In the age of social media, it has become easier than ever to share our opinions and perspectives with a global audience. However, with this ease comes the responsibility to be mindful of the impact our words may have on others. Recently, a post on Twitter by Priyanka Chopra, has sparked a debate about national identity and the importance of acknowledging it.
Chopra congratulated Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy on being the first person of color to direct Star Wars, mentioning that Sharmeen is a South Asian. This tweet has raised questions about the role of national identity in an increasingly globalized world and the responsibility we have as public figures to respect and acknowledge the cultural identities of others.
Celebrating Cultural Identities
It is essential to celebrate the cultural similarities between regions, and artists who promote cultural exchange should be encouraged worldwide. Pakistani culture, particularly Punjabi culture, shares many similarities with Indian Punjabi culture, and it is vital to recognize and celebrate these similarities.
However, it is equally crucial to acknowledge that forcibly enforcing a particular identity on a region can be problematic. In this context, Priyanka Chopra’s recent Instagram story congratulating Pakistani director Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy on her Star Wars directing gig seems to have a certain sense of pretense about it, considering her past actions.
Not too long ago, Chopra celebrated the cross-border attacks by the Indian military on Pakistani soil, which led to a significant backlash from Pakistanis. When questioned about her political stance by a Pakistani citizen, Chopra replied dismissively, “you’re only embarrassing yourself.”
Hypocritical Behavior from Priyanka Chopra
To single out her Indianness when she feels appropriate and her SouthAsianness when she feels appropriate can be seen as hypocritical. It is imperative that public figures take responsibility for their actions and their impact on society, and it is our duty as a global community to hold them accountable.
Pakistan’s cultural richness comes from a variety of traditions, languages, and music, including Punjabi, Pushtun, Sindhi, Baloch, Chitrali, Gilgiti, and Urdu speaking communities. These cultures have evolved over centuries, blending together to create a vibrant and diverse society. Therefore, it is essential to defend its uniqueness and highlight its distinctiveness.
Moment of Pride
For Pakistanis, in particular, Sharmeen’s success is a moment of immense pride. Her work has consistently shed light on important social issues and highlighted the resilience and strength of marginalized communities. Her global recognition and acclaim are a testament to the talent and creativity of Pakistan’s artistic community, and her success paves the way for more Pakistani artists to break into the international film industry.
We are all Equals
Defending Pakistani culture does not mean that we should think less of Indian culture. Both countries have unique and valuable cultural contributions that should be celebrated. However, it is unacceptable for opportunistic celebrities like Priyanka Chopra to conveniently capitalize on Pakistani culture while simultaneously ignoring and dismissing it.
In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to support and celebrate cultural diversity. Pakistan’s cultural contributions are a vital part of its identity, and we should defend them aggressively against those who seek to erase or co-opt them. Let us embrace our unique cultural heritage with pride and work towards building a more inclusive and empathetic world.
