I read today that Iran, the same country where women are beaten, jailed and even killed for not wearing the hijab, witnessed quite a spectacle. The daughter of one of its senior defence and national security officials, a close aide to the Supreme Leader himself, walked down the aisle at her wedding in a strapless, low-cut gown that left little to imagination.
Her mother too, it seems, wore a gown that bared her back proudly.
The world gasped. The same man who signs off on punishments for women who forget to cover a strand of hair, had no issue when his wife and daughter walked uncovered before cameras.
Now that is hypocrisy at its most royal level. And yet, before we wag our fingers at Iran, perhaps we should turn a mirror toward ourselves.
We shout from rooftops that India is the best place to live, and then quietly send our children abroad to study, work, and finally settle there. We boast about the greatness of our education system, but when our own sons and daughters need a degree, we suddenly trust foreign universities more. We talk of Swadeshi, but the watches on our wrists and the pens in our pockets are foreign and cost lakhs. We shout “Make in India” while proudly flashing our imported gadgets. We speak of Indian culture, but fly to Switzerland for our weddings, and Dubai for our honeymoons.
Our leaders do the same. They travel in convoys of foreign cars, wear imported suits, and sip imported drinks, while preaching to the rest of us about nationalism and simplicity. They tell us to buy Indian, eat Indian, and live Indian, while their children eat in Italian restaurants and study in American schools.
I often wonder if hypocrisy has become the national dress code for leaders across the world.
Poor Setayesh, the Iranian daughter, wanted a dream wedding. Her father, blinded by affection, gave it to her. But in doing so, he exposed what Iran tries so hard to hide. The truth that behind the rigid laws and the loud moral sermons, men and women do exactly what they punish others for.
And maybe that is the story everywhere. We want others to follow rules we ourselves do not have the courage or desire to obey.
We want to look moral, not be moral.
Perhaps it is time we stopped hiding behind slogans and started living by the values we so easily preach. Whether in Tehran or in Delhi, whether it is the hijab or the flag, whether it is faith or patriotism, the world is watching. And it can see through our silk ties, designer gowns and grand speeches.
Because the truth is simple: Hypocrisy, whether worn as a dhoti or stitched into a tuxedo, looks ugly everywhere…!
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Robert Clements is a newspaper columnist and writes a daily column, which has graced the pages of over 60 newspapers and magazines, from a daily column in the Khaleej Times, Dubai, the Morning Star, London, and in nearly every state in India, from The Statesman in Kolkata, to the Kashmir Times in Kashmir to the Trinity Mirror in Chennai.
Hypocrisy is in the marrow of our bones. Can’t say this is true only if the politicians
So true Bernice, thank you
So true. You hit the nail on the head.
Thanks Anjali. Good to see you here!
This is religious hypocracy!Hypocracy is in our blood.
Very true Doctor, thank you
There are far more dangerous hypocrisies in the world than wearing an imported watch: no one gets killed for it.
Iran is already covered in your article.
Qatar has become a ‘mediator for peace’ and yet pours billions to fund Islamists around the world. This is just one example, but this is the kind of hypocrisy we should be worried about.
True Oliver, thank you
Exactly my sentiments too. We hear so many criticizing the west, demeaning it & yet , do everything possible to have their children go study & work there. Then they themselves proudly announce to their friends their prolonged holidays, specially to the US.
Exactly Grace, thank you.
Hard- hitting and true! Reminds me of my late mother and her oft repeated line, ” Don’t say to your children , ‘DO AS I SAY,’ and don’t ‘ DO as I do .” Children are always watching You!
Hypocrisy is ugly whether in small things or big. Sooner or later hypocrites find themselves without genuine friends.
I always appreciate the way you write to state bold statements in lucid language.
You have said it all about hypocrisy in fullness.
Thank you very much Father.
A very wise mother indeed, Kay. Thank you.
Bob, no words to say how much I appreciate your boldness and wisdom. God bless you 🙏🏻💗
Thank you Liza!
There is something about the “seat of power” that transforms even the humblest to outrageous levels of hypocratic behaviour.
It is not just coincidence but a proven fact.
Spot on Shailaja- power corrupts.
Bob Sir You have mentioned the truth about Hypocrites in India. I am observing it for the last 40 years or even more. These people are rich business persons ,arrogant proud selfish,unkind,considering them selves superior. There can be a few exception. Honest people and salaried people like visiting religious places thank God and sharing Offerings, blessings Parsad with relatives, friends, and poor people. We should not give any thoughts about people who show about their richness. I have seen these egoistic people suffering by there own people. Let’s only pray for the blessings of God and lead a honest and purpose ful living 🙏🏻
Indeed. Thank you Mr Kukreja.