Use Filter for Cartoons too

Before you proceed, I believe every language has it's beauty. This article isn't against any culture or language, it's strictly about education of Muslim kids. 

It was another cheerful Iftar party and everyone was dressed nicely. I was surrounded by excited kids as usual. Seeking a way out when my 7 year old cousin pulls me down and asks, “Aapa me sundar lag rahi hon?” A loud and clear THUNDERSTORM fell on my ears along with it. I repeat to hear the correction “SUNDAR?” but instead of translating she just nods. I was so furious that I could hit her with that Pakora in my hand.

Holding tight on her tiny shoulders, as if I’m trying to bring her back to her URDU senses. My next question was obviously to find the source and she goes giggling, “BARBIE CARTOON”.  Or precisely she meant HINDI translated Barbie cartoons!

In case you think I’m being too melodramatic, it does not stop there. Cartoons they watch are translated in Hindi. Additionally they are watching cartoons tailor-made of Non-Muslims kids. Like who is this “Chota Peem? Meam? Neam?” or whatever the name is. And why the heck parents are buying kids the “Chota Leem” chips in Pakistan!

This Hindi-fever penetration in Pakistan has become unavoidable.  However it’s profusely convenient to blame the parents alone. Blaming mothers in particular for everything wrong with the kids. Parents have to run the house too; they can’t be around kids all the time. Neither do they have any control over what kids learn from their friends at school. Well there is no "mea culpa!" in such horrendous predicament.

On the other end, why don’t the authorities take some actions against it? I mean there was uproar for those “Never-ending-Saas-Baho-serials”. They were despised, avoided, later blocked and banned entirely. In turn Pakistani Urdu soaps were encouraged and cherished. What about cartoons which hold such vital audience? Not just ban this “chinoti, pooch, sundar” but encourage something better.

We desperately need tailor-made cartoons for Muslim kids. There is colossal talent in Pakistan Ma Sha Allah, we just need to appreciate it more. Till then please watch what you expose your kids to, even if it’s just a Chips pack.