Mini Revolution at the Barber shop Afridi Saga

I know its the age of social media. Facebook, Twitter, Myspace are the fastest ways to spread news and communicate with everyone. Also it is our portal to all gossip. But still, no one beats Sunday evening chitchat with your barber. Its a known fact that Hosni Mubarak was overthrown by a revolution which was organized through Facebook. But, you know a revolution can also be started from the smallest of places like a barbershop. In Pakistan if you ever enter a barbershop, youll find that the most talked about topics are politics, sports and the never improving condition of our country. I remember that day was sunny but unusually cool for a city like Karachi. I looked like some 70s rock star, long unmanageable hair. As I entered the shop I quickly deduced that todays topic of discussion was cricket, most beloved sport of Pakistan. The noble people in the room, some centuries ago barbers also performed surgeries and by that perspective I call them noble, were all occupied in their discussion. I sat on the empty chair available and one of the surgeons (read: barber) came to clear the jungle on my head. As proceedings started a bald man with a 4-year old entered, he wanted a quick shave. This man provided the spark that ignited the room, he said the PCB was right to suspend Shahid Afridi, pending investigation. This provoked a wild discussion in the room. Everybody had something to say. The manager said a world cup semi finalist captain should not be so harshly treated. Another added that he looks cute and should be pardoned, yes the man was from a community on which many SMS jokes are made. My barber furiously added that the whole board was corrupt and they should resign immediately, he then turned to me and said Saab Afridi jaise ball katoon? I politely refused and continued enjoying the heated debate. It was finally decided to put the matter at vote. Most of the customers voted for Afridi to be punished, others including the barbers wanted Afridi to be dealt with leniently. My vote is secret, because it was also decided that whoever loses will have to go bald. We met in the barbershop on the day verdict to this saga was announced in a press conference. I witnessed a revolution that day, of quick justice and shameful punishment. That was the day I realised barbershops play an important role in society they not only groom men but it also is a place to blurt out your ideas and it encourages public speaking. I would not be surprised if one of these days I have to vote for a barber who will stand for a public office, skills learned at a barbershop would suffice for anyone who desires to hold an elected position in this country. As for my condition after the verdict, did I leave with my hair or not, Ill leave you to guess.

Hussain Jalaluddin BBA 1-II 5-11-2012