A: Look, I have my issues with Junaid Jamshed too, internationaI think he says things in the worst possible manner. He makes simple statements sound so misogynist. I think he’s a bad T.V preacher. But I’d give him the benefit of the doubt, everyone says stupid things once in a while. He has apologised, hasn't he?
S: He has, and it was an excellent performance. And if you noticed, he ended his apology by saying “women are diamonds, and they are meant to be hidden, because they have a price”. Those exact words. Reinforcing the same inferiority in women he is apologising for. And this isn't the first incident. Women shouldn't drive? He has made his views crystal clear, apologies can’t fix that.
A: Maybe, he is a little old fashioned, but why do you insist on criticising his character instead of his statements, which you should appraise on their own merit. Why bring in his music career? That’s the past, he’s a changed person now. You can’t hold it against him forever. Take his words on face value, and attack them if necessary.
S: Of course his past matters, especially if he uses it to make a living. His clothing collection, which he advertises to women without hesitation – urging them to do the opposite of 'remaining hidden' –is built on his fame as a pop star. Haven’t you seen how he uses him his past celebrity status while preaching? His actions and his words contradict. Textbook definition of hypocrisy.
A: I understand all that. I just can’t see how you can so easily criticise his actions, and when you ‘liberals’ are criticised you cry “tolerance” and “freedom of speech”. Tolerance works both ways.
S: Not if the other person is spreading intolerance; then you have to correct him, ask him to explain, clarify. Condemn him if necessary. Intolerance needs to be weeded out before true tolerance can begin, the way you describe it atleast. People like Junaid Jamshed need to own up to the fact that their words have consequences.