By Ahhad Iqbal
Growing up in the Pakistani diaspora I’ve observed many things. Great food, great style, great mannerisms, but also great incompetence.
For too long, I’ve seen boys grow up in bubbles of privilege with narrow perceptions of success. We’ve forgone honor and integrity for material gain. We only open our eyes to its disparity when tragedy falls too close to home.
This piece takes the reader through the awakening desperately needed among our men. We don’t move beyond abuse until we learn to recognize its early manifestations.
Loud Exhaust Pipes
Crisp Fade
Perfect Beard
Dripping Cologne
Broad Shoulders
Is this it?
Our Mothers gawked at
Our Sisters stared at
Our Daughters prayed upon
By folks that look like us?
“Oof she looks fire”
“She wants me”
“There’s no way she’d say no”
“She’s begging for attention”
She she she,
wait,
Is there something wrong with me?
This can’t be right
I am weak
I am fragile
I am ignorant
I must be better.
I must be aware
For our collective soul.
The stakes couldn’t be higher…
—
May the victims of abuse, trafficking, rape be avenged.
May our hearts become softened
May our ears work harder than our tongues
May we move past arrogance, fragility, and vitriol
Comments