Imran Ismail Chohan
Until the mid-twentieth century, European society was also bound by certain moral norms and traditions. There was no common concept of extremely revealing clothing for women, particularly the bikini. In 1946, when Louis Réard introduced the bikini for the first time in France through a model, it faced intense public backlash. Not only did the general public disapprove, but the media also strongly criticized it, while religious circles declared it immoral. Even Pope Pius XII and representatives of the Church condemned it as being against moral values. At that stage, it was evident that no society is ready to accept such abrupt changes.
However, history also teaches us that if a trend is consistently and strategically presented, resistance to it gradually diminishes over time. During the 1950s and 1960s, the bikini was repeatedly introduced to the public through films, fashion shows, and beauty pageants. Initially, it was rejected, but the media and entertainment industry continued to portray it as a symbol of a “modern lifestyle.” Eventually, the same attire that was once considered objectionable became a normal part of Western culture.
This entire process reflects an important principle of human psychology and social change: societies do not transform overnight; rather, they adapt gradually. When something is repeatedly shown, when opposition to it is weakened, and when it is associated with modernity and progress, it slowly finds acceptance in the public mindset. A point eventually comes when what was once considered inappropriate becomes normalized, and those who criticize it are labeled as outdated or regressive.
In the present era, if we examine Pakistani society, we can observe somewhat similar patterns of change. The media, particularly private television channels, are promoting themes that often diverge from traditional values in order to capture audience attention. Complex and sometimes inappropriate portrayals of family relationships, extramarital affairs, and sensitive issues like divorce are increasingly being presented—at times even normalized. As a result, viewers, especially the younger generation, begin to perceive these issues from a different perspective.
Similarly, social media has accelerated this process of change. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made it remarkably easy to gain fame. Today, success for many young people is often measured in terms of followers, likes, and views. In this race, content is sometimes created that may conflict with social values. Unfortunately, even young children are being drawn into this space, and in some cases, parents themselves accept it as a legitimate “career path.”
If we look back just fifteen or twenty years, we find a very different society. Many behaviors that were once strongly disapproved of have now become somewhat normalized. This shift is not accidental; rather, it is the result of media influence, technological advancement, and global cultural exposure. This does not necessarily mean that every change is negative, but it does highlight the importance of critically evaluating such transformations.
An important question arises here: as a society, where are we heading? Are we embracing modernity while preserving our values, or are we uncritically adopting every new trend that comes our way? The answer lies in our collective attitudes, our education system, and our priorities.
It is essential that we provide proper guidance to the younger generation. They must be made to understand that success is not merely about temporary fame but a combination of knowledge, character, and hard work. Teachers, doctors, researchers, and other constructive figures must be presented as role models so that young people can find a balanced direction. At the same time, the media must also recognize its responsibility and promote content that contributes positively to society.
In conclusion, the formation of a society is a continuous process in which every individual plays a role. If we strengthen our values, education, and awareness, we can not only address present challenges but also build a more balanced and healthy society for future generations. Otherwise, we risk moving toward a path from which returning may become increasingly difficult.