Despite gaining our independence from colonial rule 70 years ago, our white saviour complex is still intact
ISLAMABAD: The past year or so, we have seen Pakistan become a social media sensation as the upcoming tourist destination. Many bloggers and influencers have made their way to our country in bids of representing a ‘positive image’ of Pakistan.
A few like Mark Wiens were even invited by the government to boost tourism. However, unlike most bloggers, he kept his show fairly limited to the food — as per his expertise, and as is his usual practice — and undoubtedly did a great job at showing Pakistani street food and the different cuisines present in the country.
However, many other bloggers and influencers have undertaken the role of what one might term the ‘modern white man’s burden’. They have taken upon themselves to represent the ‘positive’ side of Pakistan.
They often post and centre their content around statements such as ‘do not believe what you see on the news regarding Pakistan’. While it is refreshing to hear a different perspective regarding Pakistan, what is most irksome is when these influencers take this as a duty upon themselves. They even talk about how grateful Pakistanis are for their visit, and how the citizens often thank them for their service of showing the world the ‘real Pakistan’.
This sentiment is particularly troubling when it is echoed by the urban educated citizen. Despite gaining our independence from the colonial rule of the British 70 years ago, our white saviour complex is still very much intact. As a country, we equate praise by the white person as the hallmark of achievement.
We even offer them opportunities that our own influencers can make better use of, as they do not have the same global viewership and can use that support as a boost in their career. We do not even give our female population the same liberty and respect that is given to foreigners; and when, due to their privileged experience, they claim how safe the country is for women, we are quick to call out our women for only showing the negative side of Pakistan.
Before we worry about our image in the international sphere and rely on outsiders to save it, perhaps it is best to acknowledge our shortcomings and value our own heroes.
Lubna Mariam
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2019.
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