Bizarre CSS English essay question has sparked a debate on social media. Netizens are sharing the photo of question paper with amusing remarks on social media platforms.
“Boys will be Boys” becomes top trend in Pakistan after being a topic in the CSS 2023 exams. The Central Superior Services (CSS) is a highly competitive exam in Pakistan, with only 1.94% of the 20,262 candidates passing in 2022. The English section of the exams is known for its difficulty.
After the exam, applicants took to social media to share their thoughts on the topic, which sparked a debate on accountability for boys and toxic masculinity. A Twitter user praised the examiner for bringing up a necessary topic, stating that “Boys will be boys” promotes the emancipation of women.
A meme material becomes a decisive topic in #CSS2023 essay.Welcome to 2023 pic.twitter.com/rn3S2zrCtd
— Sarwar Zia (@Saarwarr) February 1, 2023
A netizen on the twitter commented that despite facing numerous issues such as economic crisis and environmental challenges, the test proctor has requested the examiner to compose an essay on the topic of “Boys”.
A meme material becomes a decisive topic in #CSS2023 essay. Though, an OpED in the @dawn_com rightly covers this topic. #boyswillbeboys pic.twitter.com/y6JGizWMVw
— Deedar karim (@DK_Hunzai) February 1, 2023
On the one hand, it sparked humorous reactions, and on the other, it sparked a debate about not holding boys accountable, leading to toxic masculinity and reinforcing patriarchal standards.
The way boys are making fun of the essay titled, ‘boys will be boys,’ ignoring the fact that it is a serious social thing, the examiner was right when he said boys will be boys🫣
— Salal Baloch (@S_baloc) February 1, 2023
A user commented, some examiners and members of the academic community feel that after putting in long hours of studying, the question was too trivial. Others view the topic and others in the exam as a welcome change from memorization. Reactions to the essay subjects varied from surprise to humor and, in some cases, even anger.
Boys will be boys is actually in favour of women if you look between the lines. It targets toxic masculinity and male privilege where women are mistreated and subjugated. Aim was to emancipate women in this. Competitive exam for a reason 👏 #CSS2023
— Hamail Tahir (@Hamailtahir97) February 1, 2023
One user, took to Twitter, saying: “Aspirants were preparing all the topics related to domestic and international issues. Meanwhile FPSC examiner: Boys will be boys.”
Aspirants were preparing all the topics related to domestic and international issues.Meanwhile FPSC examiner: Boys will be boys. 😂#css2023 #fpsc pic.twitter.com/nLbuh3tatW
— Jamshaid Munir Sandhu (@JamshaidMsandhu) February 1, 2023
A women wrote on twitter, “I would love to write an essay on ” Boys will be Boys ” about 5000 words.”
Another one mocking the examiner said, “Welcome to 2023 in a Babu style. Imagine the brains behind CSS examinations. Have a look at the topics of Essays being given to aspirants. My favorite is “Boys will be boys” Thank God, my best friend pr essay likhnay k option nahi dia.”
Interestingly, a Twitter user pointed out that the topic has been taken from the opinion piece published in a prominent English newspaper titled “Boys will be Boys”. “After boys will be boys next time FPSC will come up with Ladies First,” said another user.
