Between the deadly Ebola virus and the controversy in the
Middle East, the world finally received some uplifting news Friday morning,
when the Nobel Peace Prize winners were announced. Malala Yousafzai and Kailash
Satyarthi are this year’s honorees, and ironically, they are from rival
countries-Pakistan and India. The two activists serve as a beacon of hope in
today’s corrupt society and prove that one person truly can make a difference.
Dashiell Bennett, of The Atlantic, commends the two on their
impressive achievements in his recent articlePakistan and India Share the Nobel Peace Prize . Satyarthi, founder of
the Global March Against Child Labor, consistently works to rescue children
from forced labor and ensures that they receive an education. Yousafzai,
miraculous survivor of an attempted assassination by the Taliban, serves as an
international spokesperson for childhood education and contender of Islamic
extremism. The two were honored because of “their struggle against the
suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to
education."
The two can be called heroes, role models, and idols; however,
they can also be rebels. But why are they not seen under this negative
connotation? Well, it’s just as Henry David Thoreau puts it from his article "Civil Disobedience", “Under a
government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also
a prison.” The two were fighting against injustice in their countries, and even
though they may have resisted their governments, their actions were recognized
by many as befitting. In the eyes of Thoreau and Emerson, the two are considered
nonconformists, or rebels. Thoreau believes in fighting against unjust laws
enforced by corrupt governments and that’s exactly what the two did. And look
how much of an impact they made on the world! The two had the courage to take a
stand against popular belief, like Emerson calls us to do, and the effects are
truly great.
Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi justify the nonconformist
claims of Emerson and Thoreau. They function as examples to us all to follow
our own beliefs. But more importantly they show us that one’s “unpopular”
belief may be shared by many more. There just has to be one person to stand up
first. Will you be that person?
I relished how you used questions throughout your blog to get the reader to reflect more on your blog, and how they could potentially change the world by standing up for the right things. I also really liked how naturally you connected this article to Henry Thoreau's themes in his readings.
ReplyDeleteAshley, what a great event to emulate in this week's post. I am happy you chose something positive to write about, and showing how non-conformity can still exist in today's world. By making the connection to Emerson and Thoreau, you are really emulating these activists as modern-day transcendentalists.
ReplyDeleteAshley, I completely agree with Adrian. Your use of questions throughout your blog really enhances your writing. Well done!
ReplyDeleteAshley, I really enjoyed your blog post and it brought light to all of the people, even our age, that are making a change in the world today. I liked your connection to Thoreau and Emerson and I believe it relates perfectly. Good job!
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