Let’s kickstart this theme of dialogue by clarifying that I’m not pro, a certain gender. I don’t repudiate the claim that women throughout the globe, especially in the third world, suffer inordinate ordeals and tribulations at the hands of men — and other women. I’m certain this last dictum might ignite the feminists and cerebrally mutilate the feminazis, but someone’s gotta stand up for the boys.



Ask me as to whether I have serious concerns about men’s issues and my retort will be in the affirmative. I am apprehensive about how black men in the US are treated, like 22-year-old Oscar Grant who was savagely beaten and ultimately slain at the hands of ‘supposed’ authority. I worry sick about Muslim men, born and brought up in the West, who despite their patriotism towards their country that’s as much theirs as any other white man’s, are progressively being alienated. I also get perturbed about the treatment meted out to disabled men, autistic men and men who are scarred by negative body image, as well as about male victims of sexual exploitation and male fatalities of domestic abuse — yes, I do care about each and every one of these guys.



Whirling back on point, don’t you think that men in Pakistan and worldwide are faced with the impossible contest of living up to the perception that guys should be resilient yet sensitive, successful but not acquisitive, and compassionate yet rugged and masculine. Have you ever grasped as to why most suicides globally are committed by men? Or were you too ignorant and insensitive to believe that only women can be victims?



I don’t think I need to say more. But I will.



Have you ever pondered that, like women, even men often aren’t permitted to have a candid interest in anything without being mocked for it? If a guy digs rap, he’s ill-advised; if he enjoys heavy metal, he’s trying too hard; if he reads comics, he’s a geek; if he clocks in gym sessions, he’s insecure but if he doesn’t sweat it out, he’s lazy; if he has self-regard, he’s haughty — and if politics is his thing, then he’s an irrational crusader.



Ever observed how when a lady is smacked in the face, the ever-so-empathetic media is ready to portray this as a form of ruthless mistreatment (and rightly so) — but, when a man is slapped, it’s indisputably symbolised as comedic. If you believe misandry doesn't exist, you're a misandrist. Something to think about.



Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2016.



