‘Be Like Qodos’: Afghan version of western ‘Be Like Bill’ meme goes viral in society trying to find its way after years of war
Afghanistan’s spy agency last year rounded up journalists suspected of running “Kabul Taxi”, a satirical Facebook page that lampooned high-profile politicians, warlords and bureaucrats.
An Afghan iteration of the popular “Be Like Bill” internet meme has gone viral online, with its Facebook posts extolling good Samaritan deeds resonating widely with the war-torn country’s youth.
“Be Like Qodos” has attracted more than 66,000 likes on its Dari Facebook page in over two weeks, a sizeable number in a country where few have access to the internet.
Qodos, a fictional name for a model Afghan citizen, takes a self-righteous stand on a variety of social ills – from corruption to street harassment of women.
If we had 10 people like Qodos in the government, Afghanistan would be a prosperous country
“Qodos sees a woman driving. Qodos does his own work and does not stare at the woman,” reads one post. “Qodos is a nice person, be like Qodos,” it adds, highlighting the endemic sexual harassment of women.
In another post, it takes a swipe at rampant graft, arguably the single biggest challenge confronting the troubled country rebuilding itself after decades of war.
“Qodos does not pay or receive bribe. He respects the law. Qodos is smart. Be like Qodos,” it says.
Corruption permeates nearly every public institution in Afghanistan, hobbling development despite billions of dollars of foreign aid, and fuelling insecurity as alienated Afghans veer towards the Taliban.
“Be like Qodos” touches on other controversial issues such as the growing wave of Afghan migrants undertaking dangerous voyages to Europe in the face of worsening security and unemployment.