The Birkin Affect

Perceptions are like a messed up cake recipe,there is little that can be done to change both suitably.In the modern world the Media, our major source of the information affects how people shape their conceptions of self, others and the world.
Unfortunately media does little to break the age old gender prejudices even when it comes to public figures.Women politicians always receive less issue-related coverage and are more likely to be discussed in terms of their roles as mothers and their marital status.A female politician is first and foremost seen as a woman, a wife and a mother. Her profession is rarely separated from her gender.
Sadly the so-called progressive Indian media did little to break stereotypes during the recent visit of Pakistan minister Hina Rabbani Khar.National newspaper headlines proclaimed that Pakistan had put its "best face forward" and other such puns. Facebook statuses hailed her as Pakistan’s best export. Tweets ranged from comparing her to Kate Middleton to commenting on her Cavalli sunglasses and black Birkin bag.

Alright, she is a fashionista and restaurateur.She is from an affluent and political background,owns a popular restaurant in Lahore and several horses,but wasn't she here to discuss matters far greater in influence than a Birkin bag?
A birkin is a symbol of obvious wealth and exclusivity but issues concerning Pakistan are certainly much intense than this.The meeting of the two ministers was detrimental to south-Asia's future but the whole focus was on Hina's dresses and accessories.
Will the Birkin overshadow Kashmir?
Will Hina Rabbani Khar see indo-pak relations in a better light through her Roberto Cavilli glasses?
Marcel Proust had once said,"The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes."So lets hope Khar does some breakthrough work in indo-pak relations and next time around the media is compelled to shift focus from the birkin.