Pathan joke: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
==Background== |
==Background== |
||
Similar to the [[Sardarji jokes]] in [[India]] which revolve around [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] [[Sikh]] people, Pathan jokes are a popular trend of a number of race-based jokes which are circulated in Pakistan. Shoaib Taimur, a blogger at ''[[The Express Tribune]]'', says that Pashtuns tend to be more often the "punchline" and "whipping boys" in racist jokes.<ref name="ET">[http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/1114/did-you-hear-the-one-about-the-pathan/ Did you hear the one about the Pathan?] The Express Tribune</ref> Taimur explains that like money jokes are made on [[Memons]] (a community known for their iconic reputation as businesspeople and philanthropists), all jokes related to "stupidity and sex" are relegated to Pashtuns.<ref name="ET"/> These jokes are mostly the result of existing cultural portrayals and perceptions of the Pashtun people being marred by negative stereotypes. While Pashtuns are also famously known for their hospitality, bravery and sense of honour as embedded in their ethical code of [[Pashtunwali]], these facts according to Taimur, tend to be overlooked by disproportionately represented Pashtun stereotypes in popular culture and the media.<ref name="ET"/> |
Similar to the [[Sardarji jokes]] in [[India]] which revolve around [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] [[Sikh]] people, Pathan jokes are a popular trend of a number of race-based jokes which are circulated in Pakistan. Shoaib Taimur, a blogger at ''[[The Express Tribune]]'', says that Pashtuns tend to be more often the "punchline" and "whipping boys" in racist jokes.<ref name="ET">[http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/1114/did-you-hear-the-one-about-the-pathan/ Did you hear the one about the Pathan?] The Express Tribune</ref> Taimur explains that like money jokes are made on [[Memons]] (a community known for their iconic reputation as businesspeople and philanthropists), all jokes related to "stupidity and homosexual sex" are relegated to Pashtuns.<ref name="ET"/> These jokes are mostly the result of existing cultural portrayals and perceptions of the Pashtun people being marred by negative stereotypes. While Pashtuns are also famously known for their hospitality, bravery and sense of honour as embedded in their ethical code of [[Pashtunwali]], these facts according to Taimur, tend to be overlooked by disproportionately represented Pashtun stereotypes in popular culture and the media.<ref name="ET"/> |
||
Pashtuns are frequently viewed and depicted as being illiterate, intellectually backward and found doing only menial [[blue collar]] work.<ref name="ET"/> In recent times, issues such as the [[Taliban]], which predominantly consists of Pashtun members, and the war against militancy in Afghanistan have further changed peoples' perceptions and increased animosity towards the Pashtun community, with Pashtuns being characterised as violent and held responsible for the conflict.<ref name="ET"/><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6198382.stm Pashtuns want an image change: BBC]</ref> |
Pashtuns are frequently viewed and depicted as being illiterate, intellectually backward and found doing only menial [[blue collar]] work.<ref name="ET"/> In recent times, issues such as the [[Taliban]], which predominantly consists of Pashtun members, and the war against militancy in Afghanistan have further changed peoples' perceptions and increased animosity towards the Pashtun community, with Pashtuns being characterised as violent and held responsible for the conflict.<ref name="ET"/><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6198382.stm Pashtuns want an image change: BBC]</ref> |
||
A large number of jokes also portray the Pathan-homosexual tendencies. Even though it is generally frowned upon, the pathans, especially males, continue to face the homosexual stereotype. |
|||
==References== |
==References== |
||
Revision as of 23:59, 30 January 2012
In Pakistan, a Pathan joke is an ethnic joke that is centred typically on stereotypes concerning Pashtun people. In Urdu, the word "Pathan" is used as a variant which loosely refers to Pashtuns or people who have Pashtun ancestry.[1][2] Pathan jokes are controversial and are considered racist and inappropriate by a section of society.[3]
Background
Similar to the Sardarji jokes in India which revolve around Punjabi Sikh people, Pathan jokes are a popular trend of a number of race-based jokes which are circulated in Pakistan. Shoaib Taimur, a blogger at The Express Tribune, says that Pashtuns tend to be more often the "punchline" and "whipping boys" in racist jokes.[3] Taimur explains that like money jokes are made on Memons (a community known for their iconic reputation as businesspeople and philanthropists), all jokes related to "stupidity and homosexual sex" are relegated to Pashtuns.[3] These jokes are mostly the result of existing cultural portrayals and perceptions of the Pashtun people being marred by negative stereotypes. While Pashtuns are also famously known for their hospitality, bravery and sense of honour as embedded in their ethical code of Pashtunwali, these facts according to Taimur, tend to be overlooked by disproportionately represented Pashtun stereotypes in popular culture and the media.[3]
Pashtuns are frequently viewed and depicted as being illiterate, intellectually backward and found doing only menial blue collar work.[3] In recent times, issues such as the Taliban, which predominantly consists of Pashtun members, and the war against militancy in Afghanistan have further changed peoples' perceptions and increased animosity towards the Pashtun community, with Pashtuns being characterised as violent and held responsible for the conflict.[3][4]
A large number of jokes also portray the Pathan-homosexual tendencies. Even though it is generally frowned upon, the pathans, especially males, continue to face the homosexual stereotype.
References
- ^ "Memons, Khojas, Cheliyas, Moplahs.... How Well Do You Know Them?". Islamic Voice (magazine). Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ "Pathan". Houghton Mifflin Company. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
- ^ a b c d e f Did you hear the one about the Pathan? The Express Tribune
- ^ Pashtuns want an image change: BBC