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Richard Harris vs George Fulton: Two white men battle out their 'love' for Pakistan

Richard Harris vs George Fulton: Two white men battle out their 'love' for Pakistan

Is Pakistan so unlovable that if someone expresses these patriotic views, people are surprised by it, Harris questioned.
31 Mar, 2021

As we have conversations about white privilege, gora complex, fake accounts pretending to be tourists, and the weight of the opinions anyone with a lighter skin tone holds in the country — two white men living in Pakistan, Richard Harris and George Fulton, have decided to debate who is allowed to have an opinion about the country.

Before announcing the 'Mother of All Debates,' both men had been critiquing each other on social media. They finally decided to face off in a debate and decide once and for all whether they should be allowed to speak about Pakistan as much as Pakistanis.

The podcast was moderated by comedian Shehzad Ghias, who interacted with the audience and posed questions. He also introduced Harris as a white man offended at being categorised as a "paid propaganda-ist" when he tried to present the good side of Pakistan.

For context, Harris has been lumped in the Cynthia Ritchie category by Fulton.

He likened him to a paid bot. Fulton, of George Ka Pakistan fame, had later accused Harris of being paid to voice these opinions.

"What really got to me was that when someone accuses someone of being paid to push a narrative or express their views, I just find it very offensive," Harris began.

"Why is it so difficult for people to comprehend that someone can have a right of centre view of Pakistan, someone can be pro-fauj or someone can have what people say, extra patriotic views about Pakistan? What's so strange about that? Can these views not be held independently? Is Pakistan so unlovable that if someone expresses these views, people are surprised by it?" he questioned.

Belgian Harris went on to reveal that he came to Pakistan as a seven-year-old and is Pakistani. Since his kids are living and studying here, he is passionate about the country's conditions, transitioning from London to Lahore during Covid period.

Fulton, who is a Brit, is in a similar situation. Having been here for 20 years, he referred to the country as a "child" he'd want to see succeed and wish the best for. "At times you are critical of it and at times you tell it off for making mistakes and those who say you can't criticise a country are only advocating nationalism."

The audience was clearly enjoying the debate

Writer Bina Shah had some observations.

While Harris had a fanbase of his own.

However, one thing that was specifically concerning was Harris adamant on critiquing the Aurat March, saying that it was his opinion to not support it. He also said that asking him not to discredit the experiences of women would be close to fascism.

While that's not how it works and any 'opinion' concerning the rights and livelihood of a particular people is not really 'just an opinion,' the explanation fell on deaf ears. Fulton on the other hand, ended up recognising his privilege and admitting that he was only taken so seriously because of his skin colour and gender.

"But patriotism isn't about believing your country is always right," he added, saying that his critique comes from a place where he wishes the country would improve for a better future.

After going around in circles, it all boiled down to one major question at the end — should two white male cisgender and obviously privileged men be allowed to pass critiques on Pakistan and the conditions its people face? Should the opinions of two foreign men be the barometer by which we judge the state of the country? And are their own opinions somehow less relevant because of the colour of their skin?

Comments

bhaRAT© Mar 31, 2021 02:47pm
"But patriotism isn't about believing your country is always right," It's a medicine for every touchy Indian suffering from fragile self-esteem!
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HashBrown® Mar 31, 2021 02:56pm
"While that's not how it works and any 'opinion' concerning the rights and livelihood of a particular people is not really 'just an opinion,' the explanation fell on deaf ears." I hate to break it to you, but that's precisely how it works - people exchange opinions in a civilised, open-minded manner, and offer different perspectives to others. I personally was/am fully in favour of the Aurat March, but I have no right to shut down someone who has a different perspective to me. Take a break from aiming for "woke" and try absorbing the constructive diversity of Pakistan's people.
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bhaRAT© Mar 31, 2021 02:57pm
Whoever visits or lives in Pakistan, falls in love with this beautiful hospitable country.
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bhaRAT© Mar 31, 2021 02:58pm
Pakistan had been ranked the world’s top travel destination by the British Backpacker Society as well, which described Pakistan as “one of the friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond anyone’s wildest imagination”.
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Awalmir Mar 31, 2021 03:00pm
Let this two rule Pakistan. They might do a better job.
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BAXAR Mar 31, 2021 03:27pm
"But patriotism isn't about believing your country is always right," Patriotism is to defend the country despite it being wrong on many aspects, or even on all aspects. A true patriot doesn't justifies the wrongs, but finds what is right.
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Ajaz Mar 31, 2021 03:30pm
Negative comments to stop patriotism is the agenda of liberals in every country. People need to see the bigger picture and realise why. They need to realise that patriotism is not extremism. The country can only progress if we are patriotic.
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Browngirl Mar 31, 2021 04:11pm
A lot of white men love places like Thailand also. Something about white men and their love for Asians. White women can't understand that.
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Zak Mar 31, 2021 07:16pm
Good debate. Patriotism is about making the country succeed in education, health, law and order, charity, protection of women and minorities, honest wise leadership, akhlaqiat and aiming for riasat e madina and a number 1 armed forces to guard the nation and its aspirations.
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Chrís Dăn Mar 31, 2021 08:53pm
Why you do not just mention their nationalities and why you call them with their colour?
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Yusuf Mar 31, 2021 09:58pm
How many readers remember GFs petulant Goodbye Pakistan letter in the newspaper some years ago? He has since slunk back in, and chest thumping with the best of them. Apology for that unacceptable letter? George?
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ak4pk Apr 01, 2021 01:10am
@Browngirl, sorry you are mistaken. White mans love for Thailand is not for Asians but for what’s on offer there. So is the case throughout South East Asia.
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salman Apr 01, 2021 01:27am
It was a very good debate, enjoyed it.
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Humayra Apr 01, 2021 10:30am
Somehow Shehzad Ghias inserted himself in it to gain some attention (as usual) and ended up looking silly when he made that video pvt on his youtube channel.
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