Shattering myths about Pakistani culture was a main emphasis of Pakistan Cultural Nite.

The event, which was in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union Saturday, was organized by the Pakistan Student Association.

“We want people to know the true Pakistan,” said Zia Bhadiar, president of the Pakistan Student Association. The evening was designed to educate the ISU community about Pakistani culture, said Bhadiar, junior in electrical engineering.

The program began with the viewing of several cultural displays showcasing the art, government and landscape of Pakistan. Riffat Hassan, professor of humanities at the University of Louisville, was the keynote speaker.

Hassan discussed the role of women in Pakistan and the stereotyping of Muslims by the American media. He said after the events of Sept. 11, the American media has adopted a “good versus evil” mentality, with the Muslims of the world being depicted as violent extremists.

“The assault on Muslims by the American media is unprecedented,” Hassan said. “However, the stereotyping of Muslims in the western world has occurred since Islam arrived in Europe in the seventh century.”

Hassan discussed the rights of women in Muslim countries, describing the treatment of women by strict Islamic regimes as “barbaric.”

“There is a tremendous confusion over what is religion and what is culture,” Hassan said. “Some Muslim countries have taken Islam and used it as a tool to degrade women.”

A traditional Pakistani meal was served after the speech, offering dishes such as chicken buryani and mutton curry.

The meal was cooked by Pakistani families in Ames and was served by association members, Bhadiar said.

Those in attendance were also treated to a musical variety show and traditional Pakistani music.

David Grimesey, senior in political science, said he enjoyed the evening.

“Most people don’t know much about Pakistan besides what they hear on the news,” Grimesey said. “Events like this can help people learn the facts about different cultures.”