Why?

People respond in all different ways when we tell them that we are going to Pakistan. Almost everyone wants to know if we are scared of terrorists. Many worry that we are going to get kidnapped. One person said, "I just don't like that country", another said that "Muslims hate art",  and another one advised me to dye my red hair black. There are other instances, however, when people have responded with "COOL!", "that's so exciting!" and, in one case, "I'm so jealous; I've always wanted to go there!" Regardless of where they are on the spectrum between fear and excitement, the conversation ultimately arrives at the question, "why?".




We were graciously invited to present our research at a conference at the University of Karachi called, "A Better Tomorrow for the Coming Generation." At that time, we will also install an exhibition called "Letters to a Future Generation" and start a "Social Film Festival" that combines American and Pakistani films.


All of this started last spring, when a group of Pakistani leaders across many disciplines came to the United States through the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs' International Visitor Leadership Program. I had the opportunity to meet them at my home and present some of my art projects. As they were getting ready to leave, Anila and Maqsood said, "You should come to Pakistan some time."  I said, "Thank you, I will."