Thursday, November 12, 2009

Mixed messages in Pakistan

I was really surprised by this video, not so much because I was shocked that Pakistanis are placing so much blame on the States for the violence and destruction in their country, but because these intimate interviews and the song lyrics of young musicians indicate that even in their heart of hearts many Pakistanis do not believe that the Taliban is the source of corruption. Because pop culture is so influential, musicians are spreading a powerful message by ignoring the Taliban's suicide bombings and assassinations while encouraging conspiracy theories and anger toward the west. The young generation, the educated youth of Pakistan, is key in the fight toward a Taliban-free nation, but (according to this video) they are dancing to anti-west music instead of taking self-initiative toward internal change.

And kudos to Adam B. Ellick, who is a great example of a talented young freelance journalist and who has created quite a few captivating pieces for the NYTimes.

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