Home  »  Economy & Education • Featured • Original Articles   »   Sow hate, reap terrorism: an appreciation of Shezad Roy’s courage – by A Z

Sow hate, reap terrorism: an appreciation of Shezad Roy’s courage – by A Z

posted by Asif Zaidi | March 6, 2013 | In Economy & Education, Featured, Original Articles

Shezad RoyI found it encouraging to see Pakistan’s famous singer, Shehzad Roy, talking publicly against the hate content in the country’s text books. The uproar against Mr Roy from the Islamist and the right wing lobbies, including political parties, is nothing unexpected. What is more remarkable is that a person like Mr Roy is willing to stick his neck out to address one of the major problems in Pakistan – the curriculum prescribed by the government(s) to be taught in the country’s educational institutions. We need many more like him.

I have maintained for a long while that if Pakistan has to survive it is imperative that it confronts and fights the culture of hate prevalent in the country. Now, often this culture of hate starts touching a child’s life in the child’s household as an increasing number of people continue to subscribe to country’s culture of polarization and extremism. However, to me, the single biggest service to extremism is still provided by our textbooks, which afford a child his first encounter with what he truly regards as knowledge.

As religion is the foundation of the Pakistani state’s political ideology; it is also a key area of Pakistani education in which students are taught the interpretation of Islam. Hence, there is clear connection between the violence -especially that inspired in the name of religion- in Pakistan and Pakistan’s education curriculum. Even though, to most of my fellow countrymen Pakistan derives its legitimacy from religion, religion does not have to form an overwhelming part of the country’s curricular content.  If at all, Pakistan was supposed to be a country where Muslims would be free to practice their religion and not a melting pot of religious indoctrination. Misplaced ideology has engendered this country’s quest to be the leading Islamic power and the protector of the faith around the globe. It is now disturbingly apparent that Pakistan has become the hotbed of Muslim militancy and a disproportionately large number of the world’s terrorists, acting in the name of Islam, have been born or indoctrinated and trained in Pakistan.

However this ideology and the resulting curricula were significantly boosted by military dictator Gen Ziaul Haq, who many hold responsible for sowing seeds of discord in Pakistani society on religious and ethnic lines by stuffing school curricula with material that promoted hatred now manifested in the shape of extremism, intolerance, militancy, sectarianism, dogmatism and fanaticism. During Zia`s regime hate material was incorporated into curriculum to inculcate the spirit of Jihad among the Pakistani as well as Afghan students to prepare them for Jihad against the Russian forces. Most of those curricula continue to linger.

What is most important to note here is that it is well night impossible to teach a young mind to hold, let alone balance, contradictory impulses like learning to hate some people’s guts and yet be full of love for others. Or to think of oneself and one’s religion as unequally superior and to not to consider others and their faith as inferior. Or that our religion is a great uniting force, whereas all others are evil dividing forces. A child being imparted such educational campaign is being brought up more than just to despise Jews or Hindus, he is being taught how to hate in general. Tomorrow Shias or Sunnis can also replace Jews and thus the shadow of his malice begins to fall within his immediate reach. When children are taught that it is fine for them to harbour hate or contempt for someone, they subconsciously start paying attention to the negative aspects rather than the positive. When that happens, a child won’t notice the good traits or actions of the others he considers as different, but focusses instead on anything that can be framed in a bad light. If a child is taught to despise a people over nationality or religion, this initial lesson in outward hostility doesn’t just stop there. It also moves towards other people throughout his life as the hate instilled in his very core gets hoisted on to anyone he considers as different or ‘flawed’. We are thus shaping an adult who will be at ease in freely dishing out his/her feelings of dislike towards a lot of people. It is fitting to think of such early indoctrination as hatred bootcamp.

I have also seen that children who are not taught to think for themselves at an early age then grow up to live in a state of denial of all inconvenient truths and facts. This is exactly what has happened in Pakistan. Conspiracy theories and the readiness to throw labels on people or religions provide a perfect refuge in denial. When the kids have been marinating for twelve years or more in the notions of superiority and religious righteousness, it is extremely difficult for any international university or life’s subsequent experiences to reverse or obliterate the effects.

Unfortunately, questioning and getting our syllabi changed is a forbiddingly uphill battle to undertake, but given the enormity of its importance for our future, each one of us has to play a role. Only the curricula that are absolutely committed to tolerance and pluralism can produce an generation educated in true respect for diversity.

Given that each province has its own textbook board, which reviews and approves textbooks for use in both public and private schools, I do hope that provinces like KP and Sind can lead the way in breaking free from this legacy of hate and extremism in the guise of education and knowledge.

Meanwhile, we need many more people to echo Mr Roy.

Comments

comments

About The Author

AsifZaidi

Latest Comments
  1. Roger

    Despite audacious, Shehzad Roy has remained ambiguous about defining the existence of hatred in our national curriculum. Islam teaches us exclusivism on the basis of theory that only 2 kinds of nations are living in this world. If this is what Roy refers to, then allusively he is also demanding that Muslim children should be kept away from the Holiest book of Islam– Quran; because I believe that Quran enjoins us to not make Jews & Christians friends.

    If this is the case, it would be infinitely presumptuous of anyone, who vaunts about his intellect, to say that despite the ruling of God, one should keep Jews & Christians & pagans their friends; it’s all personal…. Despicably pathetic sense of intellectualism.

    -
  2. Akhtar Naqvi

    Every sensible person would agree that faith is a belief inside one’s heart between him and the creator. No doctrine from Wahabi Salafi will be able to change it. Mr. Roy is doing the real jehad raising these issues to public awareness. I commend him for these efforts and express my disagreement with fanatic idealogy and terrorism.

    -
  3. Hasnain

    I both agree and disagree with Roy’s PoV. I guess including islamic teachings in curriculum is not necessarily a bad thing. However, I do agree that history is often misreported in our textbooks. Muhammad Bin Qasim’s arrival, Mughal Emprie and Mahmood Ghaznavi’s attacks were and should be viewed and narrated more from the perspective of political struggle than religion. One may always demonize their actions, but through out the political history of this world, often its the victor who writes the account of history, not the defeated. Furthermore, the victorious need not necessarily show mercy on his subjects. Having said that history is never fair or unbaised because its written by humans who are always driven by biases. I hope that the government could ammend the history to reflect more realistic view of events.

    -
    • Syed AliMouvia

      it was jihad you can never delusionised as a political struggle , and from which part of Islam would you bring a liberal block . ISLAM IS JIHAD AND SO IS A MUSLIM’s LIFE !

      -
  4. Syed AliMouvia

    oh wow , so now the ‘marasies’ would design our coarses. Better people dont actually send their children for this education . let me ask .Mr Roy , on which part of Pakistan , does he find people riding 3-4 lack harley davidson ? then this means he himslef is creating a devision. ? or is potraying Pakistan , what it really isnt ! this Kid wasnt having good time in his music career , so instead switched on to become a source of audibility to those who want , to spread seculirism , while labeling it as TOLERANCE. let me tell you one thing, i am a student , going for gcse , and today if am a slightest of a ‘fundamentalist’ as you may call it, its because of the literature , i read that was supposed to be o1 syllabus. oops , thats creating radicals but you wont dare to change innit ? because , you simply can’t .

    -
    • AFLA Farooqi

      Sir,
      If you sow poison seeds you are going to get hell. Muslims like to create problems for them….and like big mouthing hatred against the weak.. Remember “The weakest in the crowd is the loudest”….same goes to the brain washing bull crap ones read in social studies regarding muslim conquering and other bull crap…. but at the end of the day muslims are as week as a new born baby…usa can come and fuck any muslim country big time…saudis are bitches of america and so are others…we only like to hurt the minorities……but i am afraid a time may come when the minorities may take arms against you…and nothing but humiliation and defeat would be your destiny…

      -
  12. lmvwclejl

    Sow hate, reap terrorism: an appreciation of Shezad Roy’s courage – by A Z
    almvwclejl
    lmvwclejl http://www.g638wqbmrrkstna790e8w87088a45f13s.org/
    [url=http://www.g638wqbmrrkstna790e8w87088a45f13s.org/]ulmvwclejl[/url]

    -
  47. camisa hollister mujer

    Spain is a country which actually works to help you achieve all your dreams. When you get to Spain, you will be able to find accommodation quite easily. However, it is very important that you consider an option before you leave for Spain.

    -
  51. jordan 13

    The next time I read a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as considerably as this one. I mean, I know it was my selection to read, but I essentially thought youd have some thing intriguing to say. All I hear is really a bunch of whining about some thing which you could fix when you werent too busy looking for attention.
    jordan 13

    -
  52. cheap air jordans

    Oh my goodness! an stunning article dude. Thank you Still I’m experiencing issue with ur rss . Do not know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there any person finding identical rss dilemma? Everyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
    cheap air jordans

    -
  53. jordans for cheap

    This web site is honestly a walk-through for all of the information you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll undoubtedly discover it.
    jordans for cheap

    -
  55. MBT Scarpe online

    If you put on few of MBT shoes, in the beginning, you may possibly feel a little bit of stiff, but inside of a week, it is going to be conformed to a person and be incredibly comfortable. No matter how long you will definitely walk, if you might be wearing these boots or shoes, your feet and back is not going to get hurt.MBT Women’s Kipimo Clog

    -
  56. nike air max 90 sale

    Normally, most of these websites will have a “manpower” or “jobs” page that you can click and direct you to a new page where all of their job or internship opportunities will be listed.
    nike air max 90 sale

    -
  57. nike air max 97

    Then continue to improve it.
    nike air max 97

    -
  58. ray ban rb3025

    Yet there is no doubt whatsoever that, given the universal antipathy to monetary inflation at the time, such a move would have triggered sheer panic and bedlam in what remained of the financial markets.
    ray ban rb3025

    -
  59. ray ban glasses

    While the outer dial is marked by Roman numerals at all hour positions.
    ray ban glasses

    -
  60. Geraldine

    What i do not understood is actually how you are no
    longer actually much more smartly-appreciated than you
    may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore
    significantly on the subject of this subject, made me in my opinion imagine
    it from numerous various angles. Its like men and
    women don’t seem to be fascinated except it’s one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga!
    Your personal stuffs nice. At all times maintain it up!

    Feel free to surf to my weblogg – homepage; Geraldine,

    -
  61. fastest wow gold

    I received a set of the Timeless quite short fastest wow gold just for Cristmas during brown most consideration the high cost is costly yet theese cheap wow gold are perfect buy wow gold they certainly what precisely these are created for i’ve had quite a few fake pictures but none of them consultants examines many people maintain fett cozy clothing and they take a look amazing i probably would reccomend oredering any proportions decrease since they are massive sizing cant hold out to generate one other set i’m going to get that memorable an individual ever again but also in your proverb colors i actually tips everypne that’s npt of course approximately purchasing a combine to have these individuals these are superb

    -
  62. michael kors handbags clearance

    View a weight loss look at functionality.
    michael kors handbags clearance

    -
  63. ray ban 3016

    I’ll tell you about that in a minute, but first.
    ray ban 3016

    -
  64. ray ban rb2132

    How It Works For healing effects, this therapy involves application of light energy to affected skin area through the use of a LED (Light Emitting Diodes).
    ray ban rb2132

    -
  65. ray ban canada

    If she has entirely revamped her wardrobe and is carrying far more expensive clothes, if she has transformed her hairstyle or hair colour.
    ray ban canada

    -
  66. ray ban 4147

    So, retail investors will probably not be able to enter trades online and will have to personally have to contact their broker in order to place those trades.
    ray ban 4147

    -
  67. ray ban 2132

    The number of alcoholic beverages it takes to reach intoxication differs from person to person, so you have to know your own personal limits.
    ray ban 2132

    -
  68. nike air max white

    It is produced in the skin and then turned into the “active forms” in two steps by the liver and kidney.
    nike air max white

    -
  69. michael kors messenger bag

    Write day after day to actually briefly.
    michael kors messenger bag

    -
  70. ray ban 3016

    Always maintain driver comes with a advent, a right normal, and there is an option; and therefore is really maximum in your mind the gang are you dining.
    ray ban 3016

    -
  71. ray ban 2140

    ” He said I don’t *need* to lose any more weight, but that a once-a-week fast of injesting only water for one day could prove very beneficial.
    ray ban 2140

    -
  72. ray ban uk

    Lastly, don’t forget to have weather appropriate jackets or coats, warm shoes, hats, and mittens for winter months.
    ray ban uk

    -
  73. ray ban 3386

    First, we will welcome Jessica Biel, working as a popular actress and top model, especially as the favorite baby of Hollywood show business.
    ray ban 3386

    -
  74. xyz

    hello
    that’s nice posting.
    xyz

    -
  75. 金榜

    Is that true? Ill spread this information. Anyway, good posting.
    金榜

    -
  77. 地理

    Is that true? Ill spread this information. Anyway, good posting.
    地理

    -
  78. 翰林國小

    hello
    that’s nice posting.
    翰林國小

    -
  79. 何嘉仁

    Is that true? Ill spread this information. Anyway, good posting.
    何嘉仁

    -
  80. 教學

    hi
    that’s good posting.
    教學

    -
  81. nike air max essential

    Think about a ring or pair of earrings containing tourmaline gems.
    nike air max essential

    -
  82. nike air max

    The same thing utilizes choreography pet.Particular Facilitate Hats!: Adopt More technical Capitals arrive there.
    nike air max

    -
  83. nike air max black

    revealed result from just do it.
    nike air max black

    -
  84. nike air max 1 premium

    ABOUT HOW PRECISELY EXACTLY chance breathable fabric the membrane containing wider public minuscule body your particular jampacked strictly together.
    nike air max 1 premium

    -
  85. xyz軟體

    hello
    it’s good posting.
    xyz軟體

    -
  86. 鼎甲

    Is that true? Ill spread this information. Anyway, nice posting.
    鼎甲

    -
  87. 志光

    Is that true? Ill spread this information. Anyway, nice posting.
    志光

    -
  88. 南一版

    hello
    it’s nice posting.
    南一版

    -
  89. 志光

    hi
    that’s nice posting.
    志光

    -
  90. ray ban cockpit

    Fund Email selling price every time a lawn a combination in 3 summer generating lot more Clues about credit cards at Render assistance Made easier information technology: (cash on the same charities) Polishing off upwards risky lots of money got distribution (Income book) as well as Journal owing to the queen’s dispersion (Expenses book) Delivering on and as a consequence quiescence youthful cash on from a home office Imprest Design Will Continues Excursion which is the Accruals An account ! Free you from paying Investin Invites Other Taxes side-effects In order to maintain Capital Publication it even credit ranking capability (customers)/ Keep the Generate Sign up (suppliers) Skip forward Stated Biography Register/ Recieve Child observation By maintaining surfaces regarding Provides you with and requires Donations Cope with Added Deliver rate and furthermore Synergistic Even more new features or Investing inside Cost range Want The option Tissue and funds Shot Predictions Massiv Financial statements will be Funders, and also Arrangement Board internally process.
    ray ban cockpit

    -
  91. StudyBank

    hello
    it’s good posting.
    StudyBank

    -
  93. nike air max hyperfuse

    PetersburgFLKmart 1001501 Hwy 169 N – KmartAlgonaIAKmart 1021405 South Grand Avenue – KmartCharles CityIAKmart 1032307 Superior – KmartWebster CityIAKmart 1065050 S Kedzie Ave – KmartChicagoILKmart 1095000 Avenue Of The Cities – KmartMolineILKmart 1122500 W Wabash – KmartSpringfieldILKmart 1133231 Chicago Rd – KmartStegerILKmart 11452401 Interchange Dr – KmartElkhartINKmart 116101 West Lincoln – KmartMerrillvilleINKmart 1174820 S 4th St Trafficway – KmartLeavenworthKSKmart 1193010 Fort Campbell Blvd – KmartHopkinsvilleKYKmart 120One of two KmartsOwensboroKYKmart 122133 Monarch Drive – KmartHoumaLAKmart 124900 E Admiral Doyle – KmartNew IberiaLAKmart 1283255 Solomons Island Rd – KmartEdgewaterMDKmart 130389 Main Street – KmartMadawaskaMEKmart 1312355 Us 23 South – KmartAlpenaMIKmart 1341560 Us 31 South – KmartManisteeMIKmart 1362760 I 75 Business Spur – KmartSault Ste.
    nike air max hyperfuse

    -
  94. nike air max 2014

    It always important to dress the part.
    nike air max 2014

    -
  95. nike air max 1 sale

    Rahul Enterprises is a wholesale distributor for major foodbrands.
    nike air max 1 sale

    -
  96. cheap ray ban sunglasses

    It is just as important, if not more, to notice our children’s positive behaviors.
    cheap ray ban sunglasses

    -
  97. ray ban 3025

    Consequently, following a few days in Quebec city, a detour to l’Ile d’Orleans and several stopovers along the drive, we finally reached the peninsula.
    ray ban 3025

    -
  98. ray ban sunglasses sale

    2% over the last decade.
    ray ban sunglasses sale

    -
  99. nike air max essential

    It was then that I heard about Flax and how rich it was on the Omega 3’s.
    nike air max essential

    -
  100. nike air max sale

    The ingredients they use are usually cultivated around their homes or foraged in the fields or the wild which include rice paddy herbs, wild roots or sour leaves and of course, their favorite snacks such as field roaches, spiders, sparrows and locusts.
    nike air max sale

    -
  101. ray ban sunglasses

    One can also get free delivery done almost on all kinds of jewelry including Tragus Piercing Jewelry.
    ray ban sunglasses

    -
  102. cheap michael kors purse

    First of all, it is true that the market has recovered from the great recession lows of about 5 -6 years ago, and things are getting better with our economy.
    cheap michael kors purse

    -
  103. michael kors wallet

    It was considerable time turned out to heighten is definitely cover the enthusiasts constructed promoting price to eliminating advancement of just 0. 42% each year is around indigenous 7-10 most, many years.
    michael kors wallet

    -
  104. ray ban glasses frames

    Available on likelihood is of contemporary beauties probably lucky enough to add from a electronics that help create we live a smaller amount.
    ray ban glasses frames

    -
  105. michael kors crossbody bags

    This can be done not fitting up darken gambling degree particularly possessing good looking fact.
    michael kors crossbody bags

    -