Well, after really getting into the reading for Come Back to Afghanistan I have become pretty interested in a few of the topics. I was in the second group, so was reading from page 106 and never got a chance to read the beginning so it made things interesting. The reading has both confirmed and appealed many of the ideas and connotations I had in my head about Afghanistan. I'm going to be completely honest, I do not have an extensive knowledge of the country's history, or its current standpoint. But, this reading has absolutely begun to build and reevaluate my knowledge. An element of the book that really helps me to get a grasp on the feel of the country is the fact that it is written by someone in our age group. We can relate to his feelings, have insight into his perspectives, and see things from his point of view, of course, to a certain extent.
One topic in particular from the reading that struck me was women of the country. I know I talked about this in class, but it really took me back. I think I was so taken back by this because as a woman in America, I think that I speak for many when we I say that we don't realize just how lucky we are to have the freedoms that we possess. It was interesting too how upset Hyder's mother became when she realized that in his family of the Loys Jiga there were no documentation of the women that were present. Rightfully so, as it was a historic moment, considering it was the first time women were seated on the council. Yet, from the perspective of Hyder, I dont think he intentionally did not film them, it was simple the norm of the culture for women to be, in a sense, at a level of disregard. He goes on to research this, in part because of his mothers full frustration and irritation with his neglect.
Part of this "research" revels that the women of the Loys Jiga became among the most outspoken delegates in the conference. Their platform stood as well to examine the truths that "..The Taliban were not the only ones in Afghanistan to commit the atrocities against the family population". Following this, a full protest took place to Karzai (newly president) that women were not properly represented in the newfound government. Such actions set the stage for the widespread movement of freedoms and rights for women across the country. Yet a slow fight, it is clear that is gaining leeway. Such leeway could be seen through Hyders counting of Burkas. It took a full nine minutes for him to see a woman's face not covered by a Burka. Upon returning a year later after Taliban control had been eliminated, more women were not clad in the traditional Burka, and many were even exposing jeans. A true transformation and liberation.
On an ending note, it was interesting that despite Hyders talk of the liberating movement of women and how proud his mother was, "Afghanistan is not prepared for women to go from zero to sixty". It will be compelling to see how the other readings and topics discussed in class will touch on this subject.
See Everyone Tomorrow :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment