'Women too oppress men': Sheheryar Munawar's take on societal expectations

Actor shares that toxic upbringing results in men becoming emotionally detached and abusive towards their wives

Pakistani film and drama industry’s renowned actor, Sheheryar Munawar, has recently sparked a discussion on social media with his candid views on the societal pressures faced by men.

In a past interview that has gone viral, Sheheryar addressed the double standards and emotional suppression that Pakistani men experience from a young age.

Sheheryar pointed out that Pakistani men are often conditioned not to cry, being taught that men do not feel pain and should never express their emotions. This upbringing, he argued, results in men becoming emotionally detached and, in some cases, abusive towards their wives after marriage.

"When men are told not to feel pain or cry, they become very harsh, leading to domestic violence," he remarked.

The actor emphasized that this societal norm begins in childhood, where parents discourage boys from showing vulnerability, expecting them to be brave and strong. This conditioning continues into adulthood, where after marriage, wives often do not allow their husbands to express their emotions.

"Wives tell their husbands that if they lose their job, they should just get back up and start another job," Sheheryar explained.

Adding more depth to his argument, Sheheryar highlighted the immense responsibilities placed on men, which prevent them from expressing their true feelings, leading to significant personality issues.

"Men are burdened with many responsibilities and are not given the opportunity to express their emotions, causing deep-seated problems in their personalities," he said.

Moreover, Sheheryar did not shy away from addressing the other side of the issue, stating that in Pakistani society, there are also women who oppress men. He noted that the oppression men face from women is often unspoken and unimaginable.

"There are many women in our society who commit acts of oppression against men that we can't even imagine," he stated.

This interview has ignited discussions on social media platforms, with many users debating the societal norms and pressures faced by both men and women in Pakistan. Some users praised Sheheryar for bringing attention to these issues, while others criticized his views, arguing that the struggles of women in a patriarchal society are far more severe.