Interpretation of "Brand Malala"

Lara Haidous

Ms. Dania Adra

English 203

September 28, 2015

Socially, Malala had a significant impact on the Pakistani people. It affected them in two ways; negatively and positively. Positively in view of the fact that many people were inspired by her desperate want for education and how she tried to alleviate other voices in being heard. However, the British had her as a centre of attention rather than focusing on the victims of the state. Consequently, this led to the devastation of many other girls. “that second when she was shot by the Taliban in Pakistan changed her life, (it is also changing the lives of others too)”. (Grayson 593)

As for her emotional perspective, the author expresses anger towards terrorism. Grayson’s sarcastic tone started to emerge when she indicates “alliance” and “rescuing” (594). In addition, her strong opinion plays a major role. She implies that she’s not fully unsympathetic concerning Malala’s matter and that she respects her but does not support the one’s exploiting her. 

Following with the rhetorical discussion, nevertheless that the text is clearly a blogpost, her argumentative expressions are powerfully opinionated rather than stating facts. Moreover, Grayson poses rhetorical questions without providing justifications which allows the reader to impose his/her opinion on these questions. For instance, “how many people can name the other girls injured when Malala was shot? What quality of care and support did they receive? Are they represented by PR companies?” (Grayson 596). Not only is the text impersonal but also informal. In addition, Grayson refers to Malala quite often which portrays the use of “good” ambiguity in the text. This proves how influential Malala is, not only to her society but also to others. 

Moving on to the logical aspect, the debatable issue revolves around the UK trying to use Malala as a figure for the victims; “Malala has become a very marketable western commodity” (Grayson 593). The author concludes by justifying that Malala is an intelligent girl who’s aim is to distract the British from their government’s injustice. Grayson’s claims were validated by trustworthy sources. For example, the portrait of Malala in the Independent newspaper, Malala’s friends on Fox news reports, and a quoted segment of a story in New York Times newspaper. Grayson tries to shift the tone by stating "Justin Bieber" and "Angelina Jolie" (Grayson 596) which eases the way of explicating Malala to the world. 

Turning to the ethical point of view shows that Grayson sustained the morals and respect she has for Malala by mentioning the fact that why is it her that receives special attention while the rest of the world is disregarded; “Why not fly out every child harmed by the US drones to the west for the most up to date medical care” (Grayson 593). If Malala knew that the British were using her to cover up stories back home then she would not have accepted to go this public. “I don’t imagine Malala would want this” (Grayson 598). 

Work Cited:

Grayson, Carol Anne. ""Brand Malala": Western Exploitation of a Schoolgirl." Shifting Narratives. 1st Ed. Sinno, S. S., Bioghlu-Karkanawi, L., Fleszar, D., Jarkas, N., Moughabghab, E., Nish, M. J., Rantisi, R., Ward, A. Beirut: Educart, 2015. 593-98. Print.