Last night I finished reading the 'I Am Malala' book. I think it was probably more like early this morning, 4am or some stupid hour like that. This book has moved me. It certainly has had a profound effect on me, on my understanding (or lack thereof) of the way in which our societies and cultures across the world differ; yet as individuals we are much the same, with the same fundamental values and desires to be free. Yeah yeah, what does it mean to be 'free'? I just mean it in the sense that one should feel comfortable and happy to express themselves from their heart and their soul. To be free of culture, tradition, religion is a choice that very few people will make, as it's not what our hearts desire. After all, most of us are extremely proud of the quirky traditions and cultures we grow up with, whether that be within a Pashtun, Irish, British, Asian, Indian or Latino society.
Personally I wish I could experience all of these different cultures and traditions. I fell in love with Bangladesh and it's people after spending 2 months there. I felt part Indian after living in Kolkata for the best part of a year. Travelling has been my education and my best friend the past few years. Asians, Indians, Americans, Europeans, Africans, Latin Americans, I have bonded with all of them and see in them what I see in myself; Individuals that want to live and to love, that are proud of their home, that wish just to share moments of their journey with their fellow friends and strangers.
In the book, I could feel Malala's desire to be herself, to help others and to lead a healthy life. Under the Taliban rule that was impossible, and it was really quite disturbing to read of their oppressive nature. They were no different than (awful example coming up).. dementors! I'm sorry but that was the best example I could think of, a faceless being sucking happiness and life out of what was clearly a beautiful and colorful people and place. Yet as individuals, can they really have been so bad? I'm sure they are not, but collectively have lost their way.
Who has the right to decide on how another lives their life? How can an individual, or a group of individuals believe they know what is best for larger groups of individuals. Each person on this planet has the right to interpret life in their own way, and to live their life in accordance with that. Nobody has the right o interpret life and enforce their interpretation on others. That is a message I've taken from the book, and believe it to be true. Read it.
