“[I] didn’t realise my main job was to kill people.” —
Well. Shit.
I’m going on a break for a bit. Got academic projects and independent research driving me (positively) insane. Work can be crazy too. Not that it matters but I thought I’d let you know in advance since this blog will remain inactive for a while. You can keep in touch by contacting me via email or simply drop a message in my Ask Box. I’ll be back with more stuff to read, InshaAllah. Stay safe, folks. :)
“I’m curious: Why didn’t we call for intervention when Sri Lanka butchered thousands in single month in 2009?” —
Important question. Naresh Fernandes further asks: “How come they’re all so upset about Syria but let Sri Lanka get away with much worse in 2009? And Israel all the time?” You know where this is leading to. While the plight of the ongoing massacre in Syria will never be downplayed, it is essential to keep an eye on foreign policy decisions and how interventions are prioritized for reasons a little too obvious.
Reading this by Nan Han-Chen, “Resolutely Struggle Against Imperialism and Neo-Colonialism and For The Economic Emancipation of Afro-Asian Peoples” and “Domesticating Imperialism - Sexual Politics and the Archaeology of Empire” by Barbara L. Voss.
Really good.
c-hil asked: Hey, I am a big fan of your blog. It has helped me catch a glimpse of a perspective that I otherwise wouldn't have seen. To me that is invaluable. Its fascinating to me that as a black american, I have to claim being a part of the oppressor. Considering how this country treats POC, It has been VERY difficult for me to really come to terms with including myself as part of the problem.
I’m humbled to know you’ve learned more about these issues. It’s important to question the oppressor as much as you can. Logic and consistency is part of the method. I’m more than certain you can do it too. More power to you.
timholtorf asked: Are you donating your hair for a worthy cause? I did that a while back, donating it to the Canadian Cancer Society. People keep asking me if I'm doing it again and my answer usually is either "no I'm just growing it" or "I'm too lazy to get it cut".
I’m growing my hair down to my waist (mine grows pretty quick) and donating them to a similar society in Pakistan in the near future. I don’t know if anyone would want thick, wild, curly hair though.
“I wish for you a really mean boss - one who makes you cry. Let’s be honest… this is a tough business.. one where you have to push and bully your way to a story. You need to develop a thick skin early on. One of my first professional memories was of being pushed off a ladder in a media stampede outside a court, when I got thrown to the floor and the mic dropped from my hand. Instead of giving me any sympathy, my cameraman fired me up. I learned right then, both in the field and in my newsroom, you have to stand still as others try to push you around. So when the boss blows you up for missing the big interview of the day, you learn to go to the washroom, weep a little, and then go get the interview.” —
@suhasinih on Twitter.
Morning doodle: Passive aggressive shit-dumping birdies.
[video]
“According to U.S. code, domestic terrorism occurs when the act is “dangerous to human life” and is “a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State” and “appear[s] to be intended … to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.” When discussing Francis Grady in a press release, FBI Special Agent in Charge Teresa Carson’s comments suggest Grady’s alleged actions were indeed terrorism: “The FBI will always investigate and bring to justice anyone who resorts to violence as a means to harm, intimidate or prevent the public’s right to access reproductive health services.” The key word there is “intimidate,” which is one of the core characteristics of any terrorist act. Yet Grady has only been charged with arson and “intentionally damaging the property of a facility that provides reproductive health services.” —
In fact, we didn’t even hear much about Francis Grady just like we didn’t hear about BNP candidate Michael Green who threatened to blow himself up in a building in London. Here’s a humble suggestion as to why both weren’t called “terrorists”: They’re white and they’re not Muslims.
The term you’re looking for starts with a D. It’s called Double Standards.
I should probably get your opinion on this before I compile the list. Would a separate page with a list of PDFs/essays/articles/e-books help you guys with the topics mainly discussed on my blog for clearer understanding? e.g. Post colonialism, imperialism, genocide, cultural politics, history, socio-politics, South Asian lit, Islam, Muslim women and their agency, gender, racism. I realize many issues discussed here are often lengthy and sometimes difficult to grasp but it’s a lot easier to understand when there are references, right? Let me know if you’re interested.
What is “Tumblr Famous”?
vidyax asked: Hi, have you thought of making another FAQ/guide with the PDFs/books/resources you recommend for a deeper understanding of the things you discuss, perhaps broken up into topics/sub-categories? (I understand it's extra work for you but it'd be a great reference!)
I’ve considered doing this but it might take some time before it’s up (because I have a huge library on my PC and otherwise). A list of PDFs, essays, e-books and videos/podcasts that I believe provide great assistance in understanding the issues I discuss here. Once it’s up, I’ll let you know. Thanks for reminding me!
Edit: In the meanwhile, you can always check out the previous PDFs I’ve posted. I doubt they’re all listed in this search link because I might have forgotten to add the tag PDF for each but here are some. Happy learning.
Guess who’s shaving her head soon.