Money heist and the curious case of xenocentrism in Pakistan.

Money heist and the curious case of xenocentrism in Pakistan.

The Spanish crime serial Money Heist has recently stolen a huge pile of attention. And rightly so, it deserves such recognition for several reasons. Ever since lockdown, the stakes of serial has skyrocketed. Its characters nicknamed after cities names are equally fascinating. More significantly, the Professor, the charismatic character and leader of the house, is liked much among others for his composure and alacrity. By and large, the serial has drawn a great round of applause mainly owing to its plot. At the same time, it has grabbed some criticism for prolonging the script and adding some unnecessary shots. Almost everyone was disappointed at the death of the core character, Nairobi. Nonetheless, the serial left everybody guessing what is going to happen next.

It seems this lockdown has come as a blessing in disguise for the Netflix. Its subscribers have increased overwhelmingly, and one must admit the fact that Pakistanis have also contributed much to the fame of this crime serial. Indeed, what a time it is for the Pakistanis to grace the opportunity. Firstly it was Money heist that was trending top in the country. Then came the turn of “fifty Shades Freed”, and eventually it is “Too Hot To handle” that tops the list.

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A few years ago, the famous English serial, Game of thrones, not only thrilled the world, but also Pakistan. The plot of serial consisted of scores of characters, and was based on the tug of war for the imperial throne, as the name of serial itself suggests. I can precisely remember, until its 5^th or 6^th season, hardly anyone took an interest as our nation is not much interested in fiction-based stories. But as soon as its trend became evident, and memes started to surface; suddenly everyone took a deep interest in watching the serial. And I bet most of them were like me who did not get anything till the last. But sorry, I had to watch just because my cool cousins were also watching. I had to pretend that I had an aesthetic sense of xenocentrism, and therefore, ethnophobia. Thanks to lockdown that nowadays Money Heist, the most trending serial, is the talk of the town. Indubitably, the serial is worthy of immense admiration. But again like Game of Thrones, it has been another source of triggering xenocentrism in Pakistan.

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When it comes to comparison, the sub-continent people deserve special kudos. Anything or anybody once shoots to stardom is quickly compared with other things. Just like some yesterday born cricketers on the basis of just one innings are compared with Virat Kohli. Some days ago, some bloggers tried to draw parallels ( If Money Heist was made in Pakistan)  between the characters of Money heist and the Pakistani actors. This became a laughing stock for many. It has happened before, when Game of Thrones had the ultra- hype in the country. What is really bothersome this time was the annoying comments of the people, especially of the young generation. People treat the local celebrities worthless and give the impression that they are not being impressed by the local talent. Is it really truth or do they just pretend like this? 

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One must admit the fact that some of the Pakistani showbiz stars have made the world appreciate their talent. Many have worked in the Bollywood, and left the audience in awe through their sensational performance and rare talent. Yet, they are being underrated in their own backyard. Such an unappreciation is the scheme of ever-growing xenocentrism in the country, to say the least. They might want to appreciate but perhaps cannot pluck the courage. Because once they admire the acting skills of Hamza Abbasi, Fawad Khan, Humayun Saeed, Mahira khan Or Saba Qamar, their English accent friends and cousins who watch English serials, football leagues, and sometimes tennis would come from nowhere to boast about their alien taste of liking.

That is for sure we have been victim of colonial mentality over the years. Unknowingly, this trend of xenocentrism has become the inevitable part of the national psyche. It took its roots in our society a long ago, but it has manifested itself increasingly currently.  When some countrymen use indigenous and native things, we ridicule on them. Putting on Ajrak and Topi- the emblems of the Sindhi Culture- are taken as a stigma in the society. Yet, we take pride in talking the language of others. For example, one who can talk English is held in high esteem in our society. Altogether, anything that is ours no matter how valuable and talented is not going to be embraced by us simply because we are gripped in the fever of xenocentrism.