Eye Opener: An Indian-American Visits Pakistan

[Contrarian]

Re: Eye Opener: An Indian-American Visits Pakistan

@Med911

You-are-right-sir…

But this is a common trait amongst many developing countries. They are often hyper sensitive to praise and criticism.

Its interesting the comparison one can make between Indians and Pakistanis. Both are sensitive, but in opposite ways. Pakistanis seem to have become nonchalant about criticism but fall over themselves in appreciation. Indians on the other hand, seem to have gotten used to compliments, but still exhibit this hyper sensitivity to any and all perceived criticism as well.
Note the recent controversy over Opera.
Does Opera really deserve so much attention?
BBC News - Oprah Winfrey attacked for ‘ignorant’ India special

I am not a sir . But I agree with your assessment. Guess after the recent strides made by India, they want the overall perception to acknowledge just that, with little to no reference to India’s underbelly. Anyone remember the criticism over Slumdog millionaire?

@chaibiskut

I think because the country has a huge PR issue, any positive feedback is considered a welcome break from media bias/popular misconceptions. It’s a brief reprieve from infamy. Damage control, if you will. Personal needs for validation aside, there’s a lot more to cross-border stories. There’s an underlying theme of reconciliation here. I think for Pakistanis, a nod from India is distinct from say, props from Britain or America. It’s akin to being acknowledged by an estranged sibling with whom you share a painful history. It justifies the staggering losses of Partition when the status quo often makes you wonder if it was worth it. And the sentiments seem to be mutual. Some time ago I happened across the YT video of Shahid Afridi calling Pakistani reporters out on their inherent Indian-bias. I’m not even up to speed on Pakistani politics or sports and I was moved by his indignation. There were pages upon pages of comments from Indians expressing heartfelt surprise and appreciation. Some were downright emotional, people were in tears. Why would Indians need ‘validation’ from us? They don’t, per se. Because this has less to do with inferiority complexes and more to do with celebrating our common humanity. People on both sides are tired of being dehumanized by politics.

ps. Of course, he had to screw it up shortly thereafter when he was interviewed on another channel about his trip across the border by saying, ‘no one can have hearts as pure as Muslims.’ But it was nice while it lasted.

The thing is this feel-good factor does nothing in sorting out the real issues. Ok fine, we need positive reinforcement, but shouldn’t we seek it through some tangible outcomes? And this cross-border reconciliation is going on for more than a decade, I guess, and yet Pakistanis are still not satiated of their desire to be acknowledged by Indians.

ps. That Afridi episode only confirms that people on both sides tend to be overly melodramatic over trivialities and why bollywood is as successful as it is.