Pak Mums is the new type of Mohalla (town) created in the world of hyper-reality. There are various connotations for the indigenous word Mohalla and therefore I prefer to use the word itself and not its English synonym. In this article I would elaborate upon my impression of Pak Mums, the constructive and adverse impressions that I gained here and the events that served to build a bond between me and this group.
According to Oxford dictionary Mohalla is an area of a town or village; a community. But this definition does not explain vary reason of me using this metaphor. In my connotations I take Mohalla as a community which is connected like a cobweb. One link ties to another and builds a network of 14k members in Pak Mums. Neighborhood gossip, spicy chat, argumentations, fights over trivial issues, interference by influential of society to call off fight, gathering with multiple suggestions at one post to ease the complainant are some of the features we share in this group.
Now that Mohallas are vanishing in reality I am amazed to be a part of one in hyper-reality. Here people are not in any other relation but a relation of humanity, which has tied them together. If someone shares a problem everyone tries to provide the best of the information they have.
I was added into this group by one of my University fellows and first post I read was of the lady who was hurt by her husband’s arrogant behavior towards her and had been crying all night. Interestingly I began to read comments too. As common to the human nature I was curious of other’s response regarding her problem.
I would agree that I was as curious as usually neighborhood Aunties are when they see the girl’s family visiting her after a fight. There I happen to come across few comments which made me laugh my head out. For instance, one lady had suggested that ‘to keep hubby in your hands you have to use different tricks’ and she elaborated that ‘while going to washroom one should fall down and act as unconscious’ in her view such tactics were needed to keep a grip over one’s husband. I found it really interesting, took screen shots and shared with my friends on what’s app. I was so overwhelmed that I shared it with my sister too, we all laughed over it and she suggested me to quit the group before I start acting like a typical auntie but I stayed connected.
I take it as a fortunate move to stay connected to this group. Different cooking competitions, problem sharing, innovative ideas, argumentation and now this creative writing opportunity are very healthy activities for the home-makers.
It’s a good feeling that I have a place to share my problem and get multiple suggestions immediately. An outsider may feel that we are being fooled to spend so much time on the social media and in this group, but now I would say that no medium is good or bad it’s the usage that makes it one and I congratulate founder and the administrators to create something positive and constructive.
Disclaimer:
The reference of the lady in the article is not out of any malice and the writer does not intend to target any particular member of the group. All the members are equally respected and their opinions are valuable.
