Revolutionist in Pakistan

We found it striking when Buddhist monks marched in saffron hued droves throughout Mayanmar (Burma) in protest. It was a sight we found beautiful and inspiring, a group of people that have renounced the daily drama so many feed off of, taking it to the streets (sometimes barefoot) in the name of justice. And it looked hot! But at the same time we realised, their clothing wasn’t necessarily a choice. Forgive us if we are being ignorant, or naive or just plain wrong, but we imagine a Buddhist monks’ closet to look more like a linen closet rather than a boutique.

The recent protests by lawyers fitted in suits and ties in Pakistan really had us thinking though. Was it pre-meditated to wear a suit, like the protesters that orchestrated wearing all black in support of the Jena 6 recently? Or are they just so used to wearing a suit that they didn’t give it much thought. And if it was something coordinated by leaders of the protest, did they feel that their dress would impact how the world saw them and their cause? Media outlets all over the world couldn’t seem to mention the protests without noting the attire of the lawyers.

Washington Post Staff Writer, Philip Kennicott wrote:
“Men in suits don't throw things. If they confront police, they do it politely, in letters, in words spoken softly, reasonably, between reasonable men. Brooks Brothers doesn't tailor the revolution.”

We would put our bets on the leaders (the beautiful Bhutto being one of them), being media savvy enough to know that how they presented themselves and handled their opposition would aid turning the world either for or against them.

Perhaps by wearing western suits and speaking to reporters without needing a translator the people of the world’s superpowers would not immediately cast their cries aside as a foreign problem. Just maybe the other side of the globe would see that they are a more similar than dissimilar. And if that is the case, then maybe a Pakistani problem is a US problem. And maybe imagining how one would feel if the US constitution were stripped away wouldn’t be so foreign.