Every year, Hollywood produces a plethora of movies that leave the world in awe. Their movies have the ability to make you relate to something that would be impossible to believe in and change the way you feel. But at times, Hollywood drops the line – and this is true of their portrayal of Pakistan in several instances.
Living in the 21st century with access to vast resources, one would expect movies or TV shows, especially those nominated for the Oscars and Golden Globes , to be based on thorough research. But sadly, that’s not what happens.
Hollywood, it’s time to take some notes. Here’s a start to debunking some of the Golden Globe and Oscar worthy myths about Pakistan.
1. Abbottabad, in Oscar nominated film “Zero Dark Thirty,” is a city in the north of Pakistan:
Hollywood Abbottabad: Basically a deserted waste land
Source: EOnline
Real Abbottabad: It’s considered one of the most beautiful and peaceful cities of Pakistan, famous for its greenery and mountains – nothing less than the Swiss Alps.
Because you know:
2. Hollywood’s favorite stereotypes: Russian terrorists and Muslims speaking Arabic!
3. According to Hollywood land, Pakistani gender division is simple:
Male
Source: IBTimes
Female
Source: Wisegeek
In reality:
Not all Pakistani men have beards but when they do, it’s because it suits them. After all, Pakistani men have been ranked as being the 3rd hottest in the world, that too by non-Pakistanis!
And instead of guns, Pakistanis are famous for making waves across the border
Source: Dawn
Above: Fawad Khan wins the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut in India
Or for simply being hot #SomePakistaniThings
Source: Express Tribune
4. Pakistani women always wear burqas and have no lives.
Source: Razorionfly
It’s similar to saying the entire female population in the U.S dresses like nuns.
Source: Red Pepper
Hallelujah
Sorry for the buzzkill, but in reality a lot of Pakistani women dress like this
Source: Latest Life Styles
And despite contrary belief (Hollywood) they’re not locked in their rooms:
Source: Uthmag
5. In Hollywood, Islamabad is a war zone.
With terrorists roaming free with an Ak-47s ready to kill Americans where ever they see fit, because you know #ThugLife
Islamabad In Hollywood (Homeland)
Source: Wall Street Journal
Basically a war torn place with gunfire more frequent then a pigeon’s poop.
Source: Youtube
Also, according to Hollywood you’d probably get killed by an angry mob just because you’re an American
Source: Youtube
Basically they’re thinking of shooting the next Walking Dead season here aswell
In Reality (sorry to break it to you), this is Islamabad
Source: Blogspot
Centarous: A run down building in the deserted city of Islamabad
Too much chaos, TOO MUCH!
Source: Flickr
If you look closely, you might just see Osama Bin Laden doing the Gangam Style
And the hangout spots are just terrifying.
Oh and yeah you’re right, foreigners should stay away from Pakistan.
Source: Flickr
Group of foreigners exploring the northern areas of Pakistan and up until this picture was taken, word on the street is they loved it!
Source: Madison Mountaineering
American climbers in Islamabad dining and having a good time. Can’t you see how terrified they are!
Source: Billi Bierling
American women after running a marathon in Islamabad, having a good relaxing time.
6. Protests in Pakistan mainly consist of people burning American Flags.
Pakistanis do protest but they’re more like this:
Source: Facebook
(Some points maybe for your next award winning endeavour)
But mostly they’re busy with hobbies.
Source: PakEdu
One of the dozen Pakistan Fashion Weeks (which happen almost every month).
Source: Pakium
Source: Apnahub
Watching our very own internationally acclaimed films
Source: Metro Lahore
Lahoris doing what they love, having some really tasty and spicy food at food street Lahore
Also if you’re stuck in traffic, it’s more likely that it’s because of:
People stopping their cars to stare at the beautifully lit canal
Source: Lahorenama
Source: Lahorenama
Or somebody just felt like playing the dhol
Source: Pull Quotes and Excerots
7. Houses in Pakistan are very primitive
In Reality, they’re not that small.
Source: Noor Khan Design Studios
And pretty class as well.
Noor Khan Design Studios
