Fatima Bhutto and the stories around us
"People are fundamentally allergic to intolerance, hate, and division," says author Fatima Bhutto, acclaimed Pakistani writer and columnist.
In this interview, she speaks about the performative vulgarity of today’s leadership, the growing toxicity of social media, and the power of culture to both manipulate and elevate public perception.
Fatima Bhutto, the daughter of the late politician Murtaza Bhutto and granddaughter of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, shared her thoughts on the current political and cultural climate. She says our political age is marked by an insatiable hunger for attention and power. Political discourse—both locally and internationally—has become increasingly hostile where being hateful and dismissive is now mistakenly viewed as a strength. Despite the grim realities of the world, she remains optimistic. Bhutto believes that while institutions often rely on division and exclusion, people instinctively resist hate and seek connection.
“Desperate times and desperate political leaders are short-lived.”
While writing New Kings of the World—a book exploring the global rise of pop culture phenomena like Turkish dramas, Bollywood, and K-pop—Bhutto traveled from Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon to communities in Peru. In Peru, she was deeply moved to see South Asian films and music resonate despite vast geographic and linguistic differences. In Lebanon, she witnessed the enduring human instinct to share stories, even amid devastation. These experiences underscored a central theme of her book: stories and culture offer comfort, connection, and a sense of visibility to marginalized communities far beyond its origin.
Bhutto reflects on globalization’s dual impact. While globalization has enabled unprecedented connectivity, it has also failed to deliver equal opportunity. Millions who migrated to cities in search of better lives were left disillusioned, deepening their frustration and disconnect.
She also addresses the powerful role media plays in shaping global culture. Drawing examples from American TV shows about cops and soldiers, she argues that these portrayals aren’t coincidental—they’re strategic efforts to influence public sympathies and normalize certain narratives, especially around violence and authority. Similarly with Pakistani and Bollywood cinema, she suggests that the media often attempts to sway audiences for or against particular ideologies. Yet, she believes that only authentic storytelling can truly resonate, while bad stories fall flat.
Notably, Bhutto highlights the rise of influencers in today’s digital age, particularly through TikTok. Bhutto highlights how a single viral video can now receive more attention than a major movie or music release. While this may seem like simple entertainment, the fact that TikTok is a Chinese-owned company adds a complex geopolitical layer. It raises important questions about how global platforms are observing, learning from, and possibly shaping our preferences, behaviors, and identities. Bhutto sees this as a new form of cultural competition—fought with narratives, not weapons.
She is especially critical of social media’s impact on public dialogue, where outrage is rewarded and complex issues are reduced to soundbites, eroding empathy and meaningful discussion.
When asked about Pakistan’s future, Bhutto shares her advice for Pakistan’s youth, which makes up the majority of the population. Her message to young Pakistanis is to be introspective, brave, and inclusive—living the values they hope to see reflected in their nation’s future.
Through her reflections, she underscores the enduring power of culture to both unite and divide—but ultimately to heal, if wielded with responsibility.
In a time of deep political division, how do you think culture and storytelling could play a role in uniting us? Share your views in the comments below.
This article was developed with the assistance of AI tools.
