Response Prep : "Brand Malala" by Karim Adada

            The social perspective depicted by Grayson is that of gender inequality whether it is in western or eastern societies. In fact, she illustrates this social marginalization in her British society simply through stating the fact that the only man on her gender course in university was a young Afghani. On the other hand, in Swat valley, Pakistan, young women students are more afraid than ever because of the attention the Taliban-victim activist has drawn to the issue. This shows how the Taliban are still looking to deny women education, a basic human right.

            As for the emotional perspective of the text, it is clear that the author exhibits frustration, displeasure and irritation. In fact, the favoritism of certain cases of torture victims over other cases exhorts the author’s vexation towards the issue. She continues to ask how we define a “deserving” case for the matter. Moreover Grayson expresses her annoyance with the fact that Malala is being used as a diversion to distract the people from other suppressed women.

            On to the rhetorical perspective. Obviously, this is an argumentative text in which the author has an impersonal standpoint. In fact, Grayson uses definition, illustration and description in her explanatory writing in order to address a problem. Indeed with every statement the author makes, she justifies it with an argument and backs it up with examples. For example, she states that there are double standards on how terrorism is reported : Taliban terrorism promotes the idea of  “good west vs bad east” while the US drone usage is actually terrorism disguised as “collateral damage”.

            Regarding the logical perspective of the text, Grayson uses a deductive reasoning in which she takes a general principle and draws conclusions from it. She states how Malala is actually being exploited and follows her statement with a series of supporting arguments and examples whether it be citations, interviews, anecdotes…

            Finally, regarding the ethical perspective, the author takes a firm stand in which she makes a moral statement holding men accountable for their irresponsibility and nonchalance towards gender inequality. She believes most men’s behavior is wrong regarding the issue. In fact she openly expresses how she is against the immorality of exploiting Malala while ignoring other suppressed cases similar to Malala’s.