Flightless Words

Since having started my two week midyear (study) break, all I have been wanting to do is to complete the seven incomplete drafts saved in my blog account.

After looking at each of the drafts, I realized it's going to take more than one hour per post to decipher the individual notes I'd made under each post. This can be attributed to the fact that I've been trying to write two posts at once, which leads to my brain reaching a point where it is unable to brain any further, and to the fact that it's been difficult trying to formulate actual sentences from the notes I've made during study breaks. I mean, what on earth am I supposed to make of 'Atholl Fugard, Miskien, sparse setting'?

In the past two and a half hours, I have jumped from misogyny (I can feel the eye-roll of the internet) to Absurdism, to birthdays, to the cycle of judgment, to franchising and book-burning (eye-rolls from my Twitter and Facebook). On top of that, I've got my mother yelling domestic chores and kitchen duties at me, followed immediately by her doing the actual tasks and then giving me the usual "How-Are-You-Going-To-Run-Your-Own-Household-Your-Children-Will-Starve-Who-Will-Marry-You-Your-Mother-In-Law-Will-Think-I-Didn't-Bring-You-Up-Properly" speech. Followed by the "You-Need-To-Study" closing argument.

Just one question I'd like to ask before the topic becomes stale:

Why has South African Twitter become a burnbook?

Times like these make me yearn for pre-2010 when Twitter was undiscovered and I could Tweet all about Harry Potter without being chirped by my friends about it. People say offensive things on the internet constantly. It appears, though, that those who have raised certain 'Twalebs' to their social media status are now the ones lighting the flame of the Roast. This can all be summed into two, Twitter speech, words: No Chill.

Ironically, by creating hate-induced trending topics, more hype is created, centered around the person. They then actually become famous - i.e.: beyond Twitter - and efforts to reduce their popularity has basically backfired and their social media pages are now doubling in hits.

Find your inner chill, go to their profile and click "Unfollow". Unfollows speak louder than trending topics!

I had so much more to say about my passion for writing, how much I miss Afrikaans, English and Drama and how I plan to make my true theatre debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but my mother just gave me another "How-Will-You-Prepare-Your-Sehris-When-You're-Married" speech and has sent me to go prep for tomorrow morning. Just a few more words without wings, I suppose.

Game of Woes

(This post initially started as a post about the increase in blatant misogyny in general - however, the rant about its underlying presence in Season five of Game of Thrones went on longer than I expected.)

If you follow me on Twitter, then you will know that I am currently incredibly passionate about and incredibly annoyed at the progression of the Game of Thrones storyline. Apart from the fact that it detracts from the books in respect of the general storyline, there have been several changes that have strong undertones of misogyny. The exclusion of two strong female characters, Lady Stoneheart and Arianne Martell (who is a point of view character), for me was the worst because, apart from the fact that they're two of my favourite characters, their presence in the story is significant as issues that GRRM explores in the book cannot be explored through other characters. Lady Stoneheart isn't a vengeful ghost - she represents the aftermath of someone who has lost all that is dear to her in the most brutal way possible. All the prettiness is stripped away to reveal the cold, hard and bitter truth. She is justice and she gives the Brotherhood a worthy cause. Arianne isn't another insignificant player in the games - she represents those who have attempted, and failed, to play the game based on manipulation and emotion rather than viewing the game from a birds eye view. She had, as she put it, played the Game of Thrones 'like a drunkard'. But she, unlike many others, has been given a chance to make up for her mistake and is guided by the mentorship of her father. This is where we start to see the combination of character growth and flaw, and I am so excited to see what GRRM has in store for her in The Winds of Winter.

Another character we see growing in the series to become a strong player with a different strategy is Sansa Stark, or rather Alayne Stone. She grows from the victim we saw her become in Kings Landing to a player who stays under the radar, much like her current protector Petyr Baelish. She plays the quiet, intelligent game and in the Alayne chapter from The Winds of Winter, we see her start to beat Petyr at his own game. We see POSITIVE things from Sansa!!!

So why the on earth do D&D ship her off to Winterfel to marry one of the most cruel characters in this series? To revert her to the victim she was in Kings Landing? We needed the Jeyne Poole storyline, we get that. But why Sansa? Because she's conveniently nearby? Why have we reduced Sansa to a plot device? Apart from the fact that this is incredibly lazy script writing, D&D have once again trampled over another female character's development and storyline to convenience themselves.

GRRM about Fanfiction.

This show is now so uncanon, it's a fanfiction; you can read all about GRRM's opinion on fanfictions here.

While we're on the topic of D&D's disregard for female significance in the series, can we please talk about how they've reduced Dorne to some tropical Southern paradise and the anti-climatic Sandsnakes. One of my book-burning friends comment on the Sandsnakes was that they were lame. Honestly, I don't blame him, given their portrayal in Season five. In the books, the Sandsnakes are such a force to be reckoned with that Doran has them locked up before they can avenge their father's death. In season five, we got this anti-climatic tug-o-war between Bronn and Jaime (wth is he doing in Dorne) and the Sandsnakes over Myrcella and an excuse for nudity. WHY ARE WE REDUCING THE EPIC SANDSNAKES TO LAME FIGHTERS AND 'SEDUCTRESSES' TO FILL D&D's NUDE SCENE QUOTA? Oh, and Ellaria has been reduced to a bloodthirsty, vengeful woman who lost her lover in the series, because that's easier than portraying her as a woman who loves her children and would rather keep peace to ensure they are safe and that some sanity remains in Dorne. More lazy screenwriting and female character reduction, curtesy of D&D.

Back to the topic of Dorne, the 'Kingdom of Acceptance', where base-born children are loved and not looked down upon. Where next in line to the throne is not determined based on gender but rather on age. Where the Martells are actually 'Nymeros-Martells' due to the significance and influence of Nymeria of Rhoyne. Why have D&D given us a summer island holiday resort instead of the only kingdom that didn't bend the knee, but joined the Seven Kingdoms through marriage. Why aren't we shown why the Martells, who rule Dorne, are 'Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken'? 

Why is it so difficult for the show to portray the women of the series as strong individuals, instead of reducing them to victims, manipulators and nude scenes, incapable of being worthy players in the game of thrones?

PS: Please do not use Dany to defend D&Ds misogyny. Half her storyline for this season has been cut, meaning book-burners don't get to see her full descent into madness (yaaaay for more female plotline reduction). Plus, in the tv series, she watched, with a straight face, her dragons burn alive and eat a fellow human being. She has no claim to the Iron Throne. Apart from the fact that she lost that claim after Robert's Rebellion, she knows nothing of Westeros or its people. Granted her own ancestors conquered Westeros with the aid of their dragons, so anything is possible - however, she would fly to Westeros with vengeance in her heart and claim that which she believes was taken from her. There are other, less selfish players who would serve the realm better than she would.

Tawakkul

Tawakkul is that moment of sanity in a succession of madness. 

It is the moment of relief in the hours of hardship.

It's the soothing balm against the sting of life. It is more than hope. It is complete submission and faith.

It is knowing He Will Look after you, despite how daunting and impossible the future may seem.

It is light. It is life.

This isn't a Subtweet, not really...

Nymeria of Rhoyne

We are under a day short of being halfway through the year and this scares me. Seriously, where have these six months gone? Oh yes, I've spent them either procrastinating or "studying" (see staring at my textbook with a blank expression, thinking of Nymeria of Rhoyne).

On the plus side I am currently on a four week holiday, during which I intend to increase my reading time, sleeping time and cooking time. The last one is because I love food and I'm tired of relying on my mom to make my favourite dishes for me - not because I'm trying to impress a boy or his mother for marriage purposes. Yeah boys, WE LIKE SANDWICHES TOO.

I tried my best to minimize my social media usage for the last few months now and control my addiction. Quite frankly, it sucked. Cold turkey methods do NOT work. Don't try this at home, kids; the withdrawal symptoms just worsen your condition. 

During the time I spent trying to avoid Twitter, I pondered on why we publish our thoughts on a public platform such as Twitter or a blog. Is it purely to express our creativity or a need to stroke our egos with affirmation from others? Why is a tweet only as good as the number of retweets it gets, or an account as prominent as the number of followers it has? Is what we think not good enough for ourselves that we have to seek affirmation? 

There's a week and a day left till my twenty-first birthday and I'm quite happy to be celebrating this milestone during the month of Ramadhaan. Speaking of Ramadhaan and my Twitter addiction; over the last two and a half years (i.e.: the time when people began to believe my rants about Twitter being amazing), I have noticed two 'types' of Muslims on Twitter. These types tend to come out during this month in particular; the cynical types that hate on Ramadhaan Muslims and the self-righteous types that hate on those who aren't Ramadhaan Muslims. 

In respect of the cynics who won't stop subtweeting that Muslim girl with a hijab avatar during Ramadhaan; I cannot deal with their judgement. This judgement of people who are, in their own way, trying to make a positive change in their lives; even it is for a short period. At least they're trying. Also, Ramadhaan is a wonderful opportunity to start making positive changes in your life. Perhaps they see it this way too.

(OH, and while we are on the topic of cynics on Twitter... (Warning: Blunt rant ahead. You might want to stop reading).

It appears there is this belief that cynicism gains popularity. Perhaps it does, given the number of retweets cynical tweets receive. But then again, maybe it's just an appreciation of dark humour. There is, however, no need to be cynical to the point of dissing people who post inspirational tweets.

Constant cynicism doesn't allow you to enjoy anything life has to offer and essentially desensitizes you in respect of other people because one is so caught up in their own life. Apart from ignorance, insensitivity is also a sign of bitterness; one can't be happy with what one has, so one is cynical about everyone else to create this false sense of superiority to mask the fact that one is unable to accept something about one's own life.

If one cant see the sunlight streaming through the clouds, it's one's personal business. But one should not eclipse someone else's rainbow because one chooses to be swallowed by their own storm.

Also, has anyone else noticed the people-hate on Twitter? I don't understand; if you can't stand people so much, why are you on Twitter?  Because you enjoy the false identities that some people create? If that's the case, you'd be better off with a book. I get that the internet allows you to come out of your shell and give you the confidence that you might not have in person; but good God, do you have to be mean? No wonder no one wants to be your friend in person, because all you do is complain about everything.

Okay, wow. That was mean and it's Ramadhaan. I'm sorry.)

Moving on.

The other 'type'of Muslim are the self-righteous who think they're better than the man without a beard or a woman without a scarf. Ladies and gentlemen, this is counter judgment to 'type one' Muslim and it doesn't make you any better than they are.Self-righteousness stems from pride, and, in case you've forgotten your Tahzeeb lessons from Primary School Madressah, "A man with an atom of pride shall not enter Jannah.". Everyone is on their own spiritual journey, so shift your focus to self-improvement.

It is impossible to avoid these types of people, be it in Ramadhaan or any other time of the year. Clearly it is difficult to please anyone, so worry about your own contentment and that of your Creator. 

I wish you a Blessed Ramadhaan :) May the all positive changes you make this month become permanent changes thereafter.

Like a Virgin - Voting for the very first time

What I dislike most about test week is the fact that the stress it brings eclipses other aspects of my week, like the fact that I was voting for the very first time on May 7th. So I missed all the hype leading up to this Wednesday.

As a virgin-voter in 2014, I was incredibly conflicted about which party to vote for. My knowledge on political parties is limited to whatever is broadcast on Morning Live, A View from the House and the seven 'o clock news. I know as much as the mede-mens does.

I respect a lot of what the ANC has stood for and yes, they have had a good story to tell, but not under Jacob Zuma's management. I didn't want to vote for the man, who spends over R200 million of taxpayers' money on his private residence, to the the face of South Africa.

The DA, on the other hand, just complain about what the ANC, without offering real solutions. And clearly there is mismanagement and corruption on their part as well, considering most of Khayelitsha's residence support the ANC in a DA-dominated Western Cape. That, coupled with their support for Israel's Apartheid State, earns a 'no' for the opposition party from me. 

But, then again, voting for one of the smaller parties isn't very strategic when it comes to seats in Parliament.

I only made up my mind about my vote when I'd realized I'd been standing at the booth for over five minutes with a queue of people behind me.

To be honest my interest in this election was less on the fact that I was voting for the first time, and more on the outcome. The introduction of the EFF and Agang, and the recent public outbursts on their dislike of Zuma made for an exciting election; however, I didn't think we were going to be at a stage where the ANC and any opposition (most likely the DA) would be neck-and-neck. Twenty years seems like a long time, but when put into perspective it hasn't been that long since Apartheid ended. The generation before the born-frees will remain loyal to the ANC for their instrumental role in the Struggle. Perhaps in another two elections' time.

I voted at the local Civic Centre and it went pretty quickly; it took me about ten minutes for everything (minus the five minutes I spent at the booth) to get done and the IEC staff were friendly. There was a chilled vibe with families having picnics outside the centre. I was hoping to have a bit of a queue-vibe, but I was writing Auditing the next day so rushing back home to learn the payroll cycle was more of a priority.

It was only a few years ago that I was wondering about who I'd vote for when I was of age, so I guess the one thing this election has made me realize is that I'm getting old.

"... teach your sons how to behave."

This is an issue which is pretty close to my heart. Rape is an problem that haunts women across the globe. It is an act of gender violence, a crime, violation and quite frankly, not enough is being done to stop it. 

Last week a Bengali woman, by the order of her village council, was gang raped  for falling in love with a man from outside her village and not being able to pay the fine for doing so. This, after a series of violent sex crimes against women plagued India. 

South Africa's record isn't any better. Two weeks ago, a 9 year old girl was raped and then set alight. She was found alive by members of her community and was able to identify the man who later appeared in court. The community was outraged, and rightly so. With a justice system that is clearly failing the safety of South African women, do you blame communities for wanting to engage in mob justice?

I think one of the things that annoys me is the reaction towards rape. It's similar with most cases: A woman is raped, there's a huge uproar and then it fizzles out. No one thinks about the post-traumatic stress that she or her family has to endure. It happens all the time. Clearly angry outbursts are not causing any change, because the rape statistics are getting worse. A woman is more likely to be raped than learn to read in South Africa.

Another thing that bothers me is the justice system and how so many rapists get away with their actions because there is not enough proof. Then, as in the case of the 16 year old Indian girl, they further harass and even murder their victim. It is because of such things that women are less likely to report rape.

Last year, I'd written an essay about rape, summing up a few ideas that leaders in our country can implement in order to overcome and prevent rape in the future. It was written for a "Future Leaders" type of competition, so please excuse the register:

“Don’t keep your daughters indoors; teach your sons how to behave”

According to current statistics, South Africa is currently ranked second in the world as the country with the highest number of rapes and is soon to take over the number one spot from the United States of America. Statistics also show that a woman is more likely to be raped than educated in South Africa. Women play an essential role in the economic and social growth in this country and such circumstances is poison to our future growth and gender equality. This disease can only be prevented if we get to the core of the issue. Increasing physical measures can only assist to a certain degree in reducing the number of rapes, but that kind of security does not cover rapes that occur inside homes, committed by once trusted people. The core of the issue lies in the attitude of humanity towards such behaviour.

It is often a misconception that rape is driven only by certain basic desires of a human being; however, the act of rape is stemmed from a psychological need for power. Rapists exercise their power over the victim by going against their will. This is precisely the attitude that needs to change. More often than not, the perpetrator has experienced a certain lack of power in another aspect of their life – be it in the work or domestic environment. At times incidences from ones childhood, abuse being a key example, may only affect a person later on in life. All these are linked to the psyche, and the clear, yet often undermined solution, lies here. Social workers and counsellors are the most underrated and undermined professionals in this country, generally earning less than teachers. Their training lies in assisting a person to come to terms with their situations or past situations. Once a person has come to terms with their experiences in a logical but understanding manner, they are able to move on from it and not allow such negativity to affect their futures. Hence, it is clear that counselling and social work is an effective antidote to the psychological poison created in the minds of people. What we, as future leaders, can do is to ensure that the money we intend for Corporate Social Welfare is injected into the right projects. Rural schools cannot afford a school counsellor and there are children who are in need of counselling. By paying the salary of a social worker of a rural school, we take a step in preventing the future of this country from being consumed by negative psychological desires.

Another attitude that needs to change is the one of little understanding and a lack of compassion by citizens. Rape has become so rife in our country, that when we hear about new cases we rarely show the indignation or anger it needs. Sometimes we even turn our heads the other way. In extreme cases of gang-rape, the uproar against it last for a few hours, maybe a few days and then we all get back to our everyday schedules and the victim is left psychologically vulnerable and without hope and the initial uproar loses effect. We, as citizens, tend to act on the ‘that which doesn’t affect us, does not concern us’.  This is another attitude that needs to change. The only way to change this attitude is to come to the understanding that if we do not commit to fighting rape in this country, then its growth will be detrimental to our future generations. We underrate our power as citizens. Our government is chosen by us; hence we have the ability to put pressure on them in terms of our current legislation relating to rape. Punishment for rape is far too lenient, leading to the recent rapid increase of this crime in our country. By putting due pressure on politicians to intensify the punishment for rape, the lawmakers in our country will be obliged to change policies. 

Rape can lead to the spread of AIDS and unwanted pregnancies, not to mention the psychological trauma experienced by victims. These issues all need to be addressed in a compassionate manner to show support to rape victims and to strengthen the fight. Education plays an essential role in creating awareness. Apart from the adverts and pamphlets, organisations that are committed to the fight should be assisted in going to areas where rape is rife and educate citizens on what to do in vulnerable situations, where to get tested for HIV and where to obtain the ‘morning after’ pill to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Included in such education should be the numbers of local police stations, helpline numbers and local social work groups to assist victims when they have no support.  This is not meant to encourage rape in any way, but instead to ensure that citizens are so well-informed that they may be able to get out of a compromising situation or help someone they know.

One of the manners in which techno-savvy rapists work is that they use fake profiles and cyber-stalking to attract victims, gain their trust and, after securing a meeting with said victim, rape them. This problem can be easily resolved, again, through education. It is difficult to stay away from the internet in a technologically advanced era, but we all need to exercise maturity and caution. Children and teenagers are the most vulnerable in this regard; hence parents need to gain sufficient techno-knowledge to be able to exercise parental control. By preventing loved ones from meeting strangers they met on the internet, this will aid the reduction of rape-statistics in South Africa.

The attitude of men plays a significant part in the reduction of this poison. A prime example of this is an organisation in South Africa called Brothers for Life. The organisation is aimed at changing the attitude of men with regard to their treatment of women, the fight against AIDS and rape, in order to breed positivity and hope in our society. They do this through creating awareness, encouraging and providing means to get tested for AIDS, educating people on the dangers of gender violence and acknowledging those who have played an active role in their fight against societal poisons. Organisations with such or similar objectives can inevitably be successful in changing and shaping the attitudes towards rape in our country.

Many South African citizens have lost hope in our government, our fight against societal poisons (like rape) and our future as a whole. This is, inevitably, the attitude that needs to change and is achievable through education, correct professional care and assistance, compassion and caution. Positive thoughts breed positive actions. If we can show citizens that there are ways to fight rape, the fight against the poison becomes stronger. The quote,

                “Don’t keep your daughters indoors; teach your sons how to behave” (Unknown)

is quite relevant in summing up how to go about finding the antidote to the poison – the fight against rape will only be successful if we start by adopting the correct attitude.

Things I wish I Truly Understood before Varsity

I wonder at which point during varsity the excitement and energy with which we enter first year fades to bitterness. Our first university exam? The first time we obtain marks lower than what we're used to? When you're so swamped with work that the thought of dropping out and getting married dares to cross you mind?

Due to the release of the matric results this week, most Twitter timelines were buzzing with anticipation. The first thought that crossed my mind when I opened Twitter was "Chill guys, A's mean nothing at varsity. Honestly, I'd take the stress of wanting to obtain an A over the stress of wanting to proceed into your next academic year of study. Because university is ten times worse". I then thought back to the night before my own results were released two years ago and realized that the only time I'd experienced more stress than that was the day of my driving test.

I literally had 45 minutes of sleep in 48 the hours between the day before results were released and D-day. And all I could think about was "WHAT IF I DONT GET ALL As. WHAT IF I DONT GET ALL As. WHAT IF MY As ARENT GOOD As". I refused to let anyone tell me my results - I wanted to find out by counting the brackets next to my name in the paper. I kept my mother up that night, driving out to the garages every two hours and repeated my doubt-filled mantra. Though, of course, we all have that university friend who brings you back to reality and tells you your marks when you least expect it. Although I don't often admit it, I'm glad he told me and put my out of my self-inflicted misery. I then zombie'd my way through the rest of the day, feeling more relieved than excited.

So there - all university students have been through the excitement and stress of final matric exams and receiving results (and receiving calls from aunties you have no memory of). And we also experienced the same disregard by university students during our finals period. I remember swearing that I'd never become one of those students who forgot the stress of matric.

Unfortunately, Class of 2013, you will, at some point, find yourselves disregarding future matriculants. University is exciting and liberating, but it also makes you view schools and education in a different light. In all honesty, school does not prepare you for change. The uniformity of school teaches you nothing about varsity, losing relationships or life in general. You think it's easy to maintain friendships with your school friends, but the truth is that unless you make an effort to remain in contact with them, you will slowly drift apart, simply because varsity allows you to grow and develop new interests and make your friends. The subjects you did in high school don't really prepare you adequately for university modules. You have to really put in the effort to stand out academically, because you're simply a student number to a lecturer. There will be times when you'll walk out your lectures more confused than when you entered because your lecturer's foreign accent is difficult to understand. There will be times when you will question your choice of degree, university and post-matric path in general.

BUT there are also a lot of wonderful things about university. You meet different people and you're at liberty to try out different things. You will learn to develop and voice your opinion. You will grow and, yes, you will change. You will learn to let go of insecurities and other things that hinder your growth as a person. You WILL probably go though some sort of existential crisis and question life. Albeit being just a number in the system, you will develop as an individual. Your academic focus will solely be on your chosen career path - no more Physics for Accounting students!

For now, just bask in the excitement of your results. You worked for it, so it's yours to rightfully enjoy. Take this level of energy and confidence with you into first year - not as arrogance, but as self-esteem and a will to push yourself so you're able to cope with the academic changes. Do yourself a favour and find out the stats for each year of study for your chosen degree - it's the only way you can truly determine its level of difficulty. Enjoy this long holiday. No seriously, university students get long holidays because we need it after a hectic semester. Don't wish your holidays away because you're bored - find something to do!

Shout out to my Alma Mater, Westville Girls' High School, for the excellent results! *inserts 62540792 tweets about WGHS here*

Vanity Fair

There have been a few.. uh, things swimming around in my head recently. Some people would consider them topical and interesting, and others, downright insulting. But there's one I'm sure a lot of people would ideally agree on. Vanity and its prevalence.

I guess we can't really escape it. As human beings, we're naturally attracted to things with aesthetic appeal - people, achievements, status, homes, lifestyles. We always find ourselves envisioning futures guided by vanity. But why has it become the focal point of futures?

Why do parents put pressure on their kids in school to get the DUX or become Head Girl or Head Boy to the extent that to not achieve it is seen as a failure? Does the fact that your child is not the DUX mean that they're academically incapable? Is fifth position, as opposed to first, really that detrimental? And why, exactly, do you want your child to be DUX of the school? So you can show off to friends and family?

Why, in terms of dating or even marriage proposals, is looks so important? Hormones aside, why on EARTH do we still hear the phrases 'oh, he's so fair' or 'does she have blue eyes'? Why do we allow physiques blind us against the important things like values or, simply, personalities? Why do we allow physical attraction crumble solid relationships that we've already built? (And why on earth is the 'prettiness' of our unborn, un-conceived babies so important?)

Why do we care about what cars we drive, the cars our friends drive, why their parents bought them such an expensive car and what our parents would've done? Is it really difficult to simply be happy for someone else's fortune? Why do we see the need to better someone else?

Why is the time spent planning an elaborate wedding longer than the duration of the actual marriage? Why has the detail on a serviette holder on the table twenty five of the reception hall become so important? A single person is not defined by their family or upbringing - so why do we place emphasis on the surname of the family our sons and daughters are marrying into, instead of looking at the qualities of the individuals they are marrying?

Why are the perceptions of others so important to us? And why do we scrutinize and criticize others?

I guess vanity and perception is something that is constantly drummed into us. Every male lead in a book or film is physically attractive, so young girls are brought up looking for their potential 'other-half' based on looks (and probably a dark, mysterious allure). Our economy has places emphasis on consumption, hence the use of marketing and upgrades to create trends. Shiny badges and braided blazers earn us pats on the head (and maybe even money).

Vanity is a veil that both covers and blinds us. It is outwardly. It is perception. And perception is not always reality.

* * *

In other news, I started (and completed) a book that has no relation to my degree of study whatsoever for the first time a few months. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I'm a sucker for fantasy novels, so it was a wonderful 12 hours. Keen to start City of Ashes!

Controversial or Disrespectful?

In my opinion, there are two types of controversial statements; one which offends a societal ideal and one which is downright disrespectful. I shamefully enjoy the first type of controversy; it's really interesting to see different ideology being challenged, particularly on a creative platform - my favourite being dramatic arts. But just reading up on Salman Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses' was enough to make me cringe audibly.

Basically in 1988 author Salman Rushdie (I prefer not to refer to him by his newly acquired 'Knight' status) published this book and, though it is classified under the genre of 'magical realism' in fiction, it contains clear, controversial elements directly linked to the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), His life, His family and the Origins of the Holy Qur'aan. Rushdie is clearly well-read, but to use his talent and knowledge for blaspheme is petty and disrespectful. Perhaps he doesn't like Islam or its teachings, and that's okay. That's his opinion. But to intentionally include incorrect and offensive information about something that is important to someone else; where is the respect in that? How does he expect anyone to respect his work if he disrespects others?

At the time of publication, there was (naturally) a huge uproar in the Muslim world about the book. First it was band in several countries, which is acceptable. But a year later, the Iranian government released a Fatwa which ordered the execution of Rushdie and his publishers. As much as I dislike this man and his blaspheme, I really do think that this Fatwa is the worst thing that could have happened. Yes, the book is a clear crime against Islam, but to retaliate with violence doesn't exactly help to improve the image of our religion. The media has a wonderful talent of highlighting the extremist behaviour of people who call Islam their religion and occurrences like these only create a negative image. I understand the anger and frustration over the book and its content, but there was unnecessary loss of life that resulted from the Fatwa.

I came across this quote when I was reading up on the Rushdie Affair:

“What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.” - Salman Rushdie

If expression simply means 'to offend', then you need to rethink your ideas, Mr. Rushdie. Literature and expression is about so much more that about being controversial and offensive. When I was in high school, one of my English teachers raved about Rushdie's work, but I'd remembered my mother telling me about a book he had written which insulted the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) and so I mentally cast him aside. Perhaps he is a fantastic writer and deserves those awards he has received for his works, but I cannot possibly enjoy the acclaimed literary merit of his writing when he has published such an atrocity.

Monday Madness

Does it make me weird that I enjoy Mondays? I mean, I know it's the generally accepted view that Mondays mean work and reality. But Mondays are beautiful. They're the start to a new week, a fresh start to correct mistakes of the previous week. A chance for redemption, to catch up on work that should have been done ages ago. An opportunity to study for that test on Tuesday, the one which you promised yourself you'd study for on the weekend. My point is, if there was no Monday, you'd be quite screwed for that test.

Monday's also start with 'M', which is the first letter of my name. I'm currently spending my Monday afternoon waiting for my lift to pick me up from campus. I should probably make use of this time and study or something. Believe me, I tried. But it's almost 5pm and I want food. So I'll study for my test tomorrow when I go home.