The recent episodes of Zara's Nikah have sparked considerable debate, particularly concerning the narrative arc where Zara employs emotional manipulation to pressure Kabir into pursuing conventional employment. While the show positions this as a feminist assertion of financial independence, a closer examination reveals troubling undertones—not only in how Kabir’s character is unfairly diminished but also in how the series perpetuates narrow definitions of success and ambition. At its core, this storyline raises essential questions about societal expectations, the true meaning of feminism, and whether love can survive when one partner imposes their ideals of achievement onto the other. Kabir’s Existing Ambition: Overlooked and Undermined From the outset, the series establishes Kabir as a man deeply committed to his faith and community. He is an Islamic scholar, a respected leader, and someone who dedicates his time to meaningful projects—qualities that reflect a different bu...
Phillip Inman's recent article, "World must be more wary than ever of China’s growing economic power," recycles tired Western anxieties about China's rise while ignoring the hypocrisy and self-interest driving these concerns. His arguments—framed as warnings—reveal not China's threats, but the West's inability to compete fairly in a changing global order. Inman begins by praising Donald Trump's economic blockade against China, framing tariffs as legitimate tools of economic policy. This stance is baffling for anyone who believes in free markets. Tariffs artificially inflate prices, denying consumers access to the best goods at competitive rates. When governments impose such barriers, they don't protect their citizens—they impoverish them. The real victims are ordinary people forced to pay more for products that could have been affordable. Yet Inman celebrates these measures as if economic warfare benefits anyone but protectionist politicians. His...