Cultural diversity, an offshoot of globalisation is evident in the media content especially in the hypnotic power of the TV morning shows and telefilms that impair our ability to detect our own sense of individuality and find our distinctive culture amidst the chaos. Such shrewd acceptance of diverse cultures is Christmas day when the morning shows host contested with their opponents to celebrate Christmas morning to their utmost, coupled with many one-act telefims which showed no reluctance to introduce the superficial glamour of Christmas celebration.
An acting Santa Claus was present on every morning show, distributing gifts in beautifully wrapped colourful glaze papers and streamers decorated all around the set add a great deal to the magnificence to the occasion. Many of the spectators, especially the young ones fall for this carrot and stick tactic; gift giving fiesta magnetises people of all age groups.
In the midst of being mesmerised by this superficial revelry, we tend to forget the humble nature of our own two festivals as we see nothing supposedly attractive in them. Rather, one might think that celebrating Christmas along with our own festivals blurs the distinction between them and as liberal individual of this globalised world we pay equal homage to every occasion without questioning their moral and spiritual worth.
Celebrating Christmas whether being inspired by its outward show or playing an active role as a liberal individual embracing diverse possibilities with astute acceptance, is blasphemous because people celebrate their particular festivals to show their piety and devotion to their respective religion. As a Muslim we should be proud with our two festivals and celebrate them according to the confines and festivity authorised upon us by our religion; we should respect the festivals of other religions but not go a step ahead and celebrate them with equal revelry and joy.
HADIA MUKHTAR SINGAPURI
Karachi
