Non-fiction Response

"SEXISM AND ISLAM"
BY
HISHAM ZOUBIER

        Even though sexism occurred long ago, its still an issue today. There have been added laws and changes in everyday life, like the freedom to vote for every person, male or female, and jobs that apply to both genders as well. However, sexism still exists and it can be largely found in the Islamic religion. According to the article on www.themodernreligion.com, "Sexism and Islam" by Hisham Zoubier, it states that women have little respect while men are respected by everyone. Zoubier argues that women should be treated equally because "women have the same value as men do".

The article continues stating the different things women must do to show "respect" but Zoubier describes this as a degrading effect for the woman. One example is that when a visitor comes to your house, it is often seen that the husband greets and chats with the guest, while the wife stays in the kitchen preparing food and serving it with either her head bowed when she enters the room or given to one of the children to serve. "The wife is never to stay and talk to the guest if male because this would disrespectful and she must always wear a scarf if serving herself". Zoubier finds this unfair for the wife because while she prepares and serves the food, the husband's only job is to sit and talk with the guest. The husband should at least help with the cooking or serving, instead of sitting there and taking all the credit. Another example is how "men are the ones who lead the family and work, while the women are the ones who only raise the kids and take care of the housework". Zoubier again argues that this is unfair because women can just as much work and lead the family, just as men do. What a man can do, a woman can do better.
In conclusion, "Sexism and Islam" by Hisham Zoubier, is about how sexism still exists widely and strongly in the Islamic religion. It describes the way women are treated unfairly and how they are not given the opportunity to show their full potential.
I agree with Hisham Zoubier about these things, but it would be difficult to change a religion and its traditions and beliefs. Islam is my religion and it must be seen by many the flaws of it, but it is something that was followed for years and will continue for years. However, you can change things in your own house hold.  The things and examples that were discussed in this article can be seen in my own home and family, but I have an education, just like males, and I can make a career and life out of it. I won't become one of the Muslim women archetypes.

Trip Reflection

THE MUSEUM
OF THE
CITY OF NEW YORK

        The trip to the Museum of the City of New York taught me many things about activism. It taught me some old issues that were dealt with and some recent ones that are being fought for. It also taught me old and new actions that were taken in order for the activists to get what they wanted.
One of the old issues that I learned more about was the segregation of black and white people. Even though the enslavement of African American people was over, many white people still disliked the idea of treating them equally or even sharing the same space as them. This was when all public spaces were segregated. Parks, theaters, schools; all were either only for white or black. Segregation was allowed because of the Jim Crow laws. It had been challenged but still was set as a law. The African Americans saw this as a problem and many people became activists. One activist, Martin Luther King Jr. fought with speeches that became memorable today.  Rosa Parks led the act into boycotting buses which caused buses to decrease in profits so seating arrangement on buses changed. These were acts that were non-violent, but led to a big change.
Another issue I saw was the bike lanes. This was a recent issue that was fought for by people who commute in bikes around New York. They were upset at the fact that cars took up there bike lanes and they were getting fined for it. However, instead of doing speeches or marches or boycotts, these people put humor into there fight. They dressed up as clowns and demonstrated what happened if a car was in the bike lane. They pretended to fall and crash because of the cars, yet they were the ones getting fined. This attracted the attention of many people and they laughed along and agreed. The overall outcome was that the clowns received the attention they wanted and hoped for more bike lanes and rules that enforced better care for the bikers and bike lanes.
Overall, it was fun to go to the museum and learn about activism. I learned many forms and that violence isn't the answer.  There are other, more civil ways to achieve your goal.

Equilibrium for Everyone

Whether we are female or male,
black or white.
We are all equal,
this is whats right.

We maybe different,
color or gender.
But to try to set different rights,
that fight must surrender.

No one is more better,
or even more strong.
We are all equal,
so let us create a better bond.

Book Club #2 Response

THE BOOK THIEF

BY

MARCUS ZUSAK

         In society today, we generally think that the person who sees us to the after life is this ruthless, eerie, hooded figure, who holds a scythe. This person is emotionless and bitter and glee over your death. However, in The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak, this person is portrayed as a kind and sympathetic person, better known as Death. The irony of his name gives him a false impression for he cares for the dead and wishes them off better. If it weren't for him, the poor souls would be wandering around earth miserably. Death symbolizes the good in everything bad.
As stated before, Death is thought to be apathetic in everyday life. On the other hand, Death is actually the most sympathetic person through out the whole book. As Death narrated the story and oversaw Liesel and her life, he comments on what he sees and sympathizes with the characters and their struggles. The book states, "Poor Frau Diller, both sons dead because of this useless, pathetic war." Death understands the miserable state this character is in and relates to Frau Diller by using those words to describe the war. He understands and sympathizes with her that her sons died for nothing. For this reason, Death is seen as sympathetic, the opposite of what people generally think of him as.
In addition, Death is kind. When the people died in the book on Himmel street after the bombing, Death took great care to guide them through their misery of their realization of death. He helped them to a better time and even kissed them on the head and showed affection. He also went as far as to relieve some of Liesel's misery of losing her family by revealing her journal that she had kept before the bombing, giving her some closure. "My book... I remember... these memories... thank you." As you can see, Death is very gentle and loving towards the dead. He treats them with kindness and fondness, unlike what people have him dictated as a cold and hard person.
To conclude, Death had been portrayed differently then what is thought of him. He is sympathetic and gentle, instead of emotionless and ruthless. My interpretation of this is that Death symbolizes the good in everything bad. He isn't what he is commonly thought of. He doesn't enjoy the misery of others, but the exact opposite. Death is something good in his bad image.
This gives a new perspective onto other real world issues. Instead of always pinning the worst against things, why not give it a chance. This is what happens in the world, all the time. Before in slavery when all the white men and women thought that the African Americans were bad and useless, but in true light, they were just the same as them. And now today, with all the terrorism. Many people assume that all Muslim people are all terrorists and should not be trusted, but in reality, these people have nothing to hide. It is not always back and white, there is some gray too. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak represents this very well with Death.