No Adnan Siddiqui, comparing women to flies isn't just wrong, it's vulgar

Actor passed absurd comments during the Ramazan transmission

Adnan Siddiqui has found himself at the centre of controversy after making a bizarre comment during an appearance on Nida Yasir's popular morning show Shan e Suhoor. The remark not only left the host visibly uncomfortable but also drew criticism from viewers and social media users.

A fly was buzzing around him and Nida suggested that it was perhaps drawn to Adnan's sweetness. He rejected the idea, and responded, "I'm about to say something. Women, don't feel bad about it." Nida, perhaps sensing danger, interjected by saying, "God help us, it's Ramazan."

Undeterred, Adnan continued. "A fly and a woman are kind of the same examples," he said. At this, Nida grasped her head and exasperatedly remarked, "He's going to make me go viral again." Adnan carried on, "The more you run after women, the more they run away from you. And when you sit like this (folds hand over his chest), they'll come sit on your hand like this fly did." In an attempt to shake off what he said, Nida replied, "I don't want to question him about how he's sitting."

Adnan furthered, "When I was trying to catch the fly, it wasn't coming into my hands. When I [sat back], it came and sat here." At this point, it became evident that the host wanted to change the topic of the conversation. "I don't want such straightforward people on my show live," responded Nida with a forced laugh. "Let's move on to the next thing."

While the comment was passed in jest by Adnan, who is known to be humorous and tends to ruffle feathers with his antics, one cannot blame women if they are, in fact, offended by the statement. Women are often robbed of their agency when compared to various inanimate things. For example, women's bodies are often policed by comparing them to boxes with locks, or lollipops, implying that women must keep themselves "locked up" and "safe," which often leads to a culture of victim blaming in cases of assault, or demonisation in cases of the assertion of free will.

While Adnan did not make his comment in the same vein, comparing women to flies is undoubtedly disrespectful. Furthermore, his intention behind the comparison also stemmed from a clichéd and dated way of thinking that is quite unbecoming of any respected individual, let alone a revered star. Not only did Adnan disrespect the vast majority of his dedicated fanbase, but he did so while claiming that women should not be chased, but should simply be left alone, placing the onus of the chase on them and encouraging tiresome mind games. The comment was unprompted, which makes it even more absurd. One truly does wonder what possessed the actor to pass such a hollow and unnecessary statement.

Adnan's remark also comes at a time when discussions surrounding gender equality and respect for women's rights are increasingly prominent in Pakistani society. His comments not only undermine these important conversations but also highlight the prevalence of casually misogynistic attitudes that continue to persist in certain segments of society.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Adnan will address the backlash and issue an apology for his remarks. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting gender sensitivity and respectful dialogue in all spheres of public discourse.

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