Social Politicization is the process through which individuals acquire political beliefs and values. These values and beliefs are acquired through learning and social experience.
Imran Khan tapped into the people of
Pakistan that were never directly involved in politics before. He used his
popularity that he gained from being the only Pakistani victorious cricket
captain as well as his image of being one of the most trusted people in the
country (Yes, people blindly donate money to his cancer hospital). His
technique of involving the very talented youth of Pakistan directly into
politics regardless of their background emerged as one of the reasons for his
success. Likewise, mobilizing the youth on the very popular social media groups was also a great move.
He made the middle class aware of their political rights. People
who had never voted on the Election Day stormed in great numbers to vote for
him in the general elections of 2013. This is why his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaan,
emerged as the second biggest political party in the country in terms of votes.
Fair point but you must remember, Imran Khan's image has been built to fail. In a system which is based on "keemay wala naan dou, vote lou,'' Imran has very little chance specially in Punjab. If he is to win, he will need the backing of local feudal lords which ultimately will cost him his legitimacy. There's no easy way out.
ReplyDeleteImran Khan built his empire from the ground up and although most of the members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf are credited with being trustworthy, it is mostly referred to as a 'one-man party'. His character demands the trust, support and loyalty of people making him a Charismatic leader (in textbook terms). He might not be successful in achieving the official status he desires but in my opinion, he has definitely been successful in creating a competitive environment in the political arena that the nation is benefiting from and will continue to benefit from for years to come. He has also shown the people of Pakistan that they deserve a credible leader (much like himself), accountability from their rulers and information regarding various aspects that affect them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the point that Mahnum has raised. While there are thousands of people who love to hate on Imran Khan, he has to be given some credit for waking up the nation and youth of Pakistan who previously could not care less about the country's state of affairs. By raising his voice against the rigging and unfair elections he also taught the people to stand up for what they believe in.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting perspective may emerge if we see the Insafian Tsunami in a more historic paradigm.
ReplyDeleteThis isn't the first movement of its kind. Bhutto inspired similar electric fervor in the build up to the 1970 elections. Altaf Hussain commanded similar awe in the streets of Karachi during the early 90s.
This is a somewhat recurring enterprise: An individual rises; he is Superman incarnate; that perpetuates an individualistic movement revolving around heroism of the central figure; because of that very reason, because the 'revolution' isn't deeply rooted in the institutional culture of the country's organisations, the flame burns out; and each time, it leaves the masses of the nation in greater darkness and deeper cynicism.