- Being aware of your privilege is not enough
I would like to congratulate the likes of Ismat Raza Shahjahan, Ammar Rashid, Jibran Nasir and Ali Wazir — those who dared to run a campaign which was based on a critique of the system, wanting to make a genuine ideological difference as opposed to just wanting to obtain power within it.
I did not have the option to vote for any of these candidates in my constituency. This is a dilemma that most of us faced – having to pick exclusively between candidates representing the two dominant parties – PTI or PML-N. Voting is considered a moral and nationalistic obligation. To not vote is considered a lazy privileged rebellion which serves no purpose. If you believe in making a political difference, you must vote. It is your right, if you do not have the ink on your thumb which demonstrates the exercise of this right then you must not speak of rights at all.
This predominant rhetoric meant that even if you did not support PTI or PML-N, you were left with a choice of having to pick between who you consider less deplorable. Make an informed decision based on the manifesto these parties had to offer. PTI it appeared, had the most public approval, constantly being argued was the fact that Imran Khan is anti-corruption. He genuinely wants to improve the economy of Pakistan and his case is made stronger by the fact that the leader of PML-N is facing corruption charges.
It has become abundantly clear to me that corruption is exclusively contextualised in terms of capital. Working upon Making Pakistan a “respectable” nation, where we can ensure that people are provided the most basic of rights. Identity politics however are left completely out of the equation – identity politics are considered a luxury. It is not deliberated that communities are marginalised, deprived of basic rights, not just on basis of capital, but also on how they identify.
PTI it appeared, had the most public approval, constantly being argued was the fact that Imran Khan is anti-corruption
The people of Gilgit Balistan do not have the right to vote – this has been highlighted and yet you are still expected to celebrate the PM elect, because at least you still got to make a choice. The deprivation of voting rights is considered secondary to improving upon the economy of this country. I would like to highlight here that critique of deprivation of voting rights is not idealistic. You chose to over-look it because of your own privilege.
There are communities that continue to be ostracised, legally and culturally in Pakistan based on documentation. The Ahmedi community, the Christian community, the Shia community and the LGBTI community have been subjected to violence which is narrowed down to a result of “jaahil awaam” acting volatile and resorting to illegal measures.
What we fail to understand is that violent subjugation is politically and legally validated when leaders are vocal about their fascist views, especially when they campaign. These views however are not held accountable. It is one thing to suggest that minorities can and should be empowered in a grand speech, the idea appears to be golden, it has to be applauded and appreciated. It is contradictory to however support a legal system in the same breath, which is responsible for marginalising the very minorities that you speak of. Hate speech and marginalisation is not just a result of outright violence. It is also justification of a legal system, lacking in empathy as you have not experienced similar circumstances.
I did not vote for PML-N. I agree that the party is corrupt. I refused to vote for them because evidence has shown they have been detrimental, especially to the working class.
I do not belong to the working class and that makes me privileged. I am critical of my position in this society. I will not continue to participate in oppression by voting for PTI. On top of it I will not deem Ahmadi, Shia and LGBTI violence as minor issues which can be dealt with later just because I am safe.
My decision to not vote is not reflective of my privilege. It does not make me apolitical. Instead my decision is a critique of the system which creates this privilege.
I agree that being aware of your privilege is not enough. If you continue to benefit silently, you are complicit in oppressing the marginalised. Knowing it to be wrong is not enough. However to assume that not voting amounts to letting the system exist as it is, that you have failed to do anything substantial is neo-liberal form of indoctrination at its best.
My critique of voting only extends to those who come from a similar privileged position such as mine. I cannot speak for those who are disadvantaged and oppressed, I cannot pretend to know that experience and hence I do not get to judge the decision which that results in, especially if it results in justified anger.
