Westernization in the Pakistani Culture

Westernization is a word that is gradually becoming synonymous with modernization. There does, however, exist a clear and distinct difference between the two notions that must be clarified before moving forward. The former concept revolves specifically around the spread of western ideas to other cultures influencing everything from morals to general practices. The latter, on the other hand, involves a rather rationalist and positive essence to it [1] in that it could be a change in ways that are largely focused on long term improvement and prosperity. This paper however aims to look at the concept of Westernization itself, its impact in the Pakistani culture specifically and whether we can classify its impact as entirely positive or negative.
Literature puts forward several examples that prove that the Westernization concept is one that has frequently been discussed and several opposing views exist with regards to it. Daniel Lerner, best known for his work on the Theory of Modernization, and M.N. Srinivas, one of India’s most renowned sociologists, had long engaged in this debate often disagreeing on the limitations of the Westernization model [2]. Srinivas believed that this is a phenomenon that is predominantly associated with changes at different levels including technology, education, ideology and values [3]. Lerner, however, questioned the classification of what exactly can be considered Western and what cannot be. Moreover, his opinions contradicted those of Srinivas mainly because the proposed ideas of Westernization such as humanitarianism, equalitarianism and secularization significantly pointed solely towards the good associated with it but there was no denying that Westernization did bring along with it a myriad of negative elements for example race prejudice, color segregation and the exploitative nature of the western economy as well [4].
This is where I’d like to bring in my personal opinion. To begin with, what exactly is the West? Is it solely the United States or Britain? Or do we consider places like Russia and even China to be part of it? We do have a tendency to classify anything that is even remotely alien to our own traditions, ideas and practices as being the influence of the West so then exactly what part of the West are we considering? It seems despite our best exhaustive efforts there still doesn’t seem to be a boundary that has been created to identify the geographical limitations of the West [5]. Moreover, if we take a step backward and analyze this concept without any sort of biases, we will realize that maybe Westernization isn’t as bad as it is made out to be. While it is absolutely true that there is a lot of negativity surrounding it, the positive aspects of it cannot entirely be ignored.
Imran Khan, a staunch nationalist and burgeoning Pakistani leader had plenty to say on this subject matter in his article ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place’. He termed those greatly under the influence of Westernization as liberal fanatics who are so reverent of the West that somewhere along the way they have completely lost their own identity so much so that they will look down upon their own culture and religion without any reservations [6]. These liberals view every aspect of our religion with Western eyes, thus believing that Islam is entirely regressive and that it hinders the process of Pakistan’s journey towards progress and prosperity. Khan’s views are largely anti-Westernization but he puts forth his argument rather impressively. He talks about freedom being given an entirely perverse meaning and such notions as women empowerment being exaggerated completely unreasonably. The founder of the nation, Jinnah, best put his thoughts on such matters as women’s rights when he stated ‘This is essential; but I do not want to ape the evils of the West’ [7]. I personally believe this stands for more than just women’s rights alone. Somewhere a line needs to be drawn to identify that while there is absolutely no harm in adopting those Western practices that are in our best interests, there needs to be a clear distinction between what’s right and what’s wrong.
From an anthropological perspective, Westernization seems almost mandatory and completely understandable. All the common schools of thoughts apply rather perfectly to this concept. Diffusionism helps to explain how western ideas have spread through our culture by means of the media, cross cultural communication and migration related activities [8]. Functionalism clearly elucidates that in some areas such as education, especially, Westernization serves a significant purpose that needs to be recognized: better standards and quality of education means greater chances of opulence in all aspects. The conflict theory best clarifies the very obvious contradictions that rise when two or more opposing cultural ideas coexist [9].
From here onwards I would like to bring in to focus the apparent impacts that Westernization seems to have had on the Pakistani culture particularly. Pakistan is undoubtedly a land rich in cultural heritage boasting of fervent traditions as well as strong religious and spiritual values. Being a Pakistani guarantees you a very individualistic identity however, that is now being tarnished with some major influences from the West.
Media:
There is absolutely no denying that media has had a major if not the strongest role to play in the Westernization of our culture. From the commercials to the television dramas and shows, it is rare to see something that can be dubbed entirely Pakistani. Intimacy and issues that were earlier considered taboo are now openly portrayed and discussed. The magazines, billboards etc. depict clothing attire that cannot exactly be attributed to the Pakistani culture specifically [10]. The media is responsible for representing the Western world in such a glamorized, attractive way that it is almost impossible for one to not fall prey to their antics.
Clothing:
Pakistan’s culture is most identifiable through its traditional clothing but slowly and slowly we are losing all of that in favour of more Westernized attire. It would be extremely naïve to say that adopting Western clothing is completely wrong and that it leads to a complete loss in identity but it is also true that the tremendous shift away from the national dress can easily be termed as Westernization. Nowadays whatever fashion becomes popular abroad, it is quickly adopted here. Our fashion industry is also predominantly Western [11] inspired and people do have the tendency to follow that which they are shown as being highly hip and trendy.
Language:
Although our mother tongue is Urdu, English is almost as commonly spoken around the country as the former. Some might view this as a negative impact however, I strongly believe that with English being the commercial, common language it is just as important for the nation to be aware of it and actually learn it. This is not to say that the same should not be done for the national language but as far as education is concerned, English should be given just as much a priority regardless of whether this is viewed as being a Western influence or not. Often at times, the fact that certain members of the elite class especially the youth feel it is almost derogatory to communicate in Urdu [12]. That of course is incorrect and deplorable behavior. Adopt Western languages by all means but one’s true identity should not be forgotten under any circumstance.
Human Rights:
Literature puts forward positive impacts of Westernization through such factors as promotion of human rights. It is in fact true that earlier on when awareness was minimal, human rights was probably not given as much importance as should have been. However, nowadays thanks to the media and proper education, the nation is gradually becoming more aware of factors such as freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom of action [13]. This is definitely one such factor that we have positively inherited from the West – to be able to raise your voice and ask for your rights to be heard.
The Feminist Movement:
I personally believe that one of the most remarkable and noteworthy impact of Westernization is the ease with which women are now being given more rights as well. Gone are the days when women were expected to stay within the confines of the four walls of their home. Women in Pakistan now enjoy much more rights than those in most other Muslim countries. Of course we cannot say the same for the rural community but this stands true for a large part of our urban population. Recently, four women were inducted in to the air force as fighter pilots [14]. The active participation of women in international sports cannot be ignored as well. Moreover, we have seen the increasing involvement of women in the political arena as well with the first female speaker of the Parliament being elected a few years back. Hence, Westernization has brought it with it the commendable aspect of women’s splendor in the society as they are now involved in all spheres of governance, commerce, politics etc [15].
Religious and Moral Values:
One aspect of Westernization that is often frowned upon is the fact that it has diffused so deeply in to our culture that the Islamic values instilled in us are slowly fading away. This is true to a large extent as evils such as drinking, adultery, prostitution and drugs have now become so widespread that even though their existence is recognized, no action is taken against them [16]. With the changing trends in fashion and lifestyle, we see youngsters having been so influenced that their interests are completely diverted away from what could be considered traditional. In fact they are greatly immersed in entirely foreign traditions such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween etc. The increase in divorce rates and extra-marital affairs can be attributed to Westernization as well as the fact that the extended, nectar family system has almost if not entirely faded away [17].
This brings me to my conclusion. Although this paper has pointed out the more obvious impacts of Westernization and some of these do in fact have negative impacts that cannot be put aside but I do believe that as a nation we are highly reluctant in accepting that sometimes such negativity has to be overlooked to be able to adopt those Western influences that might actually be good for us. Their standards of education, commercial world practices, business ideas etc. are bound to benefit us in the long run and so to label Westernization as an evil is premature and naïve. It will in fact be in our best interests to step away from the over bearing cocoon of nationalism that is limiting us and learn to keep a healthy balance between our own culture and the West so that at the end of the day there is no loss in identity. One thing that they cannot take away from us is that we are and will always be Pakistanis and no amount of Westernization will ever be able to change that.

Bibliography:
1) Bertrand Badie, The Imported State: The Westernization of Politics, (2000)
2) Theodore H. Von, World Revolution of Westernization, (1994)
3) Serge Latouche, The Westernization of the World, (1996)
4) Imran Khan, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, (2010)
5) http://pakobserver.net/201204/25/detailnews.asp?id=152128
6) http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/6512/musings-of-a-westernised-pakistani/
7) http://www.khalidzaheer.com/essays/others/between_a_rock_and_a_hard_place.html
8) http://www.chowrangi.com/why-the-youth-of-today-is-so-inspired-by-the-western-culture.html
9) http://www.publishyourarticles.org/eng/articles/difference-between-westernization-and-modernization.html
10) http://www.publishyourarticles.org/eng/articles/the-concept-of-westernization.html
11) http://prekshaa.blogspot.com/2011/03/effects-of-westernization-on-indian.html
12) Kainat Shaikh, Bandwagon Culture, (1998)
13) http://insideoutpakistan.blogspot.com/
14) http://westandpak.blogspot.com/
15) http://jawab.pk/q/why-do-some-pakistanis-living-in-pakistan-act-western/3353
16) http://www.chowk.com/2ndlook/iLogs/life/Desert-Bloc-Legacy-Westernization-amp-Jihad
17) http://tribune.com.pk/story/313175/shagufta-ejaz-we-must-shun-western-values/

Bibliography: 1) Bertrand Badie, The Imported State: The Westernization of Politics, (2000) 2) Theodore H 3) Serge Latouche, The Westernization of the World, (1996) 4) Imran Khan, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, (2010) 11) http://prekshaa.blogspot.com/2011/03/effects-of-westernization-on-indian.html 12) Kainat Shaikh, Bandwagon Culture, (1998)