Hi OP.
im also a Uni student and understand what it’s like trying to find a society you want to join.
pakistan is a beautiful country with such an interesting history and culture. I’ve always wanted to go and have always been in awe at it. Anyone who I know who has been has said it’s absolutely breathtaking!
But im going to be completely honest with you and say that I would probably feel a bit off towards someone who isn’t Pakistani and has no direct links to Pakistan joining the society. Yes, they do social events and get togethers and it sounds like a lovely group to join, but ultimately it is targeted towards giving students who are Pakistani a group to belong to, where they can join in and meet others. It gives a sense of belonging for students who might not know anyone else. They won’t explicitly say this and it sounds like they have been lovely and inviting towards you, but some group members may feel like you’re invading their space.
as long as the entire group are happy and comfortable with someone non Pakistani joining then that is fine! It sounds like a lovely group :)
I’m irish/british- and if my uni had an Irish society, I would join that. I can relate to having irish family, aswell as similar culture (following Gaelic sports, Irish music, irish dancing). Even if we didn’t talk about Ireland 24/7, it’s a group of people who will experience similar things and will have relatable experiences. Of course if someone non Irish wanted to join that wouldn’t be a problem, but what if lots of non irish people wanted to join and then suddenly the society isn’t an irish society but just a general society instead? And if those people who had no links to Ireland wanted to use the society as a chance to learn about Ireland and Irish culture, it would be lovely of them but ultimately the other group members didn’t join the Irish society as teachers or to teach and educate others. They joined to meet other people who they can relate too. I wouldn’t mind teaching someone else or educating them as long as they were genuinely respectful and interested (eg, not joining on the sole stereotype that Irish people drink a lot and they want to go on wild nights out) but I know some people would possibly feel a little put out by being used to educate someone
its great you’re considering this so much and you sound like you’re trying to be sensitive and not cause upset which is lovely, and there have been several opinions on this thread from Pakistani people who wouldn’t mind. And ultimately that’s what matters here, nothing else! I know you’ve contacted the society already and they were really welcoming- as long as everyone is comfortable with it and happy for you to be there then it should be fine. As long as you’re respectful and don’t use it for your own advantage (eg the film situation although I know you said you’re not doing this anymore which is good).
the only thing that matters here is what the Pakistani society members think about it. If they are genuinely happy for you to be there then that’s fine, but be prepared for other students to think it’s a bit unusual that you’re joining. x