She can condone my attacks...

how did she get in Berkley?

that should have been "Berkeley".....

2 · newbie said

how did she get in Berkley?

By condoning the attacks.

did she actually say "the" india?? as if condone wasn't bad enough.

4 · Manju said

2 · newbie said

how did she get in Berkley?

By condoning the attacks.

Twice even!
Inconceivable!

how did she get in Berkley?

must be that affirmative action thing..

She would still probably beat Miss South Carolina, like everywhere such as.

"Inconceivable. You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means...." - Iniego Montoya

P.S. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

Condemn, condone..it's all the same really...

SMH.

8 · Asha and Anjali's Dad said

She would still probably beat Miss South Carolina, like everywhere such as.
"Inconceivable. You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means...." - Iniego Montoya
P.S. You killed my father. Prepare to die.

This girl, though, decided to go on CNN Intl. without any prepared remarks, cursory study of the issues, or talking points on hand. So she just spouted some meaninglessly vague generalized platitude. Way to represent.
Why did CNN Intl. think it was appropriate to have a pageant queen show up to weigh in on a serious international relations issue anyway? It's leagues dumber than CNN having Deepak Chopra come on.
Is there such a dearth of Indian and Pakistani members of the commentariat (who aren't paid employees of their respective governments) that they couldn't find someone who could offer context or insight into the issue?

She made a blunder. Unfortunate that it had to be on national television. But if she weren't Pakistani would it even matter? I also don't understand why the insight of a pageant queen matters either.

i'd say the image of Pakistan has been reinforced by these attacks

Come on cut her some slack...she meant well :) Looked up her on Wiki and I am impressed "Paracha, who is currently living in New York, founded the Pakistani Student Association at UC Berkley and later a non-profit Vision of Development which works for the uplift of women in rural Pakistan."

She's pretty dumb

i for one condom her

14 · iddiyappam said

founded the Pakistani Student Association at UC Berkley and later a non-profit Vision of Development which works for the uplift of women in rural Pakistan."

Doesn't this make her blunder worse? Because her resume lists many situations where she needs to be talking point and camera ready, we should expect her to be even more articulate. At LEAST to know how to define and use the word "condone." At minimum, don't use words you don't know how to use...

And in case she does come across the site, here you go sweetie.

con·done, \kən-ˈdōn\ : to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless [webster]

(This is why Cal sux and Bruins ROCK!)

16 · Taz said

And in case she does come across the site, here you go sweetie.

wow! condescending much? i'm sure you've never flubbed even a word while speaking. ever.

Let her be brown.. we're defined by diversity. But a Bear!?... I REFUSE to accept that. Must have got in on a football scholarship.

Atleast Miss South Carolina was entertaining, due to its unintended comical value. It was also refreshing that she came out and made fun of herself too. However, this the miss the pakistan the, the I need the three minutes back the.

10 · NaraVara said

8
Why did CNN Intl. think it was appropriate to have a pageant queen show up to weigh in on a serious international relations issue anyway? It's leagues dumber than CNN having Deepak Chopra come on.
Is there such a dearth of Indian and Pakistani members of the commentariat (who aren't paid employees of their respective governments) that they couldn't find someone who could offer context or insight into the issue?

Exactly.

The host goes was on a dodgy current affairs show in Australia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tst5_SnmqXs&feature=related

Oai... ae kee.. I cliked on the pakistanworld link and vot do I see but hazel the old croc herself. stop the usurp-ation you umreekis. pasracha is a mississagi creation. :-)

Didn't Manish of Ultrabrown go to Berkeley?

two words: hot dumb

As somebody who used 'flint' for 'lint' and 'clutch' for 'crutch' in the last few days, I have great sympathy for Miss. Pakistan. Well, you haterz, how do you explain Obama's '57 states' , 'St. Louis' for 'Kansas City' etc. :-)

That was excruciating.

The only way it could have been more painful was if this beauty pageant contestant was interviewed by Barkha Dutt, with science-related commentary from Deepak Chopra.

Hold the stones, people!
I blame the talking head interviewing her. She should have asked Natasha Paracha to clarify herself with her point about "condoning" the attacks and if the beauty queen continued to say "condone" then well, you can be the judge. Otherwise, it's a woeful mix up of similar-sounding words like...you know, like Natacha Parasha.

That's all it was, folks. Happens quite often, that's why there's a word for it.

A lot of Pakistani society is in denial at the moment, and new conspiracy theories about Mumbai are still being floated. At least she did admit that the Mumbai attackers were Pakistanis, even if as 'non-state actors'.

The real takeaway for me in what she said, to paraphrase: "I wouldn't call India and Pakistan enemies. We're more friends and colleagues." Now there's a hopeful thought.

13 · iddiyappam said

Come on cut her some slack...she meant well

but isn't it so much more fun to be mean spirited? 'tis even the season for that, i hear.

i wonder if she meant "condole" instead of "condone"? although i've never really heard americans use "condole" as a verb in day-to-day speech whereas i've heard it frequently in india. but then "condole these attacks" doesn't make much sense but perhaps she meant "condole with the victims of these attacks" or something like that.

24 · Evil Abhi said

Didn't Manish of Ultrabrown go to Berkeley?

guilt by association!! forte of the pseudo-secular liberal apologists.

For those who keep comparing this with the Miss South Carolina, the So.Carolina girl was 18 or 19 when that flub happened. This Pakistan pageant girl is 23. But she just screwed up one word, which thanks to the beauty of the English language, sounds similar and means opposite, apposite?

my wife is a lot hotter than her....

From her wiki page:

"The 23-year-old graduate from the University of California at Berkeley replaces Mahleej Sarkari who created quite a stir last month when she called Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf a hunk and expressed a desire to date him. "

Forget Natascha the chick before her had a crush on Musharaff. That is ridic!

Yeah, it was just the one word she flubbed that made her seem less than einstein-like.

Eh, she's young and she shouldn't have been asked to comment. Television news is hilarious - anyone remember the Seinfeld where Jerry is dating his maid and he's all like, "yeah, but what she really wants os to be an actress some day, or..." and Elaine goes, "yeah, or?" and Jerry goes, "....or, a tv anchor." Or something like that. I did not go to Berkley. I can barely read and write as it is. Punctuation, grammar, whatever. That is so repressive.

As a Pak, let me say this: this fart does NOT represent Pakistan period. She was just in the right place at the right time unfortunately, just like the other fraud fart Sheeraz Hasan who claims to be the "American Muslim Dream" when in reality he was a nightmare for every Paki on planet Earth. We praised Reshma Dordi, when she bought out all his sponsors for his stupid show, so dumn I wanted to slap him. God is Almighty indeed for miraculously removing him from the airwaves. Both Paracha and Hasan are butts of all jokes Pakistani, as well also Zardari come to think of it. Only in Pakistan can a criminal can become a Prime Minister. As we speak, he is still living the same shady life, stealing millions of dollars from "the war on terror" and ordinary citizens that don't even have enough food for God's sake. My first trip to Pak last year made me angry thinking of how the middle class and poor are so disregarded by the government, they don't even have paved roads to travel on, and are forced to bribe on every aspect of life even on things like parking to get food. Instead on using their money to better themselves, they spend their lives bribing. We then lose these young kids to fanatics who steal the innocent souls of these misguided kids. And then they kill based on the agenda of sick people who have no religion. Such little things we take for granted here in LA. May God get Zardari good if not this life, then in the hereafter. My prayers are always with the people of Pakistan, may God give them a true leader that can have the balls to "CONDEMN terrorism in all forms." Where are the guts to say: yes a poor street kid from Pakistan was brainwashed to terrorize and was responsible for the massacre. Why the run around? Why the BS? Living in LA, we have so many honorable, educated Paki's truly worthy of a humble 1 minute on CNN, but then we always find ourselves dusted under the rug by these fools. And WTF is the dabs on the face? F---ing fool. India- we are deeply sorry for the bombings in Mumbai, may God be with you, my prayers are. Don't forget your Pak friends, the real ones- not the posers. If you want to get us back, please entertain the idea of Zardari.

Paklegal, me likey you ;).

Jokes apart, there are so many strong and beautiful women in Pak; so it's sad that someone who has grown up in US have to represent Pak.

I went to school with Natasha, and while we weren't friends we had a lot of friends in common and traveled in similar circles. She's bright, sincere, opportunistic (I don't mean that in a loaded/negative way, just a descriptive way), and sometimes comes off airheaded. She was a Greek and was also active among Pakistani students -- PakSA definitely got off the ground because of her co-leadership (she founded it with a handful of others), and it later went on to do awesome things as a student organization. She's not uninformed/dumb, particularly not on issues that impact Pakistan. On the flip side, her insights aren't sparklingly brilliant, but I can see how her explanations/understanding could get lost in translation.

I think she was probably just flustered, trying to manage pre-planned soundbites, her earpiece falling out, and trying to speak on behalf of all Pakistanis. Whether I think winning a weird beauty pageant held outside of Pakistan (i.e., hosted by members of the Pakistani diaspora and pretty much exclusive to specific ethnic groups / elites) entitles one to speak with authority on anything is a different question.

7 · lostone said

how did she get in Berkley?

must be that affirmative action thing..

AHH BLOCKQUOTE. My comment starts at "Look," not at the nasty affirmative action crack.

40 · Camille said

AHH BLOCKQUOTE. My comment starts at "Look," not at the nasty affirmative action crack.

Fixed! While you were commenting, even! ;)

39 · Camille said

winning a weird beauty pageant held outside of Pakistan (i.e., hosted by members of the Pakistani diaspora and pretty much exclusive to specific ethnic groups / elites

Ahh, I see its a diaspora thing. I was thinking she was representing Pak in Ms World or Ms. Universe or some such pageant. Ok, that takes care of the comment I was making earlier.

SM INTERN - my hero/heroette. While you are at it can you delete my stupid comments to Amardeep's poetry post? I wanted to make a joke about poetry and now there are three wierd comments by me on the thread, one of which sounds like I am insulting the poet when I didn't mean to do that.

(SM needs a 'within thirty seconds scrub' key: : )

Also, who decides to ask people to comment on television news? Jeez, isn't that some producers job or something? Picking people just because they are a certain ethnicity to comment on a news story seems wierd to me, especially if they have no expertise in an area.

Oh C'mon, all this for a seemingly stupid girl. Everybody gets stupid now and then. I could prolly pull more dumb Indian girl videos. Just because she's from pakistan. We share (atleast the punjabis) a LOT and a little thinking, its quite possible that zardari has not control over whats going on.
Honestly, I was thinking it was an election stunt until FBI was putting out statements. It speaks more about America's double standards more than anything else.

Plus, she is kinda hot, but.. a Berkeley chick, nah..

I, for one, welcome our Muslim insect overlords...

To Qoute "Billy Madison"

"..what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I AWARD YOU NO POINTS, AND MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL."

Look, don't utilize someone's nervousness as an opportunity to vent your racist screed

The fact these young men may have links to Pakistan is in no way indicative of the culture and caliber of people that represent Pakistan.

48 · melbourne desi said

is she an american of pakistan descent or a pakistani who studied in the USA.

I was confused about that, too. Her wiki page is a bit of a mess. I did find this, however:

I was born in Islamabad, Pakistan in 1984 and moved to the United States with my family. I graduated from U.C Berkeley with honours in Political Science and Business Administration. I am currently residing in New York City and work for the United Nations. [link]

The comments on THAT blog make me grateful for you mutineers! Now please, play nice, all of you!

48 · melbourne desi said

Quite similar to ABDs who spout on about India when they have not been to the country in 20 odd years.

Next year, I am sad to admit that I will resemble that remark. :( I was last in Kerala in 1989.

I am grateful you wrote ABD vs. the other acronym, which makes me want to punch someone. :)

The other being ABCD?
Bring it on!! j/k ,,,, :), a little bored thats all.

God is Almighty indeed for miraculously removing him from the airwaves.

Paklegal, your comment is one of the most entertaining I've read on SM in a while. Just make sure the "American Muslim Dram" (aka "Hollywood's Ambassador to Bollywood") doesn't run you over with his Lamborghini. Or throw one of his many awards at you.

50 · ROMEO 86 said

The other being ABCD?
Bring it on!! j/k ,,,, :), a little bored thats all.

ABCD stands for American Born Condoning Desis, right?

53 · Paklegal said

Haha. You mean the rented Lamb., when in reality he lives in a small apartment in BH driving a VW bug? Or those faltoo awards he PDF'd and tweaked his name onto? Yes you and I saw through all of that. He needs a tha-pur from his mom, a Seahawks fan....and me! I'll just stand behind my tv as Showbiz India is on. What a shield. Ohhh...that'll make him melt. Karachi Kuchra. I don't know what part he's from, just made that up. I have family there, I should shut up. Plus he's ugly as hell, you know Arnold was screaming inside touching that thang.

51 · Seahawks fan said

Paklegal, your comment is one of the most entertaining I've read on SM in a while. Just make sure the "American Muslim Dram" (aka "Hollywood's Ambassador to Bollywood") doesn't run you over with his Lamborghini. Or throw one of his many awards at you.

Haha. You mean the rented Lamb., when in reality he lives in a small apartment in BH driving a VW bug? Or those faltoo awards he PDF'd and tweaked his name onto? Yes you and I saw through all of that. He needs a tha-pur from his mom, a Seahawks fan....and me! I'll just stand behind my tv as Showbiz India is on. What a shield. Ohhh...that'll make him melt. Karachi Kuchra. I don't know what part he's from, just made that up. I have family there, I should shut up. Plus he's ugly as hell, you know Arnold was screaming inside touching that thang.

54 · ROMEO 86 said

You know what really pisses me off about the that L-car video, why do people think its a good car? Its cheap CRAP and before people come in saying whatever, the last good L-car was the Diablo. This would seem a little "toot you own horn"-ish but when I bought my F-car, I drove Porsches, Lambos, the works, the new lambos dont cut it, people that dont have enough money that want a nice car. Murcielago is better, much better but sadly I cant afford that, but I'm very(very very) happy with what I have, James bond seems to agree with me...

You must have it good...I walk to work.

On behalf of Pakistani girls everywhere, I'm embarrassed. I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

I am commenting only to applaud Paklegal. You are my hero! You took the words right out of my mouth. I was thinking of that kambakhat Sheeraz, aka American Nightmare as well. That fraud! I thank Reshma for making my Saturday mornings khubsoorat. I know Ms. Paracha, and can confirm Camille's comments on her. Natasha means well, but isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Why she decided to go on CNN and broadcast her lack of eloquence? I have no idea...all publicity is good publicity? Anyone Facebook friends with her will know she's all about self-promotion. She advertised her CNN interview for days on her Facebook status and uploaded albums full of her "modeling" photos. I wish she spent more time preparing for the interview instead of bakwasing her way through it. Miss Pakistan sucks. Epic fail 2008.

56 · paklegal said

54 · ROMEO 86 said

You know what really pisses me off about the that L-car video, why do people think its a good car? Its cheap CRAP and before people come in saying whatever, the last good L-car was the Diablo. This would seem a little "toot you own horn"-ish but when I bought my F-car, I drove Porsches, Lambos, the works, the new lambos dont cut it, people that dont have enough money that want a nice car. Murcielago is better, much better but sadly I cant afford that, but I'm very(very very) happy with what I have, James bond seems to agree with me...

You must have it good...I walk to work.

You would think, I just dont have my priorities right. i cant take that car anywhere, ~70,000 in repairs in the last year alone (insurance covered, but still). Cant be in traffic, it overheats,, what else...
And I've started liking cars better than girls,, evil things, these cars :)

54 · ROMEO 86 said

people that dont have enough money that want a nice car. Murcielago is better, much better but sadly I cant afford that

check again, prices have collapsed in the exotic car market, perhaps less so for lambo than ferraris, which were really trading at a premium and thus have much more room to fall. (btw, people buy the gallardo b/c it doesn't trade at a ridiculous premium like the equivalent Ferrari 460, is arguably better build than the aforementioned f-car b/c of Audi, and is arguably more usable due to 4-wheel drive.)

however, subway passes are going up.

On behalf of Pakistani girls everywhere, I'm embarrassed. I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

this fart does NOT represent Pakistan

She's pretty dumb

That was excruciating... The only way it could have been more painful was

And in case she does come across the site, here you go sweetie.

I really admire all of you folks. You must all be so articulate and perfect, and have amazing diction, and must be founts of brilliant thoughts! And all of you seem like such decent, kind, and nice people to boot! What a wonderful community!

38 · IndoChick said

Jokes apart, there are so many strong and beautiful women in Pak; so it's sad that someone who has grown up in US have to represent Pak.

Thank you for that comment, I mean how hard is it, to go to USC and find a professor? What is insane is no matter how book smart Paracha may be, she does not have the authority to represent us, she doesn't even know the 101 on a game plan before sitting in front of millions of people. She's far from polished, and that unfortunately is the worst PR. How grossly irresponsible is that. From people I know that know her, she had the nerve to proudly post that video on her Facebook- full on, with the face dabs. Does she not have any shame? For all I know she might as well scratched her armpit, she was on that same wavelength anyway.....

Natasha: No offense, but you could have at least rehearsed in front of a mirror. I'm sure you got to brag to your friends you were gonna be on TV, but you should have used that time to think of something meaningful to say like..."I'm Sasha Fierce" then you would get to go to Obama's Inauguration. Fail.

I'm fairly sure she knows the difference between "condone" & "condemn", she looked like she was in some jet lag fugue state. She needs to take "tuition" from Haqqani, that guy is the master. My critique is pretty much the same that I would have of the minority of DBDs I meet who grew up in a posh Indian environment. Basically that they are trying to describe an elephant having seen nothing but its toenails. There I said it, ABDs whose parents come from a humble background often know more about "real India" than this subset of DBDs. There's probably cognitive dissonance between what she sees at the homes of her parents' peer group in Pakistan and the disturbing news we all see coming out of that country

62 · paklegal said

What is insane is no matter how book smart Paracha may be, she does not have the authority to represent us, she doesn't even know the 101 on a game plan before sitting in front of millions of people. She's far from polished, and that unfortunately is the worst PR. How grossly irresponsible is that. From people I know that know her, she had the nerve to proudly post that video on her Facebook- full on, with the face dabs. Does she not have any shame? For all I know she might as well scratched her armpit, she was on that same wavelength anyway.....

and still you mock pasracha, and not the idiot 24 hour news networks for which each of you pay hundreds of dollars a year to watch, and which are so bereft of either reporting or analysis, that they feel compelled to fill the copious airtime vacuum with any old warm body they can find. they should be the target of ire - for being complicit in the manipulation of public opinion, and for distracting from seriousness by engaging folks like deepak chopra, pasracha on international relations, or having a show where miles o' brien decides to get himself drowned or tased in the name of news, and so on. write to them instead of descending like vultures on an innocent flub.

58 · TeraBaap said

I am commenting only to applaud Paklegal. You are my hero! You took the words right out of my mouth. I was thinking of that kambakhat Sheeraz, aka American Nightmare as well. That fraud! I thank Reshma for making my Saturday mornings khubsoorat. I know Ms. Paracha, and can confirm Camille's comments on her. Natasha means well, but isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Why she decided to go on CNN and broadcast her lack of eloquence? I have no idea...all publicity is good publicity? Anyone Facebook friends with her will know she's all about self-promotion. She advertised her CNN interview for days on her Facebook status and uploaded albums full of her "modeling" photos. I wish she spent more time preparing for the interview instead of bakwasing her way through it. Miss Pakistan sucks. Epic fail 2008.

You beat me, I did know about her "bragging" about the CNN gig. You know I recently had another friend on CNN, but she was very humbling, and had such a classy approach. Ay....I'll give it to her that she means well, but I have zero tolerance if it's done on air in front of millions around the world. I won't let her get away with this, because she presumes she is a public figure, esp. with the modeling pics you're talking about. Oh barf. Tera Baap you're my baap, but can you just tell her to bury this video already? Your mornings weren't khubsurat with Sheeraz? :-)

65 · paklegal said

You know I recently had another friend on CNN, but she was very humbling

humbling?? and you make fun of her malapropism?

61 · mockfest said

I really admire all of you folks. You must all be so articulate and perfect, and have amazing diction, and must be founts of brilliant thoughts! And all of you seem like such decent, kind, and nice people to boot! What a wonderful community!

Awww....you must be dating Paracha. Baby don't be sad, be a ucha bucha.

65 · mockfest said

humbling?? and you make fun of her malapropism?

Am I on CNN, or Sepia? They are the same in my eyes, so my apologies- that was a typo. You'll feel much better when you watch the video again. My compliments.

67 · paklegal said

Am I on CNN, or Sepia? They are the same in my eyes, so my apologies- that was a typo.

Good job! Apparently, you are incapable of avoiding stupidity even when under no pressure, and when you have all the time in the world. Mocking her, which this post was essentially an invitation for, deserves as much respect as picking on comments for their typos and spelling errors. But, hey, carry on - you are only as pathetic as what you derive your pleasure from!

I think the commentary here is getting way too harsh. If only all professors were actually articulate and well-informed, perhaps I could support going with a random professor from USC (or even UCB or Harvard). She should have prepared better, especially if she knew she was going to be on CNN several days ahead, but that's not to say that someone at her level should not be allowed to speak at all. Different spokespeople for different audiences, and young, attractive spokespeople whenever possible. Not everyone need be a subject matter expert just to be allowed to speak.

And can we not lose sight of the overall point she was trying to make: Pakistan's image has taken a huge hit after recent events, and some attempt to balance the picture, to prevent everyone of Pakistani origin getting tarred - is fully legitimate. There is an aspect of reality in Pakistan that Kasab represents, but she and people like her also represent another aspect. Why shouldn't she get some air time as well? As the wiki link points out, if we needed reminding - there are many 'elements' in Pakistan that would want to see all women veiled, to say nothing of wanting all beauty pageants banned. She represents a reality that a gray-haired, bespectacled, accented male Professor never could.

"I wouldn't call India and Pakistan enemies. They're more like friends and colleagues." -- Natasha Paracha, speaking on CNN.

60 · Manju said

54 · ROMEO 86 said

people that dont have enough money that want a nice car. Murcielago is better, much better but sadly I cant afford that

check again, prices have collapsed in the exotic car market, perhaps less so for lambo than ferraris, which were really trading at a premium and thus have much more room to fall. (btw, people buy the gallardo b/c it doesn't trade at a ridiculous premium like the equivalent Ferrari 460, is arguably better build than the aforementioned f-car b/c of Audi, and is arguably more usable due to 4-wheel drive.)
however, subway passes are going up.

Just checked, and I probably phrased the sentence wrong, a murcielago for the price that its going for is not worth it. It not as good a car (its got soul though, definitely puts a smile on your face when you drive it), at that price I can go for a Scuderia or a CGT. And F-430 is a WAY different car than a Gallardo.
I dont think anybody buys an (high performance)exotic for usability, you can get a Gallardo for 5 figures, brakes creaking, no warranty, barely working but people want to buy into "exotic" thats the reason it sells and morons buy it, which is fine coz they need to learn somehow. Cant talk about build quality, I havent owned one, but yes its a very well mannered car most of the time.
Most of the people I know who got a Gallardo didnt have a "nice" car before and they soon realized they got much less than what they paid for in a gallardo. Its kind of a chick exotic.. I mean these are race cars they should be fast, look mean, and growl and cry, be total maniacs.

i officially switch positions and hereby unequivalently back mockfest. reason being, mockfest may very well be natasha and natasha is hot. there's an outside chance that mockfest is sarah palin but the same logic would apply.

71 · Manju said

i officially switch positions and hereby unequivalently back mockfest. reason being, mockfest may very well be natasha and natasha is hot. there's an outside chance that mockfest is sarah palin but the same logic would apply.

Nice try. Unfortunately for you, I'm Joe Biden.

41 · SM Intern said

Fixed! While you were commenting, even! ;)

ANNA, I think she moved to the U.S. at a fairly young age. She definitely went to high school in the U.S., but I think she's been here for all of her developmental life, if that makes sense. Don't quote me on that, though. Like I said, I don't know the ins/outs of Natasha except that I can vouch for TeraBaap and say there was (in my opinion) a tacky amount of self-promotion going on both when she won Ms. Pakistan World (not to be confused with Ms. World, Pakistan) and when she went on CNN.

oh really. Now being anti-affirmative action is racist!!! then millions of DBDs must be racist. For someone who is so smart, your disdain for alternative points of view is quite unbecoming.

1. CNN is presenting her as something other than a 'man on the street' opinion, when, basically, that is all it is. It reflects badly on CNN, but then, television news is generally awful and I avoid it.

2. The young women in question agreed to do the interview, so if she flubbed it, the responsibility is on her (ala Palin and the Couric interview, and I say that as a Palin fan). Criticism of her performance is perfectly legit. She didn't flub just one word - the whole thing needed work. I'd do worse, but then, no one asked me and I would refuse if they did because I would suck at it.

3. Fine. So what if she flubbed it. If she plans to be in the public spotlight, that's just the breaks. She will be more prepared next time and do better. Live and learn.

4. Paklegal - stick around. You are fun.

mockfest rocks. As to the other person who chooses the name Shallowthinker, learn to write without typos, you are not on air, so you can spell check before you post.

louiecypher @ 62, i thought of this w/r/t the 11/26 attacks - albeit they have been greater in magnitude (and length) than any other of the recent attacks in india, but i could not help but feeling that because they happened, of all places, at the taj and oberoi, that the elite would somehow feel more violated as a result of this attack, regardless of whether they were at the scene or not, and just this morning, i read a headline in a bombay daily referring to the same thing...

as for natasha, i do think that the ear piece falling out repeatedly had much to do with her poor performance (though maybe she should have spent a few extra seconds before she came on fixing that, rather than her makeup). in any case, i think it reflects more on CNN that they chose her as their consultant - and why did they think a pageant win qualifies her to talk - i'd much rather that they had left that (and the sash) out and focused more on the fact that she was a poli sci major, started a pak-am group, and now works at the UN. and although mentioning none of these would have improved her performance, at least there would be fewer people who would be left with the image of the ditzy beauty queen but, rather a recent graduate who is still raw in the analysis of pakistan v. india.

TeraBaap - bakwasing is my new favourite word ;)

I don't think she flubbed it that badly. But I do think it's ridiculous that some beauty pageant winner is being taken as some kind of expert. Yes, she does have other qualifications, but let's face it, the only reason she's being given face time is because she's a beauty pageant winner (and it's Miss Pakistan World, not even Miss World, Pakistan! oh right, b/c Miss World, Pakistan doesn't exist...), hence her wearing the sash, etc.

She's very attractive on an objective level (thick long hair, thin, etc.), but I personally find her too manly-looking (as are many other northie and Pak women, IMO).

If you look at some of the things many politicians have blunderingly spewed out, you'd do one of those palm to face moves in embarrassment for them...it was an 'ouch' moment to hear her say 'condone' but, definitely she should be cut some slack, and like I've posted on my site...the actions of the few should not reflect on the entirety of a particular group of people, that kind of stuff drives me up a wall.

I actually looked up the meaning of the word condone online wondering I had known the meaning wrong all these years ! 'Thoroughly condone' after 'condone' she says. Getting it wrong two times in a row makes you wonder if that might have been a Freudian slip...

64 · paklegal said

You beat me, I did know about her "bragging" about the CNN gig. You know I recently had another friend on CNN, but she was very humbling, and had such a classy approach. Ay....I'll give it to her that she means well, but I have zero tolerance if it's done on air in front of millions around the world. I won't let her get away with this, because she presumes she is a public figure, esp. with the modeling pics you're talking about. Oh barf. Tera Baap you're my baap, but can you just tell her to bury this video already? Your mornings weren't khubsurat with Sheeraz? :-)

I hope the next time she decides to open her mouth, she talks about a topic she is actually competent enough to comment on. She needs a PR coach stat (or maybe she should just give her crown to me. I would barter my J.Lo velour pants for her crown). Maybe she could champion the cause of illiteracy in Pakistan. That would be amusing. But I agree with you. If she has the audacity to engage in such barfable levels of self-promotion (read: bragging) then homegirl needs to be worth her weight in gold. It would have been so easy for CNN to find a professor to comment on the Mumbai blasts. I'm Paki & Indian with strong roots in Mumbai so her stupid interview was a double thappar. Its a shame Natasha was given airtime and we had to watch her strange three-point-face-goal thing. What the hell WAS that? Ammi!
Also, I am ashamed to admit I have Sheeraz Hasan's "The American Dream" book. Yes, there is a book. I picked it up many years ago for free at the USC Pakistan Day mela. Sheeraz was there signing the books for free (I didnt get mine signed. Gross.)
Paklegal, you can have my copy if you would like. I will highlight the amusing sections for you. Holla!

Being Indian myself,it's upsetting to know that India and Pakistan are feuding countries and have been for a long time, but she can't deny the fact that they are, however I can condone her 'condone' because it is very sad when people jump to conclusions, no one would of thought twice had she been white, or not Pakistani, yes it is a very incriminating blunder, but I think the point of this video was to debunk the stereotype that plagues Pakistanis, It's too bad she did have that 'c' slip up, but I understand the message she was trying to convey.

68 · mockfest said

Mocking her, which this post was essentially an invitation for

That's untrue and a bit hurtful. I did not correct her like others did, I rooted for her school when *I* didn't even go there AND I made sure to close with an unflattering detail about me, to preempt some sanctimonious asshole from telling me that I wasn't all that. We all know I'm not all that and CNN sure as hell isn't asking me for shit. Good-natured mocking is too be expected with a flub. That is all.

81 · shweta said

Being Indian myself,it's upsetting to know that India and Pakistan are feuding countries and have been for a long time, but she can't deny the fact that they are, however I can condone her 'condone' because it is very sad when people jump to conclusions, no one would of thought twice had she been white, or not Pakistani, yes it is a very incriminating blunder, but I think the point of this video was to debunk the stereotype that plagues Pakistanis, It's too bad she did have that 'c' slip up, but I understand the message she was trying to convey.

Nobody reasonable thinks she actually went on CNN Intl. to condone the attacks. Relax, it's just trash-talk.

Inglesman, you sound like a blast to hangout with. I really mean that. I say that with not a ounce of sarcasm. I am not playing around. Really, Im not. For real. Not joking at all.

Well, looks like we got lots of Bear alums on here which is nice. I was shocked that she made it into Cal. FWIW, Natasha suffers from uncontrollable flatulence so I give her props for making it this far while tooting her own horn.

Not fair, ABDs beating up on a DBD person on TV. Or is this some weird, inherited, 2nd gen Indian vs. Pakistani prejudice thing going on?

So she flubbed and said "condone" when she meant "condemn". So what?

Invoking Freud easily gives license to all kinds of anti-Pakistani cattiness, suitably disguised as look-at-that-beauty-pageant-bimbette humor, of course.

But its pretty obvious the woman was nervous from the start. And what was that cheek to cheek to nose touching gesture? Does it have some kind of religious significance?

As for the superfluous "the India", "the Pakistan" etc, it is a common feature of English spoken as a second language by Punjabis. Most India-born Punjabis lose it upon contact with a westernized milieu back home; I notice that it seems to be a bit more persistent amongst the westernized Pakistani Punjabi elite.

87 · cookiebrown said

Not fair, ABDs beating up on a DBD person on TV. Or is this some weird, inherited, 2nd gen Indian vs. Pakistani prejudice thing going on?

Dude, Natasha please don't blame the existence of the article "the" on an ESL feature (if anything, many Punjabis drop their articles when they begin speaking English because we have very few articles in Punjabi). I also think it's really inappropriate to view this through an ABD/DBD lens. She is closer to a 2nd gen'ner than 1.5 or 1 gen desi in the diaspora. Let's analyze accordingly. I also don't think Natasha is Punjabi. I could be wrong.

I don't think ANNA deserves criticism for pointing out someone's flub. I feel like I cut Natasha a lot of slack, but on the other hand, she did go on CNN in order to deliver her opinion as a more "expert" woman on the street, so to speak, and I think it's totally fair to be underwhelmed with her interview. People (incl. commenters) are always going to be critical of someone who voluntarily puts themselves in the public eye.

Terabaap and paklawyer, you two are funny -- stick around :)

Come on, who cares what she says. Where are the bikini contest pics?

I love it when beauty queens talk! Wait till she's a vp nom.

What's with the constant fidgiting with the IFB!?

It's dangerous to accuse a specific blogger of deleting a comment when you have no idea who did. While everyone tries to watch over their own threads, each blogger intervenes on any and every thread, if necessary. I have now deleted three SIX comments because they were off-topic and worse, incorrect with what they were alleging.

Please stay on topic.

I for one would like to add my outrage to the condoning of Natashia. Who amongst us has not condomed the wrong person at the wrong time?

Poor Natasha Begum. I wonder if she'll ever speak in public again. Do you guys think she's a covert Mutineer?

Camille, I'm feelin you too girl. Paklegal, please come back into our lives.

92 · Manju said

Who amongst us has not condomed the wrong person at the wrong time?

i guess love lust is blind.
that said, i'm glad your emotions don't get in the way of safe sex.

OMG, Natasha is so cute. Smokin' hot like a pack of Marlboros.

88 · Camille said

Punjabis drop their articles when they begin speaking English

i guess there is a clear and proven correlation in speaking a western tongue and shedding, uh, inhibitions. ah, the infinite wisdom of the saffron brigade and the fatwa kings is vindicated yet again!

Whose God is it anyways? on December 17, 2008 11:10 AM said:

i wonder if she meant "condole" instead of "condone"? although i've never really heard americans use "condole" as a verb in day-to-day speech whereas i've heard it frequently in india. but then "condole these attacks" doesn't make much sense but perhaps she meant "condole with the victims of these attacks" or something like that.

Yup, I think that's it -- one of those verbs spun out of nouns that happen in Desh-- you go to people's houses to "condole" them on the death of their near and dear instead of sending them your condolences like an ABD. So there.

Nearest and dearest, I mean. Slip that proves she's eligible to represent her slice of Desh.

I'm just wondering who the hell it was at CNN that thought it was a good idea to have this girl on!! Come on CNN International, are you as lame as regular CNN?

While Natasha was pretty awful as being some sort of spokesperson for Pakistan - I think CNN deserves to be made fun of more. They could have copied the Daily Show and used Sanjay Gupta as their 'brown correspondent', much like how the Daily Show has a black guy as their 'black correspondent' on all things related to African-Americans. Just a (joking) hint.

Manju said:

(btw, people buy the gallardo b/c it doesn't trade at a ridiculous premium like the equivalent Ferrari 460, is arguably better build than the aforementioned f-car b/c of Audi, and is arguably more usable due to 4-wheel drive.)

i officially switch positions and hereby unequivalently back mockfest. reason being, mockfest may very well be natasha and natasha is hot. there's an outside chance that mockfest is sarah palin but the same logic would apply.

"..one of those verbs spun out of nouns that happen in Desh. - you go to people's houses to "condole" them"

amrita, while condole is indeed a verb - and more indians than americans seem to be aware of its use as a verb -- you're right, the indian media/people often use this verb incorrectly. from a blog about media in india:

"It came, therefore, as a pleasant surprise, when Ahmedabad Mirror, carried the following letter in its recent issue under the heading “Mind Your Language”:

When will the media use the verb ‘condole’ properly? The headline at the top of the page on September 20 says ‘PM condoles inspector Sharma’s death.’ Condole means sympathy. You can express sympathy to persons but not to death. Moreover condole (like sympathy) is an intransitive verb and can not take an object (death, in this case). Your headline and the story, should have read: The PM condoles with inspector’s family over/in his death.
Response from AM’s News Editor Pradeep Mallik published alongside was:
Thank you for writing and enlightening us on the correct usage of ‘condole.’ We stand corrected. Looking forward to more mails from you.""

as media savvy as cnn anchors/reporters are, they commit all sorts of errors or overuse expressions a zillion times a day (i wish they would retire "reference" and "impact" as verbs and get rid of "drill it down" and "walk it back"). if people who blab all day sound so silly, i think it's easy for the average person to become a bit confused on television.

92 · Manju said

Who amongst us has not condomed the wrong person at the wrong time?

you are a wise, wise, man, manju - but apparently, not wise enough to have avoided condoming the wrong person (or letting the wrong person condome you, as the case may be).

Highly likely that she is Punjabi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracha

(i.e., hosted by members of the Pakistani diaspora and pretty much exclusive to specific ethnic groups / elites)

Which specific ethnic groups are these events restricted to and who gets excluded?

1. I did not read any of the 106 preceding.
2. I am pleased to hear some relatable voices coming out of Pakistan. I do not want to hear more people passing the buck and rhetoric and crazies spouting phrases like Hindu-Zionism etc. any more. Please give me some young educated people speaking from BOTH sides of the border.
3. That being said: Condemn? Condone? Berkeley? Really?

Okay, I just went on to her wiki page and am concerned it may have been hack-bombed. "Involuntary flatulence?" Really? Either that or I am just easily surprised today.

Please stay on topic, people. I have deleted two comments which did not, plus another one which referenced those.

Additionally, please do not use this post as an excuse to insult the girl's health or appearance (and if you are going to do that, have the decency to use your real name and email address, else you're just a troll). If you want to insult CNN for setting up this interview, feel free. But Natasha is a real person, and she may be reading this; yes, she is a public figure, she went to one of the best schools in the country, blah blah blah...but a little kindness goes a long way.

88 · Camille said

Terabaap and paklawyer, you two are funny -- stick around :)

It's paklegal Camilla Parker Bowles :-)

68 · mockfest said

Good job! Apparently, you are incapable of avoiding stupidity even when under no pressure, and when you have all the time in the world. Mocking her, which this post was essentially an invitation for, deserves as much respect as picking on comments for their typos and spelling errors. But, hey, carry on - you are only as pathetic as what you derive your pleasure from!

You're so predictable, I knew when I'd log in this morning, you'd have a comment like this up. I can now confirm you're dating Paracha. Just kidding. Take a chill pill, and don't have a heart attack snookums. You make me smile, and I'm glad to see how happy you are in life. May you always be this content. If not, try www.shaadi.com

1. Regardless of anything she said, WHY would she wear her pageant sash on CNN. I would think that her experience at the UN and as Chairperson of Pakistani affairs would be something she'd much rather "show off"

2. She definitely should have prepared. At least Miss South Carolina was put on the spot and didn't know what she would be asked.

3. I'm not hating on her, Natasha is def a strong and accomplished woman. But I won a small pageant once and I don't think that adds ANYTHING to my accomplishments. I really feel if she had emphasized being an ambassador instead of "as miss pakistan world" she would've elicited a better response

74 · MD said

4. Paklegal - stick around. You are fun.

The purpose of my commentary wasn't to bash Paracha to a pulp, although I may have almost achieved that level, but really to vent frustration at this whole Pakistani image that is just making me cringe. The country image is almost hopeless. Add the Prime Minister is a mob boss, who may have orchestrated the murder of his wife. And we get Paracha to ice the cake? Paracha whether I like it or not represents me. And millions of people will view her as the country's spokesperson, whether I like it or not. That itself is wrong. I refuse to accept her as this Miss Pakistan. BS. She should have been referenced as a UN volunteer, or whatever her title is. This contest she entered in my opinion, is not ligitimate. In our community, this is a wannabe Ash. Ash REALLY entered a ligitimate contest. Ash IS eligible to represent India. Paracha cannot equate to this.

Something I'd also like to add is that she's not the first Berkeley desi girl alum on CNN.

Sumaya Kazi, a Bangladeshi graduate of UC Berkeley, was on CNN for her work with Cultural Connect.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2007/07/13/ypwr.intv.sumaya.kazi.cnn?iref=videosearch

not that im trying to make a harsh comparison...but i think the videos speak for themselves...

93 · TeraBaap said

Paklegal, please come back into our lives

What is I was Natasha? Would you still feel the same? :-)

84 · ShallowThinker said

Inglesman, you sound like a blast to hangout with. I really mean that. I say that with not a ounce of sarcasm. I am not playing around. Really, Im not. For real. Not joking at all.

I want to hangout with Inglesman first.

80 · TeraBaap said

Paklegal, you can have my copy if you would like. I will highlight the amusing sections for you. Holla!

I need this book. I'm going to use it as a shoe towards Paracha! May she won't duck as fast. But thank you for your amusing comments, this is the first time I'm posting any comments, I've been a SM fan for years. You know I also technically Indo/Pak with my Indo roots in Mumbai, so we may be related. TeraBaap I hope we cross paths again, you were a blast.

I need this book. I'm going to use it as a shoe towards Paracha!

113 · paklegal said

93 · TeraBaap said

Paklegal, please come back into our lives

What is I was Natasha? Would you still feel the same? :-)

You two love Natasha, it took me a while to figure out but there it is, out in the open now :)

her experience at the UN

What does she do there? Is she a "body person" like Huma?
;-)

117 · ROMEO 86 said

You two love Natasha, it took me a while to figure out but there it is, out in the open now :)

Yes yes. Don't we all? I would shaadify her...except I'm a woman and CA's Prop 8 said nuh-uh.

115 · paklegal said

I need this book. I'm going to use it as a shoe towards Paracha!

Ok, I don't know what happened to my previous comment. Maybe I didnt press post properly. Eh? Now the repost isn't going to be as funny. Oh well. Ok so I was saying that since I have the Autobiography of Sheerz Hassan (The American Dream), if any LA Mutineer's would like to meet up for a holiday coffee shop reading, holla! (click on my name for my email address). The sub-heading to his book is, "It all started with a prayer at the Hollywood sign" Sharing is caring, and since I care, I shall share.

BengaliTigress-I saw the CNN clip with Sumaya. It was great. She's awesome and actually knows what she is talking about.

rob, she's an ECOSOC intern.

(i.e., hosted by members of the Pakistani diaspora and pretty much exclusive to specific ethnic groups / elites)

It's paklegal Camilla Parker Bowles :-)

Once again, in defense of Natasha, I'm sure she's more than qualified to weigh in on a serious global issues, including Indo-Pak relations, and CNN was right to have her on. After all, she can see Pakistan from her porch and has direct access to the Prime Minister of Asia.

I regret mocking her earlier, and will take my punishment--which no doubt will include her condoming me repeatedly--like a man.

Next year, I am sad to admit that I will resemble that remark. :( I was last in Kerala in 1989. I am grateful you wrote ABD vs. the other acronym, which makes me want to punch someone. :)

She chose her words poorly.
So much so that her intent was completely reversed.

The attacks against her for this reason have nothing to do with the fact she's Pakistani. We would be saying the same things if she were Indian, Hispanic, Black, Swedish, whatever.

You need to be able to separate criticism from some India vs Pakistan thing. This has nothing to do with I vs P. It's about the words she used. If she were just the stereotypical pageant queen, I think we would think of this a little differently. But she's a graduate of Cal... a good school... so, yeah, I think criticism is fair. Especially considering she's on INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION.

Thanks.

The comment was explicitly racist/gendered (even if that wasn't the writer's initial intent).

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year everyone - my last comment for the year.

I'm sure you all have gotten a laugh out of this interview. There were a lot of elements out of my control, but at least you all are talking now. I urge you all to take a stance and make a difference for your country. We come from one of the most unstable region's on the world.

124 · melbourne desi said

Next year, I am sad to admit that I will resemble that remark. :( I was last in Kerala in 1989. I am grateful you wrote ABD vs. the other acronym, which makes me want to punch someone. :)

Oh that is a long time. Get on the plane and get back in touch with your roots.

I love how people (here and elsewhere) assume that I haven't *wanted* to go. I would love to go. There are reasons why I haven't gone back, not the least of which is the considerable cost. Some of you comment as if going to India is easy! It's not possible for all of us. Be grateful if it is possible for you (or if people you love are still alive, to see).

India has as much to gain from you as you have to gain from India. As for confused ABDs - we are all confused - just to varying degrees. I dont think ABDs are any more confused than other upper middle class educated "reconstructed" whites

That first sentence about India having as much to gain as I do...that was the kindest thing you wrote. Thank you for that. Not sure what to make of the "reconstructed whites" concept, but I found it disconcerting.

Before someone asks, we don't know if that's the real Natasha. The IP for that comment is from Herndon, VA. Natasha lives in New York, as far as we know.

Even if it isn't her, it's a worthwhile sentiment, which is why we didn't delete it.

There were a lot of elements out of my control,

No dictionary?

We come from one of the most unstable region's on the world.

That is so not true. It's just not, if we look at current events globally. Places that are really, really unstable right now are the like the Congo (over 5.4 million dead), genocide in Rwanda, and so on. Pakistan and South Asia may not be perfect and institutions may not be strong, democracy has a long ways to come, communal killings, etc, yes, but it's definitely not explosively unstable like some other places.

129 · Desi Italiana said

That is so not true. It's just not, if we look at current events globally. Places that are really, really unstable right now are the like the Congo (over 5.4 million dead), genocide in Rwanda, and so on. Pakistan and South Asia may not be perfect and institutions may not be strong, democracy has a long ways to come, communal killings, etc, yes, but it's definitely not explosively unstable like some other places.

Those places are unstable. As bad as it sounds though not enough people care because the problems that instability causes are largely restricted to the unstable countries and the states on their borders.

The US/Pak problems, on the other hand, have potential to go nuclear and India is an important country geo-politically which means the rest of the world has a more obvious stake in what goes on there.

melbourne desi, after (now) years of commenting back and forth on Sepia Mutiny, what your response shows me is that you have little to no information about me, my politics, my experience, or my worldview. I don't really care to share it with you. This thread is not about affirmative action, and so I will not derail it further, but I'll speak to at least two trends I've noticed as my commenting has decreased. 1) I did not (nor have I) made the argument that all opponents of affirmative action are racist. I have rarely called anyone a racist on the Mutiny or in the real world because I understand that it's a loaded and complicated term, and for me at least speaks to a social order/construct. (I acknowledge that I have labeled commentary or positions as racist several times, but I think there's a pretty big distinction between the two). 2) I know I am politically left of many people, including commenters on this site, but that doesn't mean that my function or purpose here (on SM) is to be your caricature of what YOU think is a "left-wing, bleeding heart" political stance. I'm shallow? I'm a hypocrite? And what, so is everyone else who disagrees with you? Instead of constructing a straw (wo)man by misrepresenting or misclassifying or misunderstanding my political beliefs and rationals, maybe take some time to think of why I would bother to leave a lengthy response to a fleeting comment, aside from it being knee-jerk liberal screed. Or, maybe even offer a cogent explanation for what your disagreement is, because then we have somewhere to go. I try to do the same with regular commenters I engage with (and disagree with) on both counts, and it helps me understand the conversation a lot better. Shutting down the conversation by resorting to ad hominem attacks goes NOWHERE. Thanks, and have a great 2009.

Natasha ex-boyfriend of three years is actually a close friend of mine. I can assure you she isn't stupid. She was just having an off day. However, I do blame her for thinking India and Pakistan are actually friends. That was hysterical. She must have been trying to say nice things on purpose. Natasha's character is known as being pretty fake to be honest.

Ms. Pak World is often heavily Punjabi/Sindhi dominated, in part because of the socioeconomic slant (i.e., more Sindhis/Punjabis living diasporically, esp. highly educated ones, thus higher representation overall).

Actually, there are relatively few Pakistani Muslim Sindhis in the diaspora. They are overwhelmingly an undereducated and poor community when compared to Pakistani Punjabis or Urdu-speakers (i.e.Muhajirs). Even anecdotally (take it for it's worth), I can tell you I've only met two Sindhi Muslims in the US, whereas I've met hundreds of Muslim Punjabis and Urdu-speakers. In the UK also, Sindhi Muslims are a rarity. There are probably many more Indian Muslims (mainly Urdu-speakers) living in the diaspora than Pakistani Sindhi Muslims.

Sindhi Hindus are another matter...they are very over-represented in the diaspora, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are more of them living outside India than living in India right now (no research to back that up). Technically, even the ones living in India might be considered diasporic since their ancestral homeland of Sindh is not territorially within India.

Kudos to Sindhi Muslims for one thing though...they have been very determined to hold on the Sindhi language in Pakistan and not led Urdu destroy it. They even have Sindhi-medium primary schools, unlike Pakistani Punjab where Punjabi is neither taught nor encouraged.

She must have been trying to say nice things on purpose

Of course, she is selling something (i.e. the idea of Pakistan as victim and partner in WoT) as is Ambassador Haqqani

Sindh and lower Punjab (Siraiki speaking areas like Multan, Bawahalpur, etc.) were/are VERY feudal...certain landowning families/clans form the local nobility (and political class), whereas the majority of the population could well be considered serfs. Rights, opportunities, and education are all very limited for the latter. Prior to 1947, Sindhi Hindus were largely an urban/semi-urban trading community, who formed the intelligentsia and the literati (such as it was) and were essentially the educated portion of the population. Sort of like a middle-class although that's probably not the best term for it. Their departure to India in 1947 was very harmful to Sindhi language and culture (Sindhi Muslims readily admit this, at least from what I've read), and left the area ripe for domination by Urdu-speaking Muslim migrants from India who rapidly filled the vacuum and established Urdu culture as the most dominant one adn themselves as the local urban elite.

Oh yeah, and Natasha is HOT.

I thought we were done talking about Natasha (I certainly was). But then I saw today's NY Times and vomited on my shoes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/nyregion/19bigcity.html

"This month, she went on CNN to urge her country to stand up and condemn the terrorist attacks on Mumbai, except that she accidentally used the word condone. Fortunately, it was clear from the context what she meant, and no international incidents ensued. (Slip of the tongue or not, her comments were an improvement on those of a previous Miss Pakistan: calling President Musharraf a “hunk” she’d like to date.)"

See what you all did! All you Mutineers making fun of her! Chee. But wait wait...

"In future global competitions, Ms. Paracha, an observant Muslim, says yes, she’d be willing to wear a bikini (there was no bathing suit event in this year’s Miss Pakistan competition, though there has been twice since 2002)."

126 · Natasha Paracha said

I'm sure you all have gotten a laugh out of this interview. There were a lot of elements out of my control, but at least you all are talking now. I urge you all to take a stance and make a difference for your country. We come from one of the most unstable region's on the world.

Is that part about Cheesy Burritos in your Wiki Bio true? I'm partial to occasional Churro or Chalupa myself.

Serious list of questions, Would your reaction be the same if instead of this semi-hot pakistani chick it was:
Be Honest...
1) Semi-hot Indian chick.
2) Hot(to really hot, I'm talking 10's here) Indian chick
3) Hot(to really hot, I'm talking 10's here) pakistani chick.
4) An Indian guy
5) Pakistani guy
6) India guy (from india, with lets say a gujju accent)
7) Pakistani guy (From pakistan, with I dont know Karachi(?,, dont want to say punjabi) accent
8) White guy

Natasha and I used to be close friends at Cal so I know her well. She got into Cal through an extension program, not regular admission. I was shocked to find out that she not only works at the UN, but is Ms. Pakistan World. Natasha does not have the capacity to represent Pakistan. These beauty pageants aren't worth much. If you have connections or money you'll get a title eventually. She comes from a moneyed family and will only associate with people of her class. I've seen this since some of my friends have been involved with pageants over the years. Natasha is definitely opportunisitc and will take advantage of anyone if it helps her.

I will give her this much...anyone can make a mistake, especially on TV when you're nervous. But it's a shame that a person like Natasha is actually Ms. Pakistan World.

140 · bw said

But it's a shame that a person like Natasha is actually Ms. Pakistan World.

bw: were you awarded miss congeniality at least?

She comes from a moneyed family and will only associate with people of her class.

What, what--excellent breeding, I'd say.

What is an "extension program" for admission? Does that mean transferring in from a community college after two years?

142 · rob said

What is an "extension program" for admission?

sounds like a freudian slip to me

What, what--excellent breeding, I'd say.

What is an "extension program" for admission? Does that mean transferring in from a community college after two years?

rob is vetting her. :P

I like the outfit that she's wearing in the NYT piece. Not many people can pull off that kind of patterned dress with patterned tights. You have to be tall and thin for that... so I'd like to add that in addition to bw's comments that diasporic pageants like this make a big deal out of money and connections, the contestants obviously also need to be on the tall side, and thin. But I still don't think she's very attractive... I guess I just don't 'get' it since I'm not a guy? And also, it's not like pageants like this are great accomplishments, that making them equitable should be a Pakistani-American's top priority--as opposed to actual women's rights in Pakistan. I was kind of sickened by the compression of women's rights and beauty pageants. Also she says that Pakistan doesn't participate in beauty pageants because "it's still a new country"--but India was created in the same year as well, and it still participates in actual beauty pageants, as does Sri Lanka.

126 · Natasha Paracha said

I'm sure you all have gotten a laugh out of this interview. There were a lot of elements out of my control, but at least you all are talking now. I urge you all to take a stance and make a difference for your country. We come from one of the most unstable region's on the world.

Best public school in the country huh? Not Likely.

Honestly, I've got nothing against Natasha. But judging by her interview, comment and emails, she may be one of those who is better off being seen and not heard...

Being that I also was once Natasha's friend, I agree that her family is very much into money and used her parent's fortune to get her ahead in every way possible. She took advantage of everyone and everything that could get her ahead. Sadly, that included plastic surgery, which was actually quite sad for me to hear about. I can't say she is a very nice person either. I'm really disappointed that the Pakistani community can't see right through her.

I do see how she won Miss Pakistan World though... the pageant was not highly competitive. The other contestants did not have much to offer either.

146 · Any

Sadly, that included plastic surgery, which was actually quite sad for me to hear about.

I'm sad that you're so sad about plastic surgery. I hear it pays well, though.
;-)

13 · iddiyappam said

Come on cut her some slack...she meant well :) Looked up her on Wiki and I am impressed "Paracha, who is currently living in New York, founded the Pakistani Student Association at UC Berkley and later a non-profit Vision of Development which works for the uplift of women in rural Pakistan."

Women in Pakistan should be empowered so that they, too, can parade half-naked around a mostly male audience, like Paracha.

I'm not taking sides here, but I feel the need to point out that a LOT of pageant queens/contestants have had plastic surgery, so that in and of itself isn't necessarily something to criticize. It's not exactly unique.

149 · A N N A said

I'm not taking sides here, but I feel the need to point out that a LOT of pageant queens/contestants have had plastic surgery, so that in and of itself isn't necessarily something to criticize. It's not exactly unique.

Just like it is an issue for a Pakistani to parade around half naked like other beauty queens, it is also a huge issue that she got rhinoplasty in order to compete in it.

Women in Pakistan should be empowered so that they, too, can parade half-naked around a mostly male audience, like Paracha.

I guess I just don't 'get' it since I'm not a guy? And also, it's not like pageants like this are great accomplishments, that making them equitable should be a Pakistani-American's top priority--as opposed to actual women's rights in Pakistan.

well, within the context of pakistani society, where the patriarchy forbids such events, i can certainly see how a woman could view such pageants as a liberating force. even outside this context, if we were to go universal, feminism is all about choices and the goal of liberation is not met by restricting women to granola careers. real feminism should allow for beauty queens, hedge fund managers, soldiers, and centerfolds.

Women in Pakistan should be empowered so that they, too, can parade half-naked around a mostly male audience, like Paracha.

Just like it is an issue for a Pakistani to parade around half naked like other beauty queens, it is also a huge issue that she got rhinoplasty in order to compete in it.

Again, as far as this is a feminist issue, it should be all about choice. feminists are not pro-abortion, they are pro-choice. so breast implants or nose jobs should be viewed like abortion. feminist men like myself and todd palin owe a great debt to women like natasha.

Eee mayirokke evidunnerengi vannenntepooroo! Methacchi koothi!

I was actually very familiar with this video earlier in the week, and I posted this up on my facebook profile. I was, like all of you, astounded that this ditz mixed up the words "condone" and "condemn." You can hear the journalist at a loss for words, saying some "umph" sound. On a lighter note, she claimed that India and Pakistan are "friends." Moreover, the terrorists were non-religious and non-state actors.

In a way, she's emblematic of a facet of Pakistan's failed-state status. She's an American who parades half-naked for ogling men, and she wants to talk about women's rights. She, like the rest of Pakistan, are in disbelief that the terrorists were Pakistani and Muslims. So the terrorists are not Muslims/Pakistanis when they commit an egregious act. By expelling fanatics like this from a community without ever coming to terms to what made the fanatics crazy DOES NOT SOLVE the ROOT CAUSE of Islamofascism: It implicitly does not acknowledges that problems exist (since they are now no longer Pakistanis or Muslims - they are non-state-actors who obey no religion) within that community. Also, they need to take ownership and face the realities of their government and philosophy, and not socially castigate the terrorists. In the USA, we don't do this. For example, we consider Timothy McVeigh to be an American Christian. We don't say that he wasn't a non-state actor who obeyed no God.

When it comes to shaming their country, Pakistanis never fail to deliver. Miss Natasha has gone a step further and shamed Berkeley as well.

That's more than we asked for.

well, within the context of pakistani society, where the patriarchy forbids such events, i can certainly see how a woman could view such pageants as a liberating force. even outside this context, if we were to go universal, feminism is all about choices and the goal of liberation is not met by restricting women to granola careers. real feminism should allow for beauty queens, hedge fund managers, soldiers, and centerfolds.

Right, but that's really irrelevant to my point that Pakistanis in Pakistan and the diaspora concerned about women's rights should probably be more concerned with getting a higher literacy rate, stopping the stoning deaths of women for the crime of being raped, etc. There's something wrong here, when the elite Natasha Paracha, who had the opportunity to go to UC Berkeley, with her nose job and probably chemically-straightened hair, claims to represent Pakistani women's progress by parading around on stage with five pounds of make-up on, when the women she claims to represent never had the opportunities that she's had.

Try Zaid Hamid (in Urdu) if you want to hear someone shaming their parents, country, alma mater, etc. Note, in particular, the statement when the video has run 1:03 minutes.

Truly disgusting. And that is the real enemy...semi-educated people full of hatred, religious fanatacism, and bile, as well as in deep denial about what their side is up to. He says the terrorists wore Hindu bands which no Muslim would ever wear, and judging by their ugly looks and their uncouth speech, they could never have been Pakistani, but instead were obviously Indian. And that anyway it's all part of a big Israeli-Hindu Zionist conspiracy.

And the interviewer is sitting there agreeing with him.

Pakistan needs more mild mannered, moderate muslims like Natasha representing the country on TV. I'd rather hear her than Zaid. In fact, the more Natashas Pakistan can breed, the less Zaid's will rear their heads.

The thing she is doing with her fingers on her face at the beginning is NLP, neuro-linguistic programming.

157 · Amitabh said

Try Zaid Hamid (in Urdu) if you want to hear someone shaming their parents, country, alma mater, etc. Note, in particular, the statement when the video has run 1:03 minutes.

Amitabh Wrote:
Truly disgusting. And that is the real enemy...semi-educated people full of hatred, religious fanatacism, and bile, as well as in deep denial about what their side is up to. He says the terrorists wore Hindu bands which no Muslim would ever wear, and judging by their ugly looks and their uncouth speech, they could never have been Pakistani, but instead were obviously Indian. And that anyway it's all part of a big Israeli-Hindu Zionist conspiracy.

And the interviewer is sitting there agreeing with him.

Boston Mahesh Wrote:
And in the same way, but with an Americanized accent, emotional restraint, and an motive to shed blame and finger point, I believe that Natasha is doing the exact same thing. She's leveraging her UC-Berkeley education, her charm, and her "managerial presence" to spin the public to believe that:
1. Pakistan had nothing to do with the Mumbai terror attacks, since Pakistan and India are truly friends.
2. Since these Pakistan-based Mumbai terrorists, as well as the terrorists who killed people at India's Parliament building in '02, and the terrorists who hijacked Indian Airlines flight in December '99 used terror tactics, they WERE NOT PAKISTANIS AND THEY WERE NOT MUSLIMS, since 'terrorism knows no religion.' Moreover, they were not Pakistanis.

The Pakistanis have effectively created an interesting approach at dealing with terrorism and many of its internal problems: By developing a logic system which nullifies the terrorism and fanaticism which develops inside its borders. This, in effect, sweeps the dust under the rug.

158 · Nimbu Achar said

I'd rather hear her than Zaid.

I disagree. At least Zaid is honest.

What is an "extension program" for admission? Does that mean transferring in from a community college after two years?

The Fall Extension program is for students who were not admitted into the regular class of freshman to matriculate in fall, but who were close to the cut off and are admitted for spring -- Berkeley has a set number of seats that open after December because several groups of people graduate in about 4.5 years. It makes spring admission conditional on enrollment either a) in UC Berkeley's extension (continuing education) program, or through enrollment at a community college for the fall semester while students wait to become full-time students. You still apply in the regular admissions stream, though; it's not a separate program that you can apply to.

In the USA, we don't do this. For example, we consider Timothy McVeigh to be an American Christian. We don't say that he wasn't a non-state actor who obeyed no God.

161 · Camille said

What is an "extension program" for admission? Does that mean transferring in from a community college after two years?

No, transferring from community college is a different admissions process but comes from the California Master Plan for Higher Education.

The Fall Extension program is for students who were not admitted into the regular class of freshman to matriculate in fall, but who were close to the cut off and are admitted for spring -- Berkeley has a set number of seats that open after December because several groups of people graduate in about 4.5 years. It makes spring admission conditional on enrollment either a) in UC Berkeley's extension (continuing education) program, or through enrollment at a community college for the fall semester while students wait to become full-time students. You still apply in the regular admissions stream, though; it's not a separate program that you can apply to.

In the USA, we don't do this. For example, we consider Timothy McVeigh to be an American Christian. We don't say that he wasn't a non-state actor who obeyed no God.

Camille Wrote:
I don't think that's entirely true. Most people think of Timothy McVeigh as a white supremacist. Very few talk about "Timothy McVeigh, the American Christian terrorist," and certainly no mainstream church or Christian denomination claims him. He's called the Oklahoma City bomber, and occasionally people talk about the fact that he was in extreme racist organizations. They don't call him a non-state actor because he wasn't -- as far as people could tell -- part of a large-scale terror network, but it's also because we don't tend to use the term "terrorist act" for crimes motivated by racial animus (including the KKK burning crosses on people's yards or bombing churches). Just my $1.50.

Boston_Mahesh Wrote:
Maybe *most* people think of Tim McVeigh as a white supremacist, but *ALL* people regard him as an American terrorist. After all, he served honorably in the US Army against Iraq, and he was a Catholic - on his execution, he received Viaticum. And perhaps one reason why nobody refers to him as "the American Christian terrorist" is because it's understood.

Do you regard Khalid Sheikh Mohammed as a Pakistani? We all do. Do you regard him as a Muslim? We all do. Do you regard him as a terrorist? We all do. He's a Pakistani terrorist. To say that he's not a Pakistani, but a non-state actor, and to say that he's not a Muslim because no Muslim kills innocent people is to not come to terms with the problems of Muslims in general and Pakistanis in particular. The first step in rectifying a problem is to acknowledge that problems exist.

Thanks for the info. on what "extension program" means in this context, Camille!

I think the Urdu media (whether print or audio-visual) needs a lot more scrutiny than it's currently getting. They* present one side of themselves to the English-speaking world and save their true face for the Urdu market. A lot of the Urdu stuff gets a free pass since it passes under our radar almost completely.

*'They' can refer to a number of groups: Islamofascist, terroristic, jihadist, or even just the Pakistani Establishment and/or Pakistani society itself.

The anchor woman is hotter than she is. Go Anna!

She thinks she's an ambassador to Pakistan?! Hilarious. This little Pakistani pageant is not nearly as competitive as India's or any other country's Miss World pageant for that matter. It consisted of eight average looking girls. How can she even call herself miss pakistan "WORLD" if she is only eligible for the Miss Earth pageant? Her title is such B.S.

What must the white folk be thinking?

the sash alone killed the possibility of anyone taking her seriously. i think the fault lies with whichever producer decided the winner of a meaningless pageant was qualified to speak on behalf of the Pakistani people. although she was still better than Hamid Gul two weeks ago on Fareed Zakaria who said 9/11 was an American/Zionist conspiracy.

p.s. was it just me or did she mispronounce of the name of the Pakistani PM (Jee-lani instead of Gilani)

Any Indian Beauty Pageant Star would have answered beautifully and eloquently!

She Probably used the words to gain attention to herself and this pageant. Its an old trick used by celebrities in the past as well.

170 · Sonya said

Any Indian Beauty Pageant Star would have answered beautifully and eloquently!

She's not a wannabe beauty queen... have you seen this girl pre-nose job? Not a pretty site...

is a wannabe***

did u guys know that natasha paracha got a drastic plastic surgery operation done on her nose?? in fact, her before-and-after surgery pictures were posted on her surgeon's official plastic surgery website (www.drphilipmiller.com). she was displayed as patient #52 in the rhinoplasty section; somebody discovered these pictures, and when it came out in the public earlier this month, natasha contacted the clinic's office to get them removed. u shud have seen those "before" photos. if u guys think she's ugly now, u aint seen anything yet..

Well she aint no genius I give her that, but she looks very nervous

I must say though, she is very pretty, her features are incredible. Pakistani's are truly a pretty/handsome looking people and have considerable unique features distinguishing themselves from other countries of that part of the world.

i wonder if on viewing this video again, she was like auuuuhg!!

Natasha Paracha

BEFORE NOSEJOB:
http://i41.tinypic.com/2ugj4t3.jpg

AFTER NOSEJOB:
http://i40.tinypic.com/2vbo8b4.jpg

Source- www.drphilipmiller.com

what an ugly fucking idiot... her parents must be very pround of her.

what a dumb bitch. apparently, she farts like an animal. she actually had to take medication to help overcome her continuous flatulance..

yea apparently paracha goes online trying to delete pictures of her plastic surgery. hahahahahaha, unfortunately, she cant erase her inherited ugliness..

She can condone my nuts anytime.. sexy paki girl..whooaoaoaoaooaoa