The power of challenging voices is taking effect: Sania Saeed

The actor has commended changing attitudes on ‘colourism’

Pakistani actor Sania Saeed has never been the one to shy away from speaking up. Being a veteran in the arts and entertainment world, the Sang-e-Mar Mar actor has always brought attention to issues and stereotypes that have been prevalent in the creative sphere she works in.

One of the most talked-about issues in the industry these days relates to discriminatory beauty standards; more specifically, colourism. After being called out for decades by many, including Saeed herself, the powers that be on both the content and advertising spectrum appear to have taken notes. As a result, change, albeit at a slow pace, is being observed.

The latest instance in this regard is a prominent fairness brand changing its name to promote inclusivity. Talking on the matter in a recent Facebook post, the Mor Mahal star stressed the importance of challenging pre-conceived notions on a continuous basis. “It has been a while now that a discourse on colourism started. Activists, some media practitioners and many from the public have spent years arguing against it. Small resistances to open discussions went unheard for a long time,” Saeed recapped the struggle.

 

It has been a while now that a discourse on colorism started. Activists, some media practioners and many from the public...

Posted by Sania Saeed on Sunday, October 4, 2020

The actor and activist highlighted that, “Centuries of complexes takes at least decades to be recognised and understood.”
According to the Manto leading lady, the move is nothing short of revolutionary. “Changing its name says two things: The discourse is seeping in and the power of challenging voices is taking effect.”

Saeed then went on to give the brand in question props for finally heeding the call for “political correctness.” She said, “I have been working in the media industry for a while now and I have never seen a product change its name for political correctness. So kudos to the brand too, for accepting the mindsets and aligning themselves with it.”

The Sammi starlet celebrated the move as a win as she concluded her note. “Here’s hoping that the change in name is just the beginning of challenging beauty standards and supporting breaking of stereotypes.”

Fellow actor and activist Nadia Jamil also shared her two cents on the matter. Much like Saeed, the Damsa actor had an optimistic outlook regarding the brand’s decision. “As women, we are conditioned to idolise a much colonised, stereotyped image of beauty. Being in the business of narrating stories, it’s not always easy but so essential to ask people to challenge these stereotypes,” she said. “One must not lose hope as we may very well be witnessing a much-awaited revolution, one that has taken time but is happening and here now.”

Jamil deemed it as an “important step” in countering colonial complexes across the region. “The name change is one of the important steps that needed to be taken in order to challenge the crushing gora complex we suffer from as a nation. Hoping to see other brands becoming more inclusive in their communication,” she said.

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