Hina Bayat criticises 'bakwaas war' over boycotts, wants social media to be used effectively
In a recent circulating TikTok clip that made its way to X, actor Hina Bayat shared her perspective on the ongoing trend of social media boycotts, stressing the need to use existing platforms as tools rather than resorting to blanket boycotts. The snippet from the Adnan Faisal podcast, which is part of a larger conversation and may have more context to it, features Bayat expressing her thoughts on leveraging social media for personal benefit and betterment.
Addressing what she called a "bakwaas" (useless) war happening online, Bayat critiqued the prevalent trend of boycotting brands like McDonald's and Starbucks. She remarked, "There's a very bakwaas war going on right now. Allow me to use the word bakwaas. In which many people I know are also involved. That ha ha ha ha, don't eat McDonald's, don't drink Starbucks...But, they'll use social media. They'll use Facebook and Instagram."
Bayat urged a pragmatic approach, stating, "Tou jahilon se main yeh kehna chahti hoon...You can use anything as a tool for your benefit and betterment." She emphasised the potential to utilize social media strategically, highlighting its role as a powerful tool rather than a source of ridicule. The star pointed out the irony of individuals boycotting certain products while actively engaging on the very platforms they criticise.
"If you are in such conditions where God has permitted haram to become halal...then you can eat whatever you want, even that which is not allowed. Similarly, this is a weapon, use it, and use it right. What kind of jahalat is this that you are ridiculing it?" she questioned, drawing attention to the need for a more nuanced and practical approach.
Initially, the clip received a certain amount of backlash. The edit of the clip seemed to suggest that the star is against boycotts and wants people to keep using various available assets as tools. "It's disappointing to see people not realising the importance of the boycotts," commented one X user. "What is she trying to say?" questioned another. "Social media is a tool to raise your voice. But McDonald's and Starbucks serve no purpose other than to increase belly fat. False equivalence."
Its disappointing to see people not realising the importance of the Boycott
— c (@gayomarlic) December 10, 2023
What is she trying to say??
Social media is a tool to raise your voice. But McDonalds and Starbucks serve no purpose other than increase belly fat.
False equivalence.However, as time went on, people watched and rewatched the clip, thinking there may be more to what the star was seen saying in the short snippet. One X user, who posted the initial TikTok clip with the caption, "What's wrong with Pakistani celebrities?" stated as a follow-up "Guys, she might be trying to say that don't boycott social media, but use it as a tool instead. I listened to it multiple times and tried to understand."
What's wrong with Pakistani celebrities pic.twitter.com/nT4ppXy4IN
— Pakiza🦋 (@amir_pakiza) December 10, 2023Guyz she might be trying to say ke social media ke bycot na kre blke as a tool use kre, I listened to it multiple times and tried to understand 😭😭 https://t.co/2FAH4tBMzE
Another user of the microblogging site said, "What is so hard to understand? I didn’t find it confusing at all. All she said is to boycott what you can and keep using social media, which is also a product of them, to raise your voice." Yet another added, "I think she is advocating [for] the boycott and criticising those who make fun of it. Got to see more for context."
What is so hard to understand? I didn’t find it confusing at all. All she said is to boycott what you can and keep using social media, which is also a product of them, to raise your voice.
— Sabaat K (@BaharonkoSabaat) December 10, 2023I think she is advocating the boycott and criticising those who make fun of it. Got to see more for context
One more user of the site formerly known as Twitter shared, "She didn't word it the best way but I think this is pro-boycott. She's saying that she's against people who say, 'But you use social media!' as an excuse to not boycott anything else either, if I'm not wrong." Yet another shared, "What she said is perfect, you just chose not to understand it. She’s quoting those who say this crap and she’s saying don’t boycott social media, use it as a tool and as a weapon to further your own message. And you’re making fun of her. Get with the program."
she didn't word it the best way but i think this is pro-boycott - she's saying that she's against people who say "but u use social media!!" as an excuse to not boycott anything else either . if i'm not wrong https://t.co/oFqWfOwOLV
— rameen (@rameenwhile) December 10, 2023What she said is perfect, you just chose not to understand it. She’s quoting those who say this crap & She’s saying don’t boycott social media, use it as a tool and as a weapon to further your own message. And you’re making fun of her. Get with the program.. #HinaBayat #Gaza https://t.co/z8ECCtATPo
Bayat's commentary reflects a broader conversation about the effectiveness and implications of online boycott movements. As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public opinion, Bayat's call for utilizing these platforms responsibly and intelligently resonates with those navigating the complexities of digital activism and advocacy.
Have something to add? Share it in the comments