Re: Pakistan and New Years
You're a young male. Which means increased testosterone levels. Which means that you're the best target for the maulvi who wants to brainwash you into believing that the west is oh-so-bad. Hence many of the sermons some of the masjids have in which certain western tradtions are declared haraam. Why? You are easily wanting to attach yourself to any cause presented to you which can increase your agitation since the cause is highly controversial. You are like a pit bull who is ready to fight tooth and nail, and the brainwashing wala maulvi loves this, because any fodder he feeds you, you'll pick up and defend like a loyal pitbull.
When you get older and you have more worldly experiences, and you meet more people, and when you have kids, many things that once moved you and excited you in your youth just dont bother you anymore. If you visit this thread in your 30's, you might just laugh at all the posts, and shake your head and go back to following wifey's orders.
Not to mention that you are an immigrant most likely dealing with identity issues. Since Pakistani culture isn't well defined, you've found Islamic culture, which to you, if its not in the Quran or in a hadith and not being talked about at the masjid, then its haraam and you need to stay away from it. This boosts your sense of belonging because you feel like there is an EXCLUSIVE community you belong to, which does not border any practices with any other cultures.
So your feelings of "I am so all that and a bag of chips" are enhanced.