MaKayla Stiffler April 24, 2014 English 1102 Malala Yousafzai: Hometown Hero or Western Puppet?

I said to myself, Malala, you must be brave. You must not be afraid of anyone. You are only trying to get an education. You are not committing a crime (Leive). Education is something that many Americans believe is a God-given right, while in most countries it is considered a luxury, especially for women. Malala Yousafzai is a young woman who considers education to be a precious gift. Yousafzai is a citizen of Pakistan, a country where womens rights are extremely limited. Malala made waves in the media with her fight for equal education for women and still continues to do so. She endured violent attacks as well as intense criticism just for sharing her story. While Malala has faced opposition from the citizens of her own country, to the world she has become a symbol of hope and peace (The Heroic). Malala first received attention in Swat, the region where she attended an all girls school, which was run by her father (Malala Yousafzai). During this time, the Taliban, which is an Islamic militia, was attacking other all girls schools in the region where Malala lived. After these attacks started occurring, Malala gave her first speech when she was only eleven years old, titled, How dare the Taliban take away my basic right to education? This was the first, but certainly not the last time she would speak out openly against the Taliban. In 2009, Malala started blogging about how the Taliban was trying to deny her right to an education (Malala Yousafzai). For a young woman to speak out against such a violent terrorist group was absolutely unheard of, but this did not stop her.

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The Taliban ruled Pakistan from 1996 until 2001. However, their views on the treatment of women and their support of terrorist acts caused them to be shunned by the community (Hayes). When the Taliban was in control, they forbade women from working outside of the home. Women were not allowed to leave the home without a male relative and they were also forbidden from going to school. Those who did not obey these Taliban orders were at risk of being publicly beaten or even shot (Hayes). Needless to say, the Taliban did not support rights or freedoms for women. Mullah Qari Yousef Ahmadi, a spokesman for the Taliban, actually spoke in an interview on the education system in Pakistan. Ahmadi said that it was not the Talibans intention to keep their people uneducated, but that God has created a place in the world for women and that does not involve education (Al-Shafey). After learning about how the Taliban views women, it is not difficult to understand why they were so upset by Malala taking a strong stance for the equal education for women. While the Taliban may not be in power today, they are still a very prevalent terrorist group in Pakistan. It was not until she was fourteen that Malala and her family found out that the Taliban had issued a death threat against her. Naturally, the family feared for their lives but they did not really believe that the Taliban would harm an innocent child. Unfortunately, they were wrong. On October 9, 2012, when she was on her way home from school, a man boarded her school bus and demanded to know which child was Malala. Many children looked towards Malala, giving her identity away..The gunman shot Malala in the left side of her head and the bullet traveled down her neck. After the attack, Malala was rushed to a military hospital in Peshawar, where doctors had to remove part of her skull to relieve the pressure and swelling on her brain (Malala
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Yousafzai). Many would say that Malala made quite a miraculous recovery, going from unconsciousness to walking, writing, and reading within four weeks. Dr. Dave Rosser, the medical director of the hospital where Malala recovered, was quoted saying, She is lucky to be aliveMalala is a strong young woman and has worked hard with the people caring for her to make excellent progress in her recovery (qtd. in Brumfield). Malala has shown through her quick and inexplicable recovery that literally nothing can keep her down. After this extremely tragic event, there were many protests and outbursts against the Taliban and the harm they had brought on this little girl. At first, people in Pakistan came together for small vigils to pray for Malala and her recovery. However, as time progressed and support expanded, thousands of people in Pakistan and around the world began holding rallies and protests honoring Malala and her bravery (Brumfield). One of the unnamed protesters was quoted saying, The whole of this country should be ashamed of themselves if they do not stand up for this girl, because she is somebodys daughter (qtd. in Chime for Change). This quote not only shows how the Talibans act only strengthened the support for Malala, but also shows that she is just a young child, somebodys daughter. It was not unusual for political figures and military leaders to make public statements on the situation in Pakistan and on Malala herself. Hina Rabbani Khar, Pakistans first female foreign minister, called Malalas attack a wake-up call (to) a clear and present danger (qtd. in Brumfield). The outpouring public support caused the public to follow Malala very closely, it came to a point that Malala Yousafzai became a household name. Everyone knew her story and everyone knew of her fight. Malala has
MaKayla Stiffler! 4/21/14 8:12 AM Deleted: This is when most of the world learned who Malala was and what she was fighting for MaKayla Stiffler! 4/21/14 8:14 AM Deleted: The fact that she almost lost her life for this fight only rallied more support and attention for her cause. MaKayla Stiffler! 4/20/14 3:51 PM Deleted: . MaKayla Stiffler! 4/20/14 6:16 PM Deleted: and the gunman shot her in the head (Malala Yousazfzai). While the wound left Malala in critical condition, after many surgeries and a long recovery time, Malala survived.

become the poster child for the change that is needed within the education system in Pakistan, as well as education systems around the entire world. While the attack brought quite a bit of attention and support to her cause, not everyone was willing to stand behind Malala in her fight. While Malala is viewed as a hero in western culture, the people of her own region are deeply divided about Malalas fight. One commentator from Malalas region was quoted in an article published by New York Times journalist Declan Walsh, saying this, Malala has become a battle ground on which an ideological battle is being fought by conservative-fundamentalist and liberalsecular forces(qtd. in Walsh). While some feel that Malala is putting Pakistan on the map, others feel that she is just shedding a negative light on the education system in the country. Swat journalist, Shazad Alam, spoke about how the attitude towards Malala has shifted since her attack saying that, People here in Swat used to have a lot of love and affection for her, but after she moved to England, they started hating her (Reeves). The resentment towards Malala became apparent when local officials in the Swat region tried to rename a girls college after Malala. Alam said, For the first time ever here, girls protested. They took to the street. They broke the big sign which had Malalas name on it, and threw mud at her picture (Reeves). Why, if these are the people Malala is fighting for, are they outwardly fighting against her? There are various reasons why people feel the need to criticize Malala. Some question whether her beliefs are her own, others are upset that Malala is drawing negative attention to negative Pakistan, and then some are just terrified of the Taliban targeting them. That fear and trepidation was sensed when NPR journalist, Philip Reeves, took to the streets of Mignora to get a better feel of what people thought of Malala. In general, he
MaKayla Stiffler! 4/20/14 3:21 PM Deleted: . MaKayla Stiffler! 4/20/14 4:26 PM Deleted: Since the attack, Malala has continued to give speeches, participate in interviews, and even write her own memoir. Malala has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. When Jon Stewart asked her what she would do if the Taliban came for her again she said, Ill tell him how important education is, and that I even want education for your children as well, and I would tell him, thats what I want to tell you, now do what you want. (Simpson) However, the Taliban are not pursuing such a peaceful approach. When spokesman Shahidullah Shahid was asked if they would target Malala again he said, Yes, if there is any opportunity we can target, she would be on our hit list again. (Simpson) Despite this outward threat on her life, Malala is not stepping down. ... [1] MaKayla Stiffler! 4/20/14 4:02 PM Formatted: Font:Italic MaKayla Stiffler! 4/20/14 3:20 PM Deleted: . MaKayla Stiffler! 4/20/14 3:20 PM Deleted: . MaKayla Stiffler! 4/20/14 3:20 PM Deleted:

found that most people were hesitant to speak about Malala, and they even became anxious when her name was brought up in conversation (Reeves). It is apparent that there is a strong sense of fear regarding the Taliban and what they will do to those who support Malala. While others keep tight lipped about Malala, others openly speak about her. Some people just feel that Malala is shedding a negative light on Pakistans education system. While this system obviously has its downfalls, many feel Malala is not doing anything to enact change in the system. Some have even gone so far to say that Malala and her father are secret CIA agents in the West. It is obvious that there is widespread range of opinions on this young activist and what she is trying to do. Although there are those who express hatred towards Malala, some people are just concerned about the position Malala has found herself in. Mahvish Ahmad, a rights activitst and journalist in the Swat region, asked this of Malala, I think the major question for me is what does Malala actually think? What does she actually believe?(qtd. in Reeves). Many just fear that Malala is being used by the West to divert attention away from the violent crimes they are committing in Pakistan. A civil society activist, Frazana Bari, said this is the West, The Wests trying to take attention away particular from what Americans are doing in our part of the world, policies that are completely violating human rights in our part of the world. (qtd. in Reeves). This quote is interesting because it raises suspicion as to what the real story is and the story that the media tells us. When Malala was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, she definitely made waves in the media. Some felt that the nomination was appropriate because of all the Malala had accomplished, however there were many people that felt this award was not
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befitting to Malalas activism. Dhiya Kulakose, a write for The Guardian, published an article about the feelings towards Malalas nomination after it became public. Kulakose, who was well aware of Malala even before her run in with the Taliban, said this of Malala being nominated for Nobel Peace Prize, I still am filled with admiration for her, but giving her the prize now would be a disservice to her and to the many struggles around the world that desperately need the attention Malala already has. (Kurlakose) The opinions expressed by Kurlakose, were popular ones around the world. While these people supported Malala and her cause, the Nobel Peace Prize is a prize that is handed out at the finish line. Unfortunately, Malalas fight is far from over, so many feel that presenting her with this award now would be a quite premature move. This article, which was written in 2009 actually makes predictions of things that could potentially happen to Malala that eventually came true. Kurlakose writes about how winning the Nobel Peace Prize could cause Malala to be caught up in giving speeches and further honors, which might take away from her original cause. As you look into the news today this is actually already happening to Malala. Every day there are more news articles about appearances that Malala is making and speeches she is giving on things like the use of social media, birth control, and genital mutilation. All this poses the question, Has Malala lost sight of her original goal? Since the attack, Malala has continued to give speeches, participate in interviews, and even write her own memoir. Malala has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. When Jon Stewart asked her what she would do if the Taliban came for her again she said, Ill tell him how important education is, and that I even want education for your children as well, and I would tell him, thats what I want to tell you, now do what

you want (Simpson). However, the Taliban are not pursuing such a peaceful approach. When spokesman Shahidullah Shahid was asked if they would target Malala again he said, Yes, if there is any opportunity we can target, she would be on our hit list again (Simpson). Despite this outward threat on her life, Malala is not stepping down. It is apparent that people are deeply divided in their opinions of Malala, but there is no question to the fact that the education system in Pakistan is suffering. In the Education Development Index, which is a composite list published by the United Nations that assesses a countrys education system, Pakistan ranks 113 out of 120 countries in the Education Development Index (Redman). Pakistan has the worlds second highest number of children out of school, and two-thirds of Pakistans out of school children are girls. In the Swat District, where Malala was from only one in three girls are in school (Redman). Although the Taliban has such oppositional views toward womens education and have even destroyed over 150 schools between 2007 and 2009, they are not the only cause for the outrageous lack of education (Simpson). In her article, Gender and Education in Pakistan: The Shifting Dynamics across Ethnic Groups, Marie Lall discusses how education differs between genders, social classes, and even ethnicities (114). Economic differences can play a major role in whether or not children are in school, and with 46% of the rural population in Pakistan living in poverty, this could have a major effect on the education system (Sumra). Some families are too poor to send both children to school. However, studies have shown that when quality education is available gender disparity disappears (114). It is sad to think that in America it is the norm for young people to attend school, but in a country like Pakistan, it is more normal
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that they do not attend school. The numbers dont lie; education has definitely taken a backseat in Pakistanian priorities. When I set out to write this paper, I planned to glorify a girl who I had thought risked it all for her country. While I am not discrediting anything that Malala has accomplished, I have become more skeptical of her situation. I do believe that Malala started out with good intentions when she agreed to write a blog for BBC explaining her living conditions under the Taliban. However, I do think she might have lost sight of her goals along the way. Malala, as the young activist that she is, has ended up dipping her hand into a great deal of social issues that exist today. I feel that this makes it difficult to understand and see where Malalas priorities lies and what beliefs are actually her own.

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Works Cited Al-Shafey, Mohammed. Taliban Spokesman on Girls Education, Al Qaeda, and Angelina Jolie. Asharq Al-Awsat [London] 26 Dec. 2013. Web. 6 Feb. 2014. Brumfield, Ben. Malalas Journey from near death to recovery. CNN, Cable News Network, 30 Jan, 2013. Web. 20 Apr, 2014. Chime for Change. Chime for Change: Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Salma Hayek Panault and Frida Giannini. Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 28 Feb. 2013. Web. 4 Mar. 2014. Hayes, Brunner, and Beth Rowen. Who are the Taliban? Information Please Database. Pearson Education, n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2014. The Heroic Women of the Year 2013- Malala Yousafzai. Malala Yousafzai. n.p. 22 Jan. 2014. Web. 3 Feb. 2014. Kurlakose, Dhiya. Malala Yousafzai is inspiring, but I hope she doesnt win the Nobel Peace Prize. The Guardian. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. Malala Yousafzai. Biogrpahy. A+E Networks, 2014. Web. 6 Feb. 2014. Lall, Marie. Gender and Education in Pakistan: The Shiftin Dynamics across Ethnic Groups. Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism. Ed. Association for the Study of Ethnicity and Nationalism. London: Institute of Education, 2009. 114-121. Print. Leive, Cindi. Malala Yousafzai: The Girls Hero. Glamour. Cond Nast, n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2014. Redman, Kelly. Education in Pakistan. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Oct. 2009. Web. 6 Feb. 2014.

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Reeves, Philip. Malala, Hailed Around The World, Controversial at Home. NPR. NPR, 10 Dec. 2013. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. Simpson, David. Malala Yousafzai Turns the Other Cheek to the Taliban. CNN. Cable News Network., 9 Oct. 2013. Web. 6 Feb. 2014. Sumra, Anwer. SDPI report: 58.7 m Pakistanis Living Below the Poverty Line. The Express Tribune. The Express Tribune, 25 Feb. 2014. Web. 21 Apr. 2014. Walsh, Declan. Taliban Gun Down Girl Who Spoke Up for Rights. New York Times. New York Times. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. !

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