People in America are often oblivious if not understanding of the issues in other places in the world. Here we have idiotic groups that put women down called manists. These groups are often regarded as outsiders who cannot find any other way to be relevant than denying an important cause attention and legitimacy. But in many other places, believing women are the subordinates of men is a largely accepted view. Malala, a young girl who was shot in the head by the Taliban, chose to ignore nearly every man she knew marginalizing her, and fight for her right to education. Malala can show us how all of us how we can make a difference in a world that desperately needs us.
I believe that everyone should be a feminist, women just want their equal rights to be recognized, yeah some of us would love an apology for being treated like less than for a millenia, but why can't you just start with accepting that a women is worth more than $0.77 an hour. We can not stand alone in our fight for equality, and quite frankly we shouldn't have to. It takes more than the oppressed to stop oppression. Malala accepts the help of her father and her friends. She would not be were she is without it. Everyone should help women in their fight for equality, we cannot make it to the finish line without supporters.
Martyrs have always played an important to the advancement of society. From ancient Greece to Gandhi, people have suffered for change. Not only was Malala nearly murdered, but she endured years withstanding some of the most potent hatred known to man. Malala did a great service to the world, she showed us how harmful true hatred can be, she suffered to show us how much change is needed. Many girls all over the world experience bigotry and sexism that puts them in situations were they can do nothing, Malala was able to escape her land of sexism, and stepped into the public eye, exposing the truly evil actions of the Taliban and other bigot groups.
When people compare the struggles of women in America to those of women in other places, they tend to delegitimize the actual real life discrimination women face right at home. Malala has chosen to represent all of us, teaching equality, her story is some of the most horrid tales every seen by the public, but this should not turn the struggles of more fortunate women into side projects. Sadly, we cannot change the policies of the entire world. We must start by helping our own citizens, making sure their stories are heard. Women in America are marginalized every day, just because their experiences are different than that of Malala, it does not make them less than.
In conclusion, Malala has proved invaluable, not just to the feminist movement, but to the world in general. Having someone be able to tell their stories to the rest of the world, we are exposed to people who we not have known about otherwise. We should look at the worst elements of the spectrum as well as the experiences shared by all. The most important thing to remember is that every story is legitimate, we cannot discredit one persons story to add empathy to another's.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Understanding the Differences
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon is a complex yet relatable story told through the eyes of a non neurotypical child. Christopher finds a dead dog mysteriously stabbed in the middle of the night. When Christopher is blamed for the murder, his love of mystery novels, desire to prove his innocence, and predisposed curiosity compels him to look into the murder of the dog. His journey throws him into a pool of family secrets when he begins to uncover the truth about the many lies he has been told. Young adult readers are able to empathize with Christopher, a person who separates himself from most of the people around him.
Christopher's neurological differences and lack of social skills make him very difficult to befriend. Despite his seclusion from his peers, Christopher develops an important relationship with his social worker Siobhan. This is one of the only non familial relationships that proves essential to Christopher's development as a character. Siobhan sits across from Christopher and studies him. She provides him with tools to help him with his social interactions. She understands him. Siobhan understands that Christopher is different from the average child; not only does Siobhan understand Christopher's differences, she accepts them. This is something even Christopher's father has difficulty with. Many people have trouble finding others who understand them. Christopher is lucky to have this. Young adult readers can learn to be more understanding by taking Siobhan's place. Everyone should learn to try to relate with those they care about. Siobhan provides a perfect example of the benefits of understanding someone and what they are going through, even if one's experience is very different.
Even though Christopher has a lot of difficulty in terms of understanding human emotions and relationships, he has no trouble empathizing with animals. Christopher finds comfort in their lack of facial expressions and nuanced emotions. When investigating the murder of Wellington (the dog), Christopher treats him like a friend, not a dog. Young adult readers could stand to learn something from the compassionate nature with which Christopher regards animals. It is distancing when Christopher is unable to understand what the people around him are feeling. But when Christopher talks of his relationships with animals, young adult readers are able to understand how his relationships function. Understanding how relationships function is a vital component of understanding the people around you.
When Christopher chooses to leave his father, it is not out of spite but out of fear. Many children wait their entire lives for an apology from their parents; and many parents spend their lives waiting for a thank you. Although Christopher's parents never really get their thank you, they do get a son who understands their needs as much as he is able to. Many children 'run away' it seems as though it is a right of passage. But most kids are not justified in their act of defiance. Christopher leaves for his mother out of confusion and anger toward his father. Young adult readers can learn to empathize with their parents, treat them like people, and to pick and choose their battles, not act out constantly. I know that I could certainly stand to walk in my parents' shoes a little bit more. Christopher teaches us that everyone has a story, and that we should read it before judging them and their actions.
As a teenager, I was very influenced by Christopher and The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-Time. After reading it I found myself looking at every angle and position of arguments I got into. I now appreciate the importance of being a caring and understanding person much more than I did before. Not only does the Curious Incident help readers empathize with people they are familiar with as well as those they don't know, but it also exposes them to the world of with a rare perspective such as Christopher. Christopher and his voice provide an important perspective on experiences many of us share. Christopher's story is definitely one worth reading.
Christopher's neurological differences and lack of social skills make him very difficult to befriend. Despite his seclusion from his peers, Christopher develops an important relationship with his social worker Siobhan. This is one of the only non familial relationships that proves essential to Christopher's development as a character. Siobhan sits across from Christopher and studies him. She provides him with tools to help him with his social interactions. She understands him. Siobhan understands that Christopher is different from the average child; not only does Siobhan understand Christopher's differences, she accepts them. This is something even Christopher's father has difficulty with. Many people have trouble finding others who understand them. Christopher is lucky to have this. Young adult readers can learn to be more understanding by taking Siobhan's place. Everyone should learn to try to relate with those they care about. Siobhan provides a perfect example of the benefits of understanding someone and what they are going through, even if one's experience is very different.
Even though Christopher has a lot of difficulty in terms of understanding human emotions and relationships, he has no trouble empathizing with animals. Christopher finds comfort in their lack of facial expressions and nuanced emotions. When investigating the murder of Wellington (the dog), Christopher treats him like a friend, not a dog. Young adult readers could stand to learn something from the compassionate nature with which Christopher regards animals. It is distancing when Christopher is unable to understand what the people around him are feeling. But when Christopher talks of his relationships with animals, young adult readers are able to understand how his relationships function. Understanding how relationships function is a vital component of understanding the people around you.
When Christopher chooses to leave his father, it is not out of spite but out of fear. Many children wait their entire lives for an apology from their parents; and many parents spend their lives waiting for a thank you. Although Christopher's parents never really get their thank you, they do get a son who understands their needs as much as he is able to. Many children 'run away' it seems as though it is a right of passage. But most kids are not justified in their act of defiance. Christopher leaves for his mother out of confusion and anger toward his father. Young adult readers can learn to empathize with their parents, treat them like people, and to pick and choose their battles, not act out constantly. I know that I could certainly stand to walk in my parents' shoes a little bit more. Christopher teaches us that everyone has a story, and that we should read it before judging them and their actions.
As a teenager, I was very influenced by Christopher and The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-Time. After reading it I found myself looking at every angle and position of arguments I got into. I now appreciate the importance of being a caring and understanding person much more than I did before. Not only does the Curious Incident help readers empathize with people they are familiar with as well as those they don't know, but it also exposes them to the world of with a rare perspective such as Christopher. Christopher and his voice provide an important perspective on experiences many of us share. Christopher's story is definitely one worth reading.
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