YouTube and objectification

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Yousuf Raza Gilani, the new PM of Pakistan, appears to have given a high to both moral-keepers and political book-keepers. A video clip on YouTube shows him repeatedly brush his arm against [an anatomical part] of another PPP member, Sherry Rehman. He did this during their rally days. Of course, the past always chases people, especially when they are in power. But I do think Pakistanis should stop whining about this. If it construes harassment—and it does—then Sherry Rehman should be protesting loudly, as loudly as she shouts “Jiye Bhutto”. She ought to put an end to this cyber tamasha because she is looking like an object here, not the guy.

Am wondering: What if he had not become the PM? Would this clip—[whether authentic or not]— have become so “popular”? No.

May I ask why? It’s still the same crime, is it not?

I must admit I have been out of the loop, so am unaware of what the Pakistani press has been saying about it. But taking him on over this incident will make no sense. Morality has larger dimensions. [Yet], what people do in private is crucial, and reveals their value system. True, this sort of vulgar display is uncouth and unbecoming, but then if Gilani is a groper, he might do it within the four walls, at private parties where no camera will capture it.

(In India we do recall ‘super-cop’ KPS Gill’s antics where he slapped the bottom of a senior IAS officer, Rupan Deol Bajaj. The idiots in power and the media said this ought not to come in the way of his role as a ‘national asset’. She took him to court and although he got away with a light sentence, a strong message had been conveyed.)

If Pakistan is really concerned about its public image, then it ought to drag this man to court on [legal charges of]... molestation.

Impeach him and get back Musharraf!!

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