Book Discussion: "I Am Malala" Extra Credit

I attended a book discussion on “I am Malala” and to my surprise the conversation was extremely moving and inspirational. The discussion opened up with an explanation of the poster and the pronunciation of her name. The introductory speaker explained how in the English language there are two ways to pronounce L’s in the English language- clear and lite L, which can be displayed by using the front and back of your tongue. In Malala’s case, a lite L is necessary and the first speaker Sedral, dove right into the representation of Female students in tribal areas of Pakistan. She highlights girl’s educational value and the unequal gender outcomes. Sedral is the first to obtain a PHD out of her whole tribal community and thoroughly explains the diverse culture in the providence of Balochistan. She educates the audience about the unfortunate situation of girl’s education and questions the reasons for extremists to feel so passionately about the subject. Is it clear that everyone values an education, so why is it that extremists write threat letters and burn down cars to prevent girls from going to school? She attempts to save education and question the increase in drone strikes since the Obama administration, which has killed many innocent civilians.

            Her discussion provides a nice transition into the second speakers conversation, which answers the question as to why there is so much opposition from female’s education. Is it from ISIS or Quran? His Muslim approach states that it is so rooted in the countries history, that there is no one component that can be pinpointed to answer the question. He continues his discussion with Malala’s visit to the white house and how her story resembles one of a young Muslim girl. Many similarities are drawn between the two young girls, but Nabila didn’t experience the same notoriety. Nabila was injured, singled out, and scrutinized, but when her trial came only 5 out of 450 people showed up to support her case. Malala similarly to Nabila question the United States motives when she visits the White House and expresses her concerns, which only seem to fuel extremists. The media only covered aspects that shed positive light on the United States, while it fails to discuss the questioning of the drone strikes. He concludes with the relationship between religion and violence to answer many unresolved questions. Religion is the driving force in many Muslim regions, so he found it important to regulate the private sphere while focusing more on the public sphere of religion. He wishes to recreate both spheres and use the city-state as a solution to understand the reoccurring issue at hand.

            Although I couldn’t stay to the very end of the discussion, it helped me gain a greater understanding of the struggles at hand. By attending discussions such as this one, it helps one reflect on your current problems by comparing them to real world issues. Malala attempts to draw attention to these global problems by telling her story to educate others. Overall I thought the speakers did a great job of catching the audience’s attention and helping convey Malala’s message to others. Upon leaving, I immediately felt moved and appreciate people who make a stand for what they believe in.