Shahram Chaudhry
Words: Pride and Bride
As I contemplated these words, I realized their immense potential to express a myriad of ideas. Within the realm of marriage, pride and honor have traditionally been associated with women, particularly as brides. It occurred to me that by creating a textual portrait of a bride and incorporating the words that spring to mind when contemplating the institution of marriage, I could contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding women’s rights. Especially in my country, where these discussions hold great significance, it is crucial to critically examine what marriage means in our present context and what it should signify for us to foster a progressive society that rejects patriarchy and discrimination.
While many words, such as honor, dignity, and respect, share a similar essence to pride, they carry slightly different connotations. In our culture, these terms are often used interchangeably, reflecting their importance in shaping the perception of a traditional marriage. It is worth noting that most of the words that come to mind tend to have negative connotations, which stem from my personal perspective on marriage. However, amidst these notions, there are also positive words that embody the ideals of a successful marriage.
The varying sizes of each word within the textual portrait represent the importance accorded to them in a typical Pakistani marriage. For instance, “Honor” takes up a significant portion of the portrait, underscoring its paramount importance, while “joy” occupies a smaller space, suggesting a lesser emphasis placed on this aspect. This portrayal aims to initiate a reflection on the multifaceted nature of marriage and encourage a nuanced dialogue on reshaping its meaning to align with a progressive society.
By presenting these words in a visually impactful manner, I hope to evoke a thoughtful response and contribute to a broader understanding of marriage in our society.
