In memory of Qandeel Baloch

Behind the art

In this poem, I respond to the brutal murder of Pakistani model and social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch by her brother. In 2015 about 1000 women were killed by family members in Pakistan to uphold family “honor,” and these murders often go unprosecuted as the family members themselves do not press charges. This is a loophole in the law that allows for honor killing in Pakistan. Baloch was a feminist: a loud, strong supporter of women’s independence who rose to fame on social media. Her brother, Waseem Azeem, drugged her and strangled her in her sleep. The government has interceded in this case to prosecute Azeem for Baloch’s murder, but this is rare. The poem responds to the controversy Baloch stirred up in light of Pakistan’s literacy rate. Around 50 percent of Pakistani’s read, but fewer women than men. Also, I aimed to write the poem in a way Baloch would appreciate, incorporating her love of social media and her frequent comparison to reality TV star Kim Kardashian West, who released personalized emojis on National Emoji Day last week. Kardashian West plays the role of Baloch in this poem.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson