Response Prep

Response Prep

‘“Brand Malala”: Western Exploitation of a Schoolgirl’ by Carol Anne Grayson

1.     The Social Perspective

Grayson criticizes the exploitation of the victims who have gained popular notice, such as Malala. She also outlines how many victims’ voices are unheard due to their unpopular or unfavorable stories (597). Lastly, she criticizes the making of celebrities out of these chosen victims and the impact it has on the victim’s society/home.

2.     The Emotional Perspective

The emotions of the text are generally anger and disappointment, and Grayson’s informal tone supports that. She is also sarcastic on several notes throughout the text, such as the use of quotations on “alliance” (594) and “I wonder” (596). Grayson also uses conversational diction, such as “then of course” (596) and inserting her voice and opinion directly, such as “I am not even sure” (594).

3.     The Rhetorical Perspective

This text is obviously argumentative and impersonal, since Grayson uses factual evidence and multiple voices to support her opinions. The long sentences of the text show an element of ranting, as well as anger. Also, she uses an exclamation mark by the end of the text, which shows full emotion. The informal language of the text feeds into the fact that it is a blog, and it expresses opinion evidently. Her use of questions repetitively also shows that it is conversational, as she is speaking almost directly to her readers in order to prove her point. There is also ambiguity present. Grayson uses words like “mentors” (593), “alliance” and “rescuing” (594), and “fascinating” (596), which are meant for rather negative meanings rather than the actual positive definitions.

4.     The Logical Perspective

The issue being argued and debated is the almost ‘hidden’ element of exploitation done by powerful figures over popular victims. Her argument is supported by powerful sources, such as Fox News, the painter of Malala’s portrait, and a story in the New York Times. However, there may be a counter-opinion of Malala throughout the text because Grayson begins with a rather condescending tone towards her, “I doubt she fully realizes” (593), and ends with bright note “I don’t imagine Malala would want this” (598). The evidence used is rather inductive, since Grayson draws out the conclusions from facts and from events. The text concludes with Grayson shifting towards what Malala would want, and what she should and should not be used for, which is rather hasty generalization because Grayson takes an immobile stand towards the negatives of Malala’s image, and does not really focus on the positives.

5.     The Ethical Perspective

Grayson appears to be rather subjective throughout the text, assuming a position and remaining in it rather than speaking of the other side of the story. However, she does explore two opinions of Malala, and does feed into factual evidences to support her claims. In terms of morals, Grayson argues that the support of one woman is not enough compared to the number of victims that actually require support too. She argues that it is unfair that Malala is only acquiring the care she needs, when many other victims require it as well. She criticizes the responsibility of the figures in power, such as presidents and PRs. Thus, the image of utopia is almost created, where everyone would get the care they deserve and need.