Fairfield County Culture Entry #1: Muslims, Terrorism, and a Yahoo page

One day I was skimming yahoo news, bored out of my mind and waiting for school to start so I can go to my awesome APLC class, when I saw an article about the Arab Spring. It was a little story about how it started and its affects so far but when I got the bottom, I can’t say I didn't get mad. In one of the comments by “Americandude74”, it said, “If all the Islams died, we would have a better world”.  Now, rather than blatantly adding to the comments of the other anonymous people over the internet who also felt a little offended (especially at the failed usage of islams), I looked at it from another point of view. Why are so many people, like Americandude74, so ignorant? Why do so many people fail to educate themselves of the entire issue, instead of little segments like “Muslim”, “destruction”, “attack”.

Ironically, the name Americandude74 fits the man perfectly, because all over America we see this same trail of blind anger funneled by media. The new popular series homeland, and the movie Unthinkable, observe a common pattern that only aids in the spreading of these stereotypes. In both these movies, there is a terrorist plot to launch an attack on innocent bystanders. However it just so happens that the terrorist has to be Muslim (a coincidence?) The same Muslim terrorist has to also be from the Middle East (perhaps another coincidence?)

I’m sure as one of my readers; you can see that pattern that’s going on here. Even more intriguing, if singling out Islam as the culprit for terrorist activities was not enough, the ethnicity of these terrorists always happen to be from the middle east.  Many people take the movies as facts and will forever be brainwashed by what happens on the screen.

The yahoo article went on and on about the Arab spring and its consequences, but as we all know, there a typically a few inaccuracies in yahoo articles. The article took the complicated issues of the Arab spring, full of loop wholes and betrayals, and turned it into a piece centered in specifically on how it has the spring has affected oil prices. While this is news worthy, it is nowhere near as news worthy as educating the public on the events that have transpired and the lives that have been sacrificed to gain the freedom we all take for granted.

Many people read this article, and fail to look further into the overwhelming issue that is unfolding in our very own world! They only look into what they want, which would be how much they have to pay at the gallon the next day. The article is simply only written to attract attention and nothing more, its purpose fulfilled the editor goes on to fill the article with fluff.  The pictures in the article lacked emotion and power; it was only a simple picture of a gas sign. It had nothing to do with the war being fought in the Middle East and barely even exposed the issue at hand.  

Alas, this is a yahoo news article, how much can we really expect.

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Fairfield County Culture Entry #3: Batman or Jesus?

Of the more recent superherofilms, by far the most epic could only be the Batman trilogy. Filled with suspense,action, and cool gadgets—the three ultimatums to bring guys to the theaters. Thehandsome Christian Bale with his heroic and rock hard abs aren’t too bad forthe ladies either. As Batman Begins,we learn that Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is the son of one of the richest andmost influential men in Gotham City.

Howeverbeneath all those cool batarangs and roof tops that batman seems to enjoyleaping off, and all the money in his pockets, he’s able to not only portrayhis manliness and power but also his ideals.

BruceWayne, son of the man who’s basically a God-like symbol in Gotham City, whichis evident from the way that the many of the big towers and peering buildingsare named after him. Thomas Wayne, Batman’s father is like a God figure in themovie, making Batman his son, or in the Christian faith Jesus. This cannot be trueras we see the personality and actions of Batman. Of course, during the day,he’s billionaire bachelor Bruce Wayne, able to seduce any woman and obnoxiouslymake it rain, but during the night he’s a man who is a savior to the innocentcivilians of Gotham City from evil. Sounds a bit prophetic to me.

Eventhough the classic ironic theme of a selfless rich man is evident elsewhere insociety, but it is the most well known in Batman.

Here in FairfieldCounty, there lives a great wealth gap. When have we seen the uber cool Batmanlike individual, usually that Bill Gates type of man here in Fairfield Countyfighting crime and saving the lives of innocent civilians from the evil joker? Yeah,not many times before. But the idea of the wealthy actually not being heartlessdwellers in the county appear quite often. Batman acts upon his good naturerather than being a stuck up rich kid and becomes the hero to the people ofGotham, representing the Prophetic idea of how Jesus was looked upon as thegreatest and most influential savior.

Ultimately,we believe that the rich don’t usually “stoop to our level” and usually, albeitselfishly, box themselves into their own world. However, Batman reveals to usthat this theme was rampant and defined the actions of the villain whospecifically tried targeting the rich upper-class who forced those like catwoman to survive on stealing. However Bruce Wayne ironically defies this andshows that stereotypes are not all true and that you cannot simply judge a bookby its cover or a man by the mask he wears. Sometimes you have to walk a milein their shoes to know the difficulties they face.  Bruce’s contradictingcharacters represents something much more deeper, as a rich man his desirescenter around nice cars, beautiful woman, lavishly spending sprees and niceclothing, the society held idea of what any guy wants. However in Bruce’sworld, he does not hold any of these things as value, choosing to live in aprison in the dark crevices of Bhutan (Yea I didn’t know that was a countryeither). 

Bruce issomeone who puts his values above simple materialism, a trait that not manypeople have. 

Apartfrom this we see Batman struck by the words of the district attorney HarveyDent who tells Wayne that “you either a die a hero, or live long enough to seeyourself become a villain,” and for the trilogy this is a turning point. Afterthis, Batman sacrifices himself for the safety of the people of Gotham.

 If someone were to honestly analyze thesociety we all lived in, let’s say an alien, it would probably see a bunch ofmaterialistic bags of water only obsessed with the next Ellen DeGeneres show orthe next new apple product.  However this does not apply to everyone, andthere are plenty of people who value their beliefs over the tangible world,although none of them look uber-cool doing it like our dear Batman.  InBatman, the happy ending is when the villain is locked up and the people of Gothamare safe. Unfortunately Batman never has a happy ending; he is constantlyvigilant of defending the peace, never resting to protect the city--a type offoil character to various societal beliefs that are held in place today. Fromthe selfless rich man to the idealistic young bachelor who devotes his life tofighting crime. I would scoff at anyone who dared try finding anyone like thatin Fairfield County; it’s one of those things that only happen in movies.Although millionaires are galore in this part of America, not many of them makeheadlines devoting their money to good causes; Fairfield County is VERYstereotypical in that sense. But hey, you never know, there could be a Batmanlurking around and leaping off of roof taps with his batarangs. 

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Muhammad's Last Khutbah Outline

here is my outline, which I had to write out because I was not able to post it online.

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We fear, but what else is there?

There have been many influential and inspirational activists who have committed themselves for the sake of what they believe it whether it be fighting for their human rights, or trying to fight against fear; each activist has definitely succeeded in one thing, being an activist. Two particular influential and inspirational activists who dedicated their lives to their work were the wonderful Aung San Suu Kyi and the incredible Malcolm X. Aung San Suu Kyi’s Freedom from Fear speech accentuates the idea of fear playing a great role in the development of a nation and person, while Malcolm X’s The Ballot or the Bullet speech reveals that the white man is the reason behind the oppression of the Black community; it is revealed through these two texts that the oppression and development of individuals are based on fear.

Even though Aung San Suu Kyi and Malcolm X’s speeches emphasize fear as the biggest obstacle for an individual, they both have some differences as well. Suu Kyi believes that “the root of human responsibility [is based on] the concept of perfection, the urge to achieve it, the intelligence to find a path towards it, and the will to follow that path,” while Malcolm X believes the root of human, particularly the African Americans’ responsibility is to go against the false promises of the white man and get their deserved rights, by going “towards either the ballot or the bullet,” to make that change. Suu Kyi sees action as going against fear that leads to corruption, and Malcolm X believes in going against the apparently “most powerful legislator,” the white man.

Aung San Suu Kyi’s Freedom from Fear speech powerfully underlines the idea that “it is not power that corrupts but fear.”  Suu Kyi believed that fear was the reason behind the development of a nation, but most importantly an individual. Suu Kyi’s quintessential revolution starts in the “spirit, born of an intellectual conviction,” which means that the basis of fear comes from the mind. Suu Kyi says that not only does fear result in corruption, “deviation from the right path,” or “aberration due to ignorance,” fear is also the main obstacle in an individual’s path from doing what’s right. Suu Kyi’s political philosophy supports this idea of fear being the main obstacle to the right path for an individual, which she has ultimately overcome. Malcolm X implicitly states that the reason behind the lack of activism in the Black community was because of fear of the white man. He, like Suu Kyi believes “in action on all fronts by whatever means necessary,” because to overcome fear “merely bodily courage [isn't enough] but absence of fear from the mind” is essential too. Both influential activists believed that fear was the reason behind an individual’s choices to do right, or do nothing. However, both activists’ speeches complement each other in the sense that both believe that fear is the greatest obstacle holding an individual from acting against injustice, whether politically or mentally.     

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Machiavelli vs. Thoreau

Compare and Contrast Machiavelli and Thoreau.

Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian philosopher who was best known for his work The Prince published in 1532; and a philosopher by the name of Henry David Thoreau—known for his Civil Disobedience—were not only philosophers, but incredibly influential people in their time as well as for modern day. Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of being in control and maintaining the stature a Prince has, while Thoreau believes in taking action against what we feel is unjust. However, even though the two philosophies may seem different, they also share similarities with each other.

                However, apart from their similarities, their philosophies also have differences.  Machiavelli believes in instilling fear in his subjects and being at powerful position, while Thoreau believes in nonviolent ways to take action against the government. Machiavelli says that “because men more quickly forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony,” it’s better to be a feared leader rather than a loved one. While Thoreau believes that the government should not be unjust towards its people and what may seem as injustice should be taken action against.  Thoreau thinks of government as “the machinery of society,” and sees the legislators as ones who “contemplate no essential reform[s] in the existing government.” However, Machiavelli has a different thought in mind because he believes that for a Prince to stay in authority and have control over the people, he must “not diverge from the good…but, if compelled then to know how to set about it.” Being so, Machiavelli and Thoreau don’t agree with each other on the level of authority and rules because of Thoreau’s standing up to the government belief, and Machiavelli’s it’s better to be feared than loved theory.

                Machiavelli and Thoreau’s philosophies go hand in hand because ultimately they are both agreeing that the morality of any action is founded only on the results of that action, rather than being founded on the action itself; if someone like a serial killer was punished, it would be justified since it is for the good of the people.  Machiavelli believes that it is better to be fear than loved by your subjects because “love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread punishment which never fails.” Similarly, Thoreau –even though he does not instill fear in his readers—accesses his position in a rebellious manner by influencing the people’s emotions by creating a need to take action against the government, rather than waiting around and  “voting for [something] right, [which] is [like] doing nothing for it.”  However, in a way both philosophers ideas relate back to each other; Thoreau and Machiavelli are both implicitly stating that the consequence of an action is what people should be concerned with, instead of just the action itself. Thoreau talks about the government as a machine, and how people should “consider whether the remedy [to stop the machine] will not be worse than the evil; but if it is of such a nature that requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then I say, break the law.” Thoreau, backs up Machiavelli’s famous statement, “the end justifies the mean” by saying that if you believe in something to be a successful action, and then do it, but don’t do it for the heck of doing it, rather an individual should break the law to cause a change to occur.

                Therefore, not only do Machiavelli and Thoreau share differential ideologies, but they also share similarities in their philosophies as well. This of course, is why Machiavelli and Thoreau have been successful in their philosophies, even in modern times. 

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Let's have ourselves a bit of thanks!

Thanksgiving: one of America's beloved holidays; beloved for some more than others. Thanksgiving is celebrated by many, usually by inviting family and friends to a wonderful feast in order to, well, give thanks. It's strange how it’s called Thanksgiving, even though it’s more about "giving thanks." Sound like a reverted structure. Don't you think? But nonetheless, it’s a great holiday where anyone and everyone can come together have a happy ol' turkey or chicken; maybe some pie. But regardless of what you're eating, thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what you have, rather than reminiscing about what you could have. Its not only about eating or visiting family that’s as big as Madea’s. It’s more about being thankful for that food, and that family and all the little things that are usually taken for granted. Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the little things; like that cousin who always calls the turkey leg even before you can smell the turkey, or your aunt who will take only a small spoon of everything—because she’s on a new “diet”—even though she’s the first one waiting for desert. It’s about your sibling who stuffs their face with food right before your mom comes to the table to say grace, give thanks or maybe make a little speech. How fun! But, at the end of the day, it’s the one holiday—no matter how irritated or tired you get—you remember. You love that annoying uncle who only talks about politics, yes even at the dinner table. You love your grandfather who tells you about all of your mom’s mischievous adventures as a kid, and you absolutely love that you can finally be a complete family, at least once a year. Oh, and of course the Indians. Don’t forget them! 

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Pakistan, United States, and Afghanistan! oh my!

Thesis: The Reluctant Fundamentalist represents the depression and discrimination 9/11 has left individuals of Arab or Muslim descent in the United States and portrays the ongoing tension between Pakistani's and Americans. 

 the trust issues between Pakistan and the United States pre-9/11 and post 9/11, and a clear understanding of the historical point of view of what it felt to be a Pakistani at such a significant and saddening time. 

The current US-Pakistani relationship is short of trust. The two countries have tried to create a stable relationship, especially with the war in Afghanistan, however it is unsuccessful because of the lack of trust. In The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Changez implicitly and explicitly references to the fact that America is shameful for not supporting Pakistan during its conflict with Afghanistan. Especially, since after 9/11, Pakistan had given its highest effort to win the satisfaction of the United States by performing actions like capturing members of Al-Qaeda and allowing the United States to plant military bases in order to attack Afghanistan. Changez says “I was saddened to find it in such a state...This was where I had come from…and it smacked of lowliness” (141). A man, who had seen his homeland change completely, was flustered at the thought that America was doing nothing to help even after Pakistan had aided them in a battle. Throughout the novel, Changez never permanently identified himself as an American, and it came to be of no surprise that a smile was revealed during the 9/11 incident. He had no ill intention towards either country, however because he was so attached to Pakistan from the start, he felt it was like a duty for him to side with his country, instead. This was basically a symbolic way of representing the relationship with the two countries because Changez smile was like the “I know you’re lying” type of smile, which is exactly the main reason behind the problematic countries.

The situation the US and Pakistan is currently in is an accurate representation of the relationship the two countries had during the time period this novel is set in. During the course of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, after 9/11 became a reality Changez depicted the US-Pakistani relationship as one that never had an effective set of rules or policies placed on either country. The way that Changez talks about America in the novel, it’s as if he’s let whatever pride he had in America die alongside with his love Erica. Changez “had always thought of America as a nation that looked forward; for the first time [he] was struck by its determination to look back” (131).  It’s as if Changez knew that United States and Pakistan weren't going to have the best of relations, and so his views on both countries had changed by the way he declared the United States shameful and unhelpful. Changez was mostly accurate in portraying the relationship because it just goes to show how moment or an incident can change everything. Pakistan wanted help from the United States, and in a moment that bond the two countries had was torn.

However, at the same time the portrayal of the US-Pakistani relationships was somewhat inaccurate. Since during the time around 9/11, Changez felt that Pakistan is dependent on support from the United States, and without that support they are feeble. However, Pakistan had not directly called to the United States to come and rescue them in their war against Afghanistan; help was more expected than asked for.  In The Reluctant Fundamentalist there is actually more disagreements between Pakistan and the US however the negative side of the relationship was not stressed during the novel at all. This is the reason it is important to read the novel through a historical point of view, because the disagreements, history, and content becomes clear and understandable. 

Topic Four 

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Arranged Marriages Are Not Real Marriages.

Toulmin Analysis: Have You Ever Felt So Afraid And Alone, Even In A Crowded Room?

Claim: Young teens should not be forced into getting an arranged marriage.

Reasons:
•because it can lead to depression and suicide
•because it is basically a form of abuse
•because it is wrong for someone to be forced into such a bond like marriage.

Evidences:
"because it can lead to depression and suicide" - young teens, usually girls who are married at pre-mature ages are not happy with their relationship because they are forced to take part in things they've never learned or experience.
"because it is basically a form of abuse" - young teens are basically being forced into a bond where the in-laws will abuse them and so will their own parents for not following through on what they should be doing.
"because it is wrong for someone to be forced into such a bond like marriage." - marriage isn't just getting married and living happily ever after, someone who is too young to understand all the things that come along with the marriage will be stuck with the bond for the rest of their lives, and there are always consequences following an arranged marriage.

Warrants:
"because it can lead to depression and suicide" -
1. Due to the lack of unhappiness a young teen is faced with they turn to negative choices.
2. The mature experience they are revealed to after marriage leads them to take drastic measures.

"because it is basically a form of abuse " -
1. Families and their in-laws will usually abuse them, verbally, mentally and physically.
2. The young teens are being forced against their wills to be pushed into this bond and related work.

"because it is wrong for someone to be forced into such a bond like" -
1. It is morally wrong & insensitive.
2. Everyone should equally have the right to freedom of choice.


Backing:
"Due to the lack of unhappiness a young teen is faced with they turn to negative choices." - Everyone deserves a chance to be happy. Teens are not given the happiness they should be since they are constantly being forced to go beyond their will and do actions like burning themselves everyday in the kitchen everyday or hearing their families & in laws complain.

"The mature experience they are revealed to after marriage leads them to take drastic measures. " - Relationships that teens are forced into with their spouses are too much for them to handle since they are constantly trying to avoid or are being faced with physical attention from their spouse.

"Families and their in-laws will usually abuse them, verbally, mentally and physically. " - They are abused and neglected because both families believe the teens are not putting enough effort into what they're doing. On the other hand they're abused because neither the family or in-laws are too fond of them.

"The young teens are being forced against their wills to be pushed into this bond and related work." - Teens have no choice but to stick to this union that they're forced into. However, along with the marriage they are stuck with work like cooking and cleaning and caring for an entire family. But no one person can take so much load at such tender ages.

"It is morally wrong & insensitive." - There is no reason to expect a young teen to understand the bond of marriage and the consequences that comes with it since they have no learned or experienced any of it.

"Everyone should equally have the right to freedom of choice. " -
It is not right for someone to take the decisions for the good of a young teens life since they are too young to understand the consequences, nor do they have any say in the matter. They should be given the time necessary to choose a life partner, rather than being forced into one with some relative. They should have the right to chose, and not be forced.

The claim is a controversial and debatable one, however I believe that many will agree with the claim and reasons I have provided. However, there is a chance that the audience may not agree with the third claim because many people have different opinions towards it and it is a somewhat general statement. The evidence provided for the reasons are effective, however there may be a chance that I need more evidence backing up the reason about how teens are abused by being forced into marriage. Since abuse is a broad subject, it may be necessary to give more evidence to support that reason. Most of the warrants can be agreed with, however the audience may believe that the third claim about marriage being morally wrong and insensitive to be a general statement and possibly on the less truthful or trustworthy side. As well as the warrants regarding depression and suicide, which like the morally wrong one will need backing in order to be believable. However, I think the warrant about abuse should not affect the audience negatively and most likely will be able to pass by without too much backing. Lastly, I've left out some statistics and numbers in the argument which I believed would be fine since there is no reason to overflow the argument. Also, I've left about detailed references to real-life situations regarding marriage; this could have been effective for the audience to be persuaded to agree with this argument.

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What Ever Happened To The Golden Rule?

In today’s society, equality is a deserved and guaranteed right for all, but when it comes to religion, that equality takes a complex turn. America is filled with open-minded individuals who are as great as can be. There was a time when everyone was able to practice their religion freely without any objection, but one date in history changed the lives of not only one individual, but thousands of individuals, especially of the Islamic faith. When equality is a deserved right for all, Muslims should be allowed that right as well. We never realized when religion became the key to turning a right into a wrong.  

Everyone is different in their own way; after all we’re just humans. If we were really perfect, we wouldn't need to have any kind of opinion. However, when that opinion leads to a hurtful situation, shouldn't there be a need for it to stop? Discrimination is a fancy word, but it’s a good enough word to describe a bully. Muslims are bullied, constantly by people who refuse to see into any other opinion.Here they are, Muslims I mean, 10 years later fighting for our right as individuals in America. We're unable to worship freely, heck we don’t even has a simple place of worship in most places. Of course, as the country advances greatly, the people are too. However, there is a certain discrimination towards at Muslims. Why? Well, September 11, 2001 was a tragic event that marks the day all Muslims were suddenly terrible people. The event damaged the lives of many innocent people, but does that mean every Muslim is equally to blame ? I believe not. Everyone’s opinions and hatred towards Muslims are, to an extent, understandable and of course I am not pointing anyone out because of their opinions. Nobody is perfect, but at least there should be equality among all people. No one person is better than the other. Muslims shouldn't be bullied, nor should any other individual. That’s not right.

Most of us are a part of a great community of working class folk, or are included among the “less than higher class” category. Every so often we hear of discrimination in the workplace between women and men. However, when religion plays into the picture, it is a bit complex than receiving a lower wage for the same job as a man. A Muslim woman, wearing her head scarf, called a hijab is almost instantly rejected for an interview she’s dreamed of almost her entire life, but why? The interviewer feels uncomfortable and subconsciously dislikes her. Does religion automatically recite the qualifications of an individual?  Many companies believe that their image may be ruined if they have a conservatively dressed woman work for them. Of course, if she is a religious individual, there’s no possible way for her to be a diligent worker. That just cannot be done. We learn from a young age “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but when we judge someone so harshly for the way they look or for what they believe in; is that justified? Close-mindedness creates a problem not only for American’s but for all the Muslims out there struggling just to live their lives. They aren't finding the necessities they desire because of their religion. It’s not “freedom of religion,” it’s more like “freedom to discriminate.”

            There was a golden rule that almost all of us were taught: “treat others the way you want to be treated.” But how is that possible when nowadays we believe that it’s okay to dislike someone based on their religion? Not all people are like this, I’m sure you aren't involved with that discrimination circle either. We shouldn't categorize, bully or discriminate against someone just because they’re Muslim. Yes, they’re Muslim, but does that mean they carry bombs around all the time looking to attack someone? No, that may just be a Muslim woman going to the grocery store because she has to go grocery shopping before her kids get home from school. There’s a need for open-minded people in society. We all make mistakes, we’re not perfect, but discrimination, hatred, and bullying because of religion, is not a mistake. It’s real.  

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Where Do You Go When There's Nowhere Left?

It’s meant to be the happiest day in a girl’s life when she finds her prince charming. The one she falls in love with, marries and has the perfect life. But what if you never had that chance? In South Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia 90% of the marriages are arranged, and 60% of all marriages in the world are arranged. Yes, that’s right. Teens and even pre-teens are forced into a union where they either are too young to understand or too depressed to think of the consequences. These girls will get married to their cousin, or their uncle or maybe some strange man 90 miles away from them. Some may call it desperation, some may call it pathetic, but for the 8 out 10 girls forced into marriage, they have no words. How do you decide to marry someone you've never met, seen or had the chance to talk to? Well, you don’t. That’s not your choice. The divorce rate has increased by 15% in Southeast Asia among those who get an arranged marriage. To some it may seem incongruous, however it doesn't change the fact that 2 out of every 5 girls forced to get married commit suicide, runaway, or fall into depression. Who am I to be telling you this? I’m a girl, from one of these cultures, who will join the 90 percentile of girls getting an arranged marriage. I’ll forever be stuck with a man I've never met, seen or had the chance to ever talk to. For the girls who are forced into such a horrible bond, the only love they’ll ever experience is the ones shown in the movies. Guy meets girl. Guy falls in love with the girl, meets her secretly, brings her flowers, and dances to a couple of lovey-dovey songs; they get married and live happily ever after. But this is the reality for an arranged marriage. There is no happily ever after. The wedding day is set, whether the girl accepts it or not, she’ll get married in front of her family and her new family in-law, to a man she never desired. But that’s not the end of her story; she’ll probably be beaten like the 34% who aren't given a genuine place in the family or her new husbands’ heart. She may runaway. Or she may give up on life. But who cares? Whether the bride is here or not, whether she’s dead or alive, whether she’s bruised up, whether it’s me or you. Your freewill was taken away the moment marriage came up, you don’t have freedom. Don’t be silly, this isn't your choice. You take your life, or you let it be. You take a stand or you set yourself free. But it’s all just a tad too late. You’re married to man you've never felt attracted to, wishing you could take a step back. But you took a step, and you stepped in concrete. It’s permanent.

500 words total.  

Sources: 

• http://www.indiatribune.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3714:pros-and-cons-of-arranged-marriages&catid=99:column&Itemid=462
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA6jjumSM1s
• http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/03/04/sabatina-james-why-my-mother-wants-me-dead.html

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Have You Ever Felt So Afraid And Alone, Even In A Crowded Room?

How would it feel to be a 12 year old girl, watching all the other little boys and girls rush toschool, knowing that you’ll never have the opportunity to be as worry-free andhappy as them? Today is your wedding day. It’s time to get ready. Everyone youloved is suddenly far away, remote, distant; you no longer understand whatthey’re talking about and they’ve suddenly stopped listening to you. Keep yourclothes clean; straighten your back, don’t slouch. Make sure you smile, butdon’t smile with your teeth. Keep your eyes natural; do not blankly stare atanyone. Pretend you’re happy. They’re going to tell you what you’ll wear, whatyou’ll do, and what you’ll be. They’ve forced you into this silly bond with aman triple your age. He is a complete stranger, and strange is correct. Butthey, who you once believed to have a beautiful and precious bond with, havedecided that this is now your present and your future. They’ve planned out yourentire life here, and they do not care about your innocence nor your nativity.Where is your opinion in this entire process? It’s unseen, unheard, andunspoken. You’re their puppet and they are the master. They control the shownow, whether you like it or not.

Good morning, how wasyour sleep? What’s this? Your eyes are red and swollen from crying; your throatis parched from sobbing. You’re married now to this stranger, triple your age.You found out last night that he is not interested in petty childish games, he’sexperienced and mature. He is the least bit bothered by your words, and hetries to take advantage however he can. You get out of bed, and see the mess onthe floor. You take whatever is remaining of your wedding attire off, and youquickly take a shower, and think about your loved ones. Your husband knocks onthe door, and you are startled; he mumbles a few words and you know it’s timeto start the day as his 12-year-old wife. Run! To the kitchen, your husband ishungry and he is not happy when he’s hungry. Be careful now, since you have notlearned to cook as of yet. But don’t worry, there’s your mother-in-law, she’llhelp you. Ouch! You burned yourself huh? Well good thing it didn’t mess up yourinnocent beauty. That keeps your husband’s urges alive.

 He gets up forwork and wants a kiss goodbye but you find this strange because you’ve neverkissed anyone goodbye. Not even the loving family you once thought you had.You’re so shy and young, and you don’t know how to eat, how to speak, how toreact in the presence of other people. You’re scared and alone here now, yourlife crushed. Your loved ones have passed on the strings of the puppet intoyour husband’s hands. You are in his control, and this is your life now. He’lllove you and your innocent beauty. 

500 words total. 

            

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And That Single Moment Was Mine.

Samiha Julakha. 

That is the name written on my precious little birth certificate. However, I have many more names than it appears, but I'll just give you a little insight on SAMIHA JULAKHA. Two beautifully constructed complications. Yes, that is MY name. For a good whole half of my life, I hated my name. Why? Well almost no one could spell it, say it, or even try to pronounce it. I always wanted something that was simple but unique. A name like Samina or  Mirah. But no, I was given the name Samiha Julakha, pronounced saa-me-hah  joo-lake-ah. It's such a bother to have such a name. I'm the girl who screams out her name during attendance before the teacher even has a chance to pronounce it. I've been told all my life what a beautiful and unique name I have and a personality to match it. However, I've always been more irritated by my name than I am happy to have it. 

It has always been a tradition in my family and culture to have your child named after an Arabic word, thus my name was born. Samiha comes from the Arabic word "samih" which means generous, kind-hearted, and tolerant. After some time, I realized that for me, what could be more beautiful than Arabic? Drumroll please, for my last name, Julakha. This has a bit of a different story behind it than just finding a pretty Arabic word. . I was named after my dad's mother. My grandmother Julakha Khatin. The reason behind naming me Julakha was because I never got to meet her. She was my dad's pride & joy and he absolutely loved her more than anything. The funny part about my grandmother is that she was never too fond of girls. Ironic because she is a girl. However, she always felt that boys could do everything better than girls. Sadly, I never agreed with this. After her death my dad was shattered; and being so distanced from her, he had no way to be reminded of his mother Soon after, I came into the picture and my dad wanted his mother's name to live on, so he put a stamp on it and my name became Samiha Julakha. Instead of having the family last name, Sarwer,  I was given one that made me sound like I was some distant family member. 

I've gone through my whole life with many nicknames and many wrong pronunciation. But most of all, I always wanted a middle name, and maybe another name after that. My entire family has middle names. I wanted to be an insider with them, but instead I was stuck with just Samiha Julakha. Everyone in my family has a a first name, 3 or 4 middle names, a last name and at least one nickname. I have a bazillion nicknames, but always wanted to have a fancy little middle name. I have cousins with names like "Mohammad Faqrul Shams Ovi Uddin Islam," mouthful huh? I wanted to be able to be as fancy as Esteban from the Suite Life of Zack & Cody. It was always so entertaining to hear the name "Esteban Julio Ricardo Montoya de la Rosa Ramirez." Unfortunately, I was never given that fun of a name. But here I am, 16 years later with Samiha Julakha. Today, I am happy to have such a name because I know deep down there could never be another Samiha Julakha, and if there is. She could never be me. 

581 words total. 

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Forget The Judgments, And Set Yourself Aside.

Sentence Limitation 

“Have you ever wondered to yourself why it is that all people like me seem to have learned from you is how to imprison and murder each other, how to govern badly, and how to take the wealth of our country and place it in Swiss bank accounts? Have you ever wondered why it is that all we seem to have learned from you is how to corrupt our societies and how to be tyrants? You will have to accept that this is mostly your fault. Let me just show you how you looked at us. You came. You took things that were not yours, and you did not even, for appearances' sake, ask first. You could have said, "May I have this, please?" and even thought it would have been clear to everybody that a yes or no from us would have been of no consequence you might have looked so much better. Believe me, it would have gone a long way. I would have had to admit that at least you were polite. You murdered people. You imprisoned people. You robbed people. You opened your own banks and you put our money in them. The account were in your name. The banks were in your name. There must have been some good people among you, but they stayed home. And that is the point. That this is why they are good. They stayed home." - (By: Jamaica Kincaid pages 34-25 A Small Place)

~ Have you ever taken a good look around and wondered why people seem to be so scared and annoyed because of someone who is dressed differently than them when we have learned from this country about our freedom and how to be courageous, how to stick up for ourselves, and how to take the good and bad and give it equal importance? Have you ever noticed why it is that people are so scared of a lady with a head scarf or a man with a beard when they too have learned to be courageous from this society? You have to accept the fact that not everyone is going to live up to your standards. Lets just take a moment to look at the way we treat other people. We see them. We take what we see and don't take a further glance to see that there's more, a good personality perhaps, not even for a second look, we never look back. We could have made a difference in today's society and said, "lets be open minded, alright?" and possibly seen that we are all just human beings regardless of who dresses different or who appears to be different. Believe me, it would be much easier to have pushed ourselves away from passing judgment. I would have been able to say we are much bigger than that. We judge people. We hate people. We destroy people. We opened up the land of freedom for people and we should be able to open up our minds too. No human is perfect. Nor are we all the same. There is nothing wrong with being different, yet we judge like we know what's perfection.  And we have no limitations. That is the only thing we are best at. Judging each other. - Samiha Julakha 

AP LC - Sentence Limitation Exercise. 

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Lets Step Into Imperfections... Ready, Set, Go.

Culture: 

• A woman can do just as much as a man can, there's no reason to restrict her from the world. 
• Save the dried fish for the motherland, the entire neighborhood can smell it. It isn't the most pleasant smell either. 
• Marriage can wait, let me at least finish school first! I'm too young for that bro. 
• can we not judge a person as soon as we get one look at them? maybe they're not as bad as you're saying they are.
• Gossip circles. let's just back away slowly from that one, shall we?
• Just because i dont wear traditional dresses doesn't mean i'm not proud of my culture; nor does it mean that i'm completely americanized. 

General "Irks": 

• I saw you drop that waterbottle out of the car window, pick it up. now. 
• Please don't tell me the ending of the movie, I'm actually excited to watch the movie. 
• Say another word during the movie and I promise to shoot you with a nerf gun. Don't be such a embarrassment, especially not in public. 
• Uh...no thanks, I'm not very interested in "see-food," kindly close your mouth while you chew. 
• There's a reason there's a "watch for pedestrians" sign. I'd appreciate it if you didn't  try to run me over with your car/bike/motorcycle. 
• I hate when people judge a person by their looks. Where did personality go? 
• There's no need to blast your music so loud the entire highway can hear it. 
• Can we get less commercials and longer shows on TV?
• You're and Your, they're different. Learn the difference. 
• Just because you heard it from the TV, computer or another person doesn't mean the news is written in stone. 

Religion: 

• Yes, that lady is wearing a head scarf. No she's not a terrorist. I hate people who make these kinds of assumption because of someone's religious beliefs.
• How exactly are you half of two religions? Half Muslim, Half Christian... wait what? 
• Freedom of Religion, then shouldn't all of us have equal rights over what we should and shouldn't worship. The coin saying "in God we Trust," fades away from freedom of religion.
• I wish people would be open minded when it comes to religion, what media portrays and what we've heard aren't always true. 

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