Imran Khan's 'feminism degrades motherhood' comment receives much-deserved backlash
Pakistani cricketer turned politician Imran Khan sparked a controversy when he said the western notion of 'feminism' degraded the role of mothers. Khan made these regressive comments during a TV interview and landed himself at the receiving end of ire, one that he clearly deserved. Recently, Khan's former wife Reham Khan levelled sensational allegations on him in her yet-to-be-released autobiography.
Here's what Imran Khan said
"A mother has biggest influence on a person ...A real mother, that is. I completely disagree with this Western concept, this feminist movement... it has degraded the role of a mother...when I was growing up my mother had the most impact on me," Khan said.
Understanding what feminism actually means; Imran Khan take note
While many think, sadly, feminism is about hating men, it actually demands equal rights for both men and women. Khan demeaning feminism only implies he assumed women are meant for taking care of children and that's all, no questions asked, no opportunities demanded. At a time when influential voices have gladly accepted the feminist tag, Khan just proved he isn't ready to embrace progressiveness.
After Khan denounces feminism, Twitter gives him a lesson
The users of micro-blogging website were quick to slam Khan for his statements. User @AimenBucha tweeted: Feminists have never degraded motherhood, they have celebrated it. They have spoken on the rights of a mother, her need for daycares, maternity leaves, her reproductive health rights and the double burden she faces due to unpaid care work.
Feminists never looked down on motherhood, tweets another
Not long ago, Musharraf was schooled on women by Reham
It seems telling women what they should and shouldn't do is something Pakistani leaders excel in. A few days ago, former military chief Pervez Musharraf spoke about Reham Khan's autobiography and said what she had written was 'unladylike'. To this, Khan said, "Why shouldn't I or any other woman speak? Who will decide as what women should speak and write." A well-made point, indeed.
