t count , either its me, you or any tom dick and harry …. only Allah and his Messenger SAW opinion counts, when you cant find anything then you ask the Ulema’ not a tv host but a proper Aa’lim .
I don’t have any personal issues with anyone as we already are so divided.
@Saad
You are pushing your version of Islam in which this video is extreme evil. Others disagree.