This would not only encourage them, but its success would also inspire others to follow suit
ISLAMABAD: Comic books shape the narrative of a society through glossy pages and intriguing images. This is why people, often children, who read them are highly influenced by them. As a result, it becomes increasingly important for writers to not only be politically correct but also create a narrative that benefits all — especially the marginalised segments of society. And it’s great to know that a Pakistani comic book titled Basila & the Street Crew is on its way to do that.
After the success of the comic series Team Muhafiz that I thoroughly enjoyed reading, Azcorp Entertainment recently launched Basila a story of an orphaned girl who is raised by a transgender woman. It’s perhaps, for the first time in the country’s history that a children’s book would portray transgender people as humans. Previous renditions of including transgender people in the mainstream through dramas or movies — usually for adults — have played into the stereotypes of how our society portrays them rather than treating them as equal being and citizens just like the binary sexes.
Efforts of creators behind the comic book should be lauded by everyone and supported by a simple gesture of just buying the book. This would not only encourage them, but its success would also inspire others to follow suit. Let’s not forget arts or literature, in particular, paves the way towards a better much progressive society.
Wafa Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2017.
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