Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
Understanding abnormality
The most obvious problem with defining abnormality using social norms is that there is no universal agreement over social norms. Social norms are culturally specific – they can differ significantly from one generation to the next and between different ethnic, regional and socio-economic groups. In some societies, such as the Zulu for example, hallucinations and screaming in the street are regarded as normal behaviour.
Social norms also exist within a time frame, and therefore change over time. Behaviour which was once seen as abnormal may, given time, become acceptable and vice versa. For example, drunk driving was once considered acceptable but is now seen as socially unacceptable whereas homosexuality has gone the other way. Until 1980 homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) but today it is considered acceptable. Social norms can also depend on the situation or context we find ourselves in. Is it normal to eat parts of a dead body?
Abnormal psychology may focus on a typical behaviour, but its focus is not to ensure that all people fit into a narrow definition of “normal.” In most cases, it is cantered on identifying and treating problems that may be causing distress or impairment in some aspect of an individual’s life. By better understanding what is “abnormal,” researchers and therapists can come up with new ways to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
MIAN DAWOOD MEHMOOD
Wah Cant
Feminism in Pakistan
Feminism in Pakistan is a set of movements aimed at defining, establishing and defending equal political, economic and social rights and equal opportunities for women in Pakistan. It talk’s about women’s rights, today in Pakistan women are facing a lot of problem mentally and physically.
Feminist authors usually describe journey of feminism in Pakistan as oscillating or two steps forwards and a step backwards because Pakistani women’s movements have been struggling against continued pressure backlash of patriarchal hegemony. We have to support feminism in Pakistan and make this country better for women.
MARYAM AFTAB KHAN
Karachi
Adolescents on two-wheels
Pakistan is the country with almost 60% of youth population which is unique most in the world. This youth is obviously the future of the nation. But, on the other hand, if this vast number of youngsters would not be treated properly, this can be dangerous in a number of ways. One is biking of adolescents. Mostly, youngsters use the motorbike in a wrong way. They ride motorbikes very rashly and also break the traffic rules. They endanger not only their lives but also the lives of other drivers and pedestrians. About 70% of dangerous accidents occur by the wandering of juvenile bikers. Most of the youth ride bike between the heavy vehicles in a zigzag way and also do one-wheeling in heavy traffic which is utterly hazardous.
They also show ill-discipline, thus they cause accidents. The youth also do racing on roads which is not only risky but also dangerous. Lamentably, our motorcycle riders take high risk thresholds without proper training and lack of experience. Most people in our society ride the motor bikes without any precautionary measures. Wearing of helmet while riding the bikes, they feel a difficult task. Biking of adolescents is very harmful.
Underage bike riders must be stopped. Authorities have to give proper attention to improve safety of careless motorized two wheelers. If they break any rule then they must be properly punished. Also, strict actions must be taken on the racing points from where the youngsters start beginning their stunts which also attract others, causing increase in their numbers.
FARIHA YOUSUF
Karachi
Oil price war & COVID-19
With major stock exchanges of world tumbling due to a sharp decrease of more than 20% in oil prices after the OPEC deal failure sparked a price war and the pedant COVID-19, the Pakistan Stock Exchange the other day faced a decline of more than 2000 points on 9 March. This sharp nose-dive panicked the market and trading was suspended in the early part of the day. Luckily, the market gained its momentum when trading resumed after some time. Traders need to be very careful in such a murky environment.
Indian stock market has witnessed a fall of five percent. Japan stocks dropped by five percent, and China and Hong Kong shares plunged beyond three percent amidst the oil price war. The declining trend is expected to continue future. Although the chances of locking the floor are rare, yet investors need to be vigilant and conscious during trading. Gold price stability is also doubted by experts. To cut it short, extreme vigilance must be exercised while trading during this week.
M SHAHRAM BHUTTO
Hyderabad
Coronavirus spoiled Holi festival in India
India’s Hindu Festival of Holi was subdued on Tuesday with fears of the Coronavirus putting a damper on the usually boisterous celebration marked by the throwing of coloured powder and dousing with dyed water. The two-day spring festival is a rowdy explosion of colour but Coronavirus, which has infected nearly 40 people in India looks set to spoil the fun this year.
Shopkeepers said rumours that the coloured powders and dyed revellers used in the festival were imported from China had hurt their sale, as the virus originated in China late last year. “Customers are down by at least 50/60%” said Suresh Singh, a shopkeeper in Lucknow, who sells the substance. “Usually around this time of the year the market is very crowded but now it’s quite” Singh said. “Avoid participating in large gatherings” The Ministry of Health said in notice warning of the danger of the Coronavirus. Stay safe everyone, Happy Holi.
HARUM SHUJAUDDIN
Karachi
Pressure on students
The world today is full of fierce competition. The competition begins from the cradle and lasts till grave. Obviously, students are made to work extremely hard to stand equal to the competition, the environment offers them.
The hectic work/study schedule accompanied by a tense state of mind results in a stressed life where there is no place for relaxation or recreation. Outdoor sporting activities and hobbies are hopelessly sacrificed. The pressure of being in a competitive race causes a lot of stress on young minds. This stress is often manifested in anger, irritation and sometimes even violent behaviour on the part of the students
It is high time that some ways and means must be adopted to lessen the level of stress encountered by them. They should indulge in games, sports, yoga, etc to combat stress. Educationists and policymakers must bring out a pro-child policy. This will surely calm their nerves and refresh them better to cope with the usual inevitable pressure.
MARYAM REHAN
Karachi
Extremism
Living across Pakistan, under the threat of terrorism and widespread violent extremism, Pakistan’s improving security dynamics have been relieved. The govt, military and citizens seem to stand together against violent extremist groups.
From a geometric point of view, there has been a downward trend in the number of violent incidents since 2017. Terrorist deaths in Pakistan have fallen by about 77%, partly due to the actions of the State. Through successive military operations and the partial implementation of the National Action Plan, the Government has tried to prevent the active involvement of terrorism and violent extremism in Pakistan.
However, further action is needed to implement sustainable changes, including counteracting passive support for extremist groups, overcoming extremist tendencies in individual communities and addressing non-violent practices, and influences the way communities think. Fighting terrorism through military operations is not enough. Addressing extremism is the responsibility of both the government and the civil society, and we must work hard to promote the more tolerant and inclusive society in Pakistan.
MARIUM ALI
Via email
