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Sana Javed being heckled at a PSL match shows how only women bear the brunt of society’s criticism

Sana Javed being heckled at a PSL match shows how only women bear the brunt of society’s criticism

The actor was met with people chanting Sania Mirza's name at a PSL match.
Updated 21 Feb, 2024

Sana Javed attended a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between the Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans on Sunday to support her husband Shoaib Malik. However, at the stadium, the actor was met with spectators chanting Sania Mirza’s name — whom Malik separated from earlier this year.

The video has elicited mixed reactions from netizens — some criticising the behaviour, others claiming she “deserved” it over vague rumours of infidelity, ones that have certainly never been proven let alone addressed by any of the people involved.

It needs to be said — heckling someone isn’t the answer. Bullying isn’t going to correct the alleged mistakes of any one person or reprimand them, nor will it heal the purported victim. All it does is cause an individual stress in the moment, and allow random people to release their aggression about a situation they had no part in — that too to no avail.

What Javed faced was not okay. There is a time, place and certain etiquette required when critiquing public figures, and bullying at a sporting event is not an ideal move.

Yet, in this entire scenario, what remains most interesting is that Javed has faced more bullying and heckling — online and in person — than Malik has, because men and women don’t face the same societal pressure or reactions, especially in public situations.

Why is it that women often become the punching bags for audiences? We’re not saying Malik should be bullied, however, there have been no videos of people chanting Javed’s former spouse’s name when Malik walked into the stadium. While Malik has just the butt of some tongue-in-cheek jokes after their marriage and has been patted on the back as if three marriages are a stellar accomplishment, Javed’s character has been continuously slandered.

This incident reflects deep-rooted societal biases and gender norms that disproportionately place blame and scrutiny on women, particularly in matters related to relationships. There often exists a double standard when it comes to judging the actions of men and women. Men may be perceived to be simply moving on, while women are more likely to be labelled negatively, such as being called “homewreckers” or “husband stealers.”

Furthermore, traditional gender roles have placed women in the role of caretakers and upholders of family “honour”, while men are often seen as the ones with more freedom and agency. This can often lead to harsher judgment and criticism of women.

It all also boils down to internalised misogyny — some individuals, regardless of gender, may harbour subconscious acceptance and internalisation of sexist attitudes and stereotypes, leading them to judge and criticise women more harshly than men in situations like this one.

Resorting to bullying as a means of expressing disapproval or seeking justice only exacerbates the situation. Bullying individuals, particularly women, perpetuates a harmful cycle of public shaming and negativity. Instead, constructive dialogue and support are crucial for navigating situations and promoting healthier attitudes towards accountability among public figures.

Taking jokes off the internet and into real life isn’t okay and public bullying, especially without being privy to the truth about someone’s personal life is definitely the wrong approach.

Comments

Iqbal Hussain Feb 21, 2024 02:59pm
Hey youngsters lay off. None of anyone's business as to who Shoaib Malik marries or divorces and whom he marries or divorces. People get divorced for all kinds of reasons and nobody is better placed to decide on their future than the married couple themselves. Many of the people hooting at Sana Javed will get to know the facts of married life once they themselves begin their marriage. I think this kind of uncouth behavior is another facet of Pakistan's lack of proper upbringing through teaching respect for women especially working women and males basically viewing females as creatures from another planet (except when the female is a member of their own family).
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AmjadKhan Feb 21, 2024 03:39pm
The man who is shouting in the video deserves sympathy as it is evident his parents did not teach him any manners. He is a low life cheapster.
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Zaffar Feb 21, 2024 03:53pm
He was married when she got involved, If i do so i should also be heckled. What example she tries to set for youngsters.
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Babar Feb 21, 2024 04:51pm
Please restore dawn's comment section.
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Ahmed Feb 21, 2024 05:17pm
Traditional gender roles do not allow men with more agency and freedom. That's just a straw man you liberals make in order to have something to talk about. Stop being a traditional mohalai wali.
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Sarfaraz Ahmed Feb 21, 2024 05:32pm
The caption is incorrect, especially for this case. Because one lady wrecked another woman's house, and the criticism she is experiencing is supportive of another woman. Who had left her own country to come to Pakistan, suffered charges of being a traitor, which can only be imagined how she would be treated back home. Those discussing "manners" and "upbringing" should tell us about Sana and Shoaib's manners and upbringing.
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Abbasi Feb 21, 2024 05:37pm
How is this woman facing brunt when the people are chanting the name of another woman? This is a peaceful way of protesting to denounce someone who ruined the life of an athlete whose supporters have been hurt. This style of writing is direct violation for a medium that promotes freedom and liberal ideas.
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Sarfaraz Ahmed Feb 21, 2024 05:46pm
Moderator: Hopefully, you will publish comments coming in response to this biased article to balance. Otherwise, it is simply imposing your biased opinions.
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Syed Hasni Feb 21, 2024 06:34pm
Bullying is a Universal epidemic in Society. In a way, bullying is an ordinary evil. It's hugely prevalent, all too often ignored - and being ignored, it is therefore condoned. Pursuing happiness is a birth right of human being ! She is a brave girl.
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Humza Feb 21, 2024 06:52pm
The fellow who is screaming is obviously uneducated but such people exist in all societies. If anything you have to feel sorry for a fellow whose only enjoyment is in teasing and catcalling others.
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Sal Feb 21, 2024 07:20pm
The double standards concerning men and women are unreal and both should be treated equally. Everyone deserves respect although being in the public eye is bound to elicit some unwanted attention from the public. That’s part and parcel of being in showbiz, be it sports or TV media.
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Ehsan Feb 21, 2024 07:52pm
Absolutely pathetic behavior
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Rahul Feb 21, 2024 09:36pm
Sad, why only women face the heat?? Public thinks Mallik is innocent??
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ST Feb 21, 2024 09:54pm
Sana javed lost her respect as did Shoib Malik. Both R home breakers. People are heart broken but still this is not the way to express.
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NYS Feb 22, 2024 12:07am
Let the dust settle and be the best version of yourself Sana
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M. Saeed Feb 22, 2024 12:32am
Sana Javed is no angel after knowing how she harassed and insulted her makeup artist.
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White Noise Feb 22, 2024 01:41am
Being famous is a double edge sword, one can understand why this happens when it should not happen at all but when you are famous, your life is out in the public, and you also become a role model, and people want their 'models' to behave better in their 'roles'!!! (pun intended)
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Gohar Feb 22, 2024 01:53am
Should find out who all these low lives were and let the internet do its thing by putting them on blast
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Taj Ahmad Feb 22, 2024 02:22am
Good luck and be well.
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Anonymouseee Feb 22, 2024 02:34am
People have the right to voice their opinions. Deal with it or else don’t wreck someone’s home.
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a4 Feb 22, 2024 02:46am
Trial and error is part of life
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Zahid Feb 22, 2024 02:54am
This guy shouting need some sympathy such a loser
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Hain Feb 22, 2024 05:27am
Pakistan aur Afghan har mamlay mein badtameez qaum hai chahay woh politicians ki public be izatti ho ya celebrity ki. Ye hum qaumi haq samajte hai.
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Bruce Feb 22, 2024 07:19am
Relax woke writers of Images. It happens all the time to both male and female celebrities. You just happen to pick on the ones you want to pick on.
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kambakht Feb 22, 2024 10:46am
Sana shouldn't mind either people chanting a famous sports star of the region
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