Taking a Bullet for Education
Most of the world now has heard the story of Malala Yousafzai — the girl who, as the subtitle of her biography I Am Malala proclaims, stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban. With the help of British journalist Christina Lamb, those who were captivated by Malala’s bravery can now read about the environment that led to her assassination attempt, the way it affected Malala and her family, and how her avocation for women’s education is spearheading this world.
I Am Malala illuminates the influences that helped shaped Yousafzai’s strong character, in particular her father, who is also an advocate for education. As a young woman in a country where individual groups and traditional civilians want her silenced, Malala didn’t hold anything back when talking about her story. From the prejudice that starts when a female is born, to the increasingly gruesome ways people are being killed.
The book was well thought out and thorough. The story is in chronological order and makes it easier for the readers to follow, and provided short but essential background of the society she had grown up in. When the Taliban takes hold, the Yousafzai family holds its ground. Even when people they know are brutally murdered for their beliefs, they stay fast. Their courage and strength is inspiring.
As her story progressed and became more dangerous, she would often address herself, “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.” It’s the kind of story that makes you wonder what you would do under the same circumstances. It makes you realize how insidious institutions like the Taliban can take hold over otherwise reasonable, kind, and peaceful people. And it makes you realize how important freedom of religion really is to peace and understanding.
An important theme that I found compelling is persistence. Malala values education and school not only for herself but all the girls and boys. When the Taliban bombed schools and forced girls to stay home instead of going to schools, Malala tried everything in her power (interviews, diary, documentary) to be able to attend classes again. Even when shot in the head, she didn’t give in. She turned a local issue into a worldwide discussion.
As for myself, being from the reservation there are some parallels that I can relate to. Not being from money, and the limited access to electricity has me recalling the scent of a kerosene lamp burning. This book made me look inside myself. Malala had to fight for education, something the western world, and myself at times, have taken for granted. The thought of struggling for it was deeply unsettling. Malala’s perseverance for education was truly inspiring, overcoming obstacles to the point of risking her life and living to tell her story, not only gives us the message that knowledge is empowering but inspires me to stand up for what I believe in.
“I Am Malala” is a book that teens and adults will find meaningful. It offers a glimpse into the lives of a Pakistani teenager and her family and the difficulties of living in a country that is in the clutches of extremists. It certainly will make readers a bit more thankful for the educational opportunities we are afforded in this country. The book demonstrates what can happen when one small voice speaks up to inspire change in our world.
