Samosas aur chai: the comedy of opinions

Lahore’s bustling streets host an eclectic array of philosophers. Enter Arshad, the city’s self-proclaimed economic guru, who, by day, masquerades as a chaiwala. With every frothy pour of chai, he dishes out piping hot economic analysis, much to the delight (and bewilderment) of his ever-changing audience. One golden afternoon, balancing a teacup precariously in one hand and gesticulating wildly with the other, Arshad expounded on the intricate dance between the global oil market and his slightly overpriced samosas. “It’s all connected!” he exclaimed, as wide-eyed listeners absorbed his revelations with a mix of reverence and mirth. The irony was delicious: in a nation brimming with institutions and think-tanks, Arshad’s tea-stall had become the unlikely hub of ‘deep’ discourses.

Much like Arshad’s impromptu roadside dialogues, the current digital age in Pakistan mirrors an expansive version of his evening symposiums. Op-eds, traditionally heavyweights in journalism, have undergone a transformation in this era. Once the dominion of seasoned professionals, today the op-ed space has democratised into an equal-opportunity domain. Renowned journalists share the space with newly minted internet pundits. And with this influx of voices, the lines distinguishing a veteran from a novice have become increasingly hazier with every viral share and trending hashtag.

Statistics from Media Matters for Democracy in 2020 painted a revealing picture. They noted an astounding 65% rise in op-ed publications. While this growth points to an ever-increasing engagement with public discourse, it simultaneously poses a challenge. With such an explosive growth rate, how can readers ensure that the authors truly understand the domains they opine about? Furthermore, the 2021 Media Landscape report compounded this concern. Their revelation that 40% of Pakistani digital consumers often consume content without discerning its quality underscores a pressing dilemma. Are readers imbibing well-reasoned insights or are they being swayed by impassioned yet uninformed rants?

To understand this, one must delve into the core essence of an op-ed. Historically, “opposite the editorial” pieces aimed to present individual perspectives, potentially challenging and offering counterpoints to mainstream views. They provided a platform for thought leaders, policymakers, and even the passionate citizen with a compelling argument. When crafted effectively, these articles introduce fresh views, challenging dominant paradigms, and thereby enriching and broadening the spectrum of public discourse.

However, in today’s context, the challenge isn’t with the diversity of voices but rather the quality and integrity of the content they bring. A well-crafted op-ed, backed by research and experience, can diversify discourse, offering invaluable insights and fresh perspectives. Yet, it’s imperative, now more than ever, for readers to differentiate between personal accounts driven primarily by emotion and those arguments that are factually backed and well-reasoned. Moreover, the sheer volume or frequency of op-eds cannot and should not be a credibility metric. For instance, think tanks provide a spectrum of insights beyond op-eds, which include but are not limited to, policy recommendations, empirical research and comprehensive studies.

Today’s op-ed milieu, especially in Pakistan, presents a blend of profound insights mixed with audacious and sometimes uninformed claims. While Arshad’s roadside economic analyses might bring a sense of warmth, humour and grassroots understanding, the stakes in the digital op-ed realm are monumentally greater. There was a time when getting an op-ed published was a badge of honour, a testament to one’s expertise in a domain. Now, in this digitised age, it’s almost a rite of passage. With platforms freely available, even the least informed feel entitled to share their “expertise”, often without the necessary depth or understanding.

To conclude, op-eds, in their essence, remain potent tools in shaping public narratives. Yet, their impact and influence depend heavily on how they are crafted, presented and interpreted. As we navigate this digital era, teeming with information and opinions, the responsibility rests on both writers to articulate responsibly and readers to discern wisely. In this vast sea of opinions, the challenge for the discerning reader is to effectively distinguish the genuine pearls of wisdom from the mere pebbles of uninformed rhetoric. It’s a daunting task, but as Arshad demonstrates, sometimes the most profound insights come from the most unexpected places.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2023.

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