MODERN: A woman who has no tolerance for bullsh*t, who does as she pleases, treats people according to how they treat her and generally, doesn't kiss anyone's behind.
You must be wondering... why in the world am I identifying a word like "modern" in this context? Well, it's a context I've come to accept in Pakistan. Words like "modern", "bold" and "healthy" are simply backhanded insults in Pakistan. I've been subjected to all three and I daresay, I'm super proud of it.
The most important thing for us as human beings is to evolve. We have been doing so since the stone ages, so it's not some mind bending concept that's being brought forward. If you were fortunate enough to escape the backwards integration of Pakistani society, congratulations sister, you are officially an outcast. I can fully assure you that your friends, coworkers, relatives and even family members think of you as a proper troublemaker. And God forbid if you look good or take care of yourself along with being outspoken... honey, you are the villain in Humsafar. Isn't that what every Pakistani serial's villain is like... educated, smart, good looking, doesn't take bullsh*t... see what I mean?
Our country-people are so threatened by the idea of working, knowing or even marrying a woman who can actually speak up for herself that we've made a conscious decision (thank you Khalil ur Rehman and Umera Ahmed) to make the heroine in every drama serial this absolute dumb, naive, "simple", duppata orrh ke baithnay wali aurat who never shows her true emotions... because that's what we like, honey: SUPRESSION. We like making girls believe that the Khirads are the ones who will win in the end -- I can assure you, the Khirads will lose. Asher will listen to his mother and marry a younger, prettier and dumber woman. It's only the drama serials that fetishize suffering and receiving some major award (A man's love) for enduring that absolute sh*tfest. Personally, I've always been judged for every part of my being as a "modern" girl. Whether it's my resting bi*ch face or the posture and confidence I walk into a room with, I know the few (it's rarely even one person) who appreciates it and the majority who turn their heads to look. In relationships, a "modern" girl does not suffer, she does everything to make her partner happy but she knows that treating a man like a God is not how things are. Men and women are created equals, of course you must show love and respect to one another, but since when did we cross the line of becoming their property? No one can govern what you wear, how you speak and who you speak to.
I know you're accustomed to thinking of "modern" girls as some evil bunch of mean girls... but I can assure you that I've never met an educated, independent, beautiful woman that ever did me wrong. I hope on seeing more content like Parizaad and less of Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay, because I care for art... not a nationwide brainwashing in the name of religion, modesty and suffering.
