Who judges our aesthetics and values?

Well, in the pre-modern era, the works of most learned or culturally superior artists were set as standards of beauty

Value judgments can only be formed by people advanced in aesthetic culture. For this purpose, no satisfactory criterion has yet been made, especially in Pakistan, upon which to rate the aesthetic or ethical value of advertising, media, music and film. Who decides whether a certain comment on a TV show, or a tagline on a billboard advert is ‘in bad taste’? If our pop culture fails to display elegance, maturity or refinement, can we expect that from our children?

Well, in the pre-modern era, the works or decrees of the most learned or culturally superior artist were set as standards of beauty. They did paint or sculpt depictions of sensuality and sex; however, common lewdness and mediocre obscenity never managed to be among the highlights of the era. In the modern age, a false sense of equality has been enforced upon society which lures some inherently inartistic people to assume that they possess the sophisticated judgment of an artist, who has devoted decades to art. These inept folks preoccupy the country with their vulgar displays of money and power, only to drain what’s left of any humanity from our bones.

This false pretension of possessing culture, when significantly inculcated in a society can only result in its downfall. When a businessman establishes value on a piece of art by patronising or buying it, he inadvertently influences society. That honor should remain alone with the artist.

A renaissance in Pakistan

I don’t advocate for a downright acceptance of Bohemianism (or other unconventional lifestyles) in our country — although, liberties in that area would do much good to placate some repressed and dangerous minds. But I do wish that the pursuit of the arts, literature, poetry, music, dance, and other areas pertaining to the humanities, is accepted holistically by us all. When our parents expect us to be civilised, well-mannered and refined, they must also allow us to avail certain freedoms. Culture does not become magnificent when the youth from birth is conditioned into believing that artistic pursuits and a generous income are mutually exclusive.

Only a culture that is mature and advanced has the ability to stand up in the global arena and command respect. Even the economy, when buttressed by a rich, refined and value-laden culture thrives and flourishes. In all, society leaps somewhat, into a Renaissance, with an explosion of creativity and development. The time-period is decorated by virtuosos’ brushstrokes and musical compositions that depict the essence of the age.  From ‘Renaissance’, the Florence of Da Vinci and the Medici family come to mind. Will Pakistan reveal a Da Vinci from within? Or are the Medici-like families of Pakistan willing to usher in a period of prosperity and glory? You might have an answer already. But I’d say give our new generation a few years…

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2016.