The Social Perspective:

In this text, the author presents the case of a young activist Malala, victim of a terrorist act, who is being unknowingly exploited by the media and her British saviors. Although she respects Malala, Carol Anne Grayson, wonders (and urges us to do the same): “why is that some cases are projected in the media whilst thousands of other cases are suppressed by government “(597). The purpose of this text is to make the reader realize that there are many victims, not portrayed in the media, that suffer a same or even worse fate than Malaya’s, without being offered a helping hand.  In addition, she shows us through the example of Rigorbeta Menchu, who like Malala was exploited, pressured, and overly present in the media, that the injustice present in offering special treatment to some victims only  and ignoring the others is not a recent one.

The Emotional Perspective:

In this text, Carole Anne Grayson, uses a sarcastic and blunt tone that begins from the title “Brand Malala” and continue throughout the text. The presence of this tone can be shown in two ways. First, by the quotation marks applied on certain words. For example, she says: western politicians and media alike have seized upon a very profitable “alliance” with the young Pakistani school girl” (Grayson 594). Secondly, by sarcastic mocking sentences that raise accusation against the western power. The author attacks two of the most powerful men in the world by saying: “Putin’s heart must be sinking with Malala predicted to follow in the footsteps of the champion of drones, supporter of targeted killings, Barack Obama” (Grayson 596).   This straight to the point tone is used by Grayson to show the reader that she is addressing a serious problem of injustice that has been going on far too long. On the other hand, Carole Anne Grayson shows a contrast of emotions. The prevalent emotion in the text is hatred towards the supporters of Malala who turned her case into a marketing campaign, and therefore overshadowing other tragic cases. However, the emotion of respect towards Malala makes an appearance at the very beginning and at the very end, as the author considers her innocent. Finally, traces of sadness and compassion towards the suffering victims of terrorist acts are felt throughout the text.

The Rhetorical Perspective:

This text is an argumentative impersonal essay addressing a grave social injustice present in our world today. The author uses different rhetoric techniques. First, Carol Anne Grayson uses directly and indirectly asked rhetorical questions to urge the reader to stop being deceived by the treacherous media, and notice the injustice happening in the world. For example, she asks us: “I wonder, how many people can name the other girls injured when Malala was shot?”(Grayson 596). This question directed towards the reader makes him/her feel guilty for not knowing the names of the other victims. The author wants him/her to feel guilt because guilt leads to awareness, and awareness leads to action. Second, Grayson uses the technique of shifting. In the beginning of the text, she shifts form conversing about Malala’s renowned case, to discussing the inconspicuous case of the drone victims. Grayson writes: “Despite some victims trying to speak out on drones, for the most part we don’t even know their names, let alone details of injuries inflicted upon them” (593). Then, at one point, she shifts from an impersonal mode to a personal story-like narrative mode when talking about a personal experience that can be perceived as a supportive example. She says: “The one man on my gender course at university was a young Pashtun man…” (Grayson 594). This shifting method used by Grayson makes the text more persuasive. It shows the reader that the author is well informed on the matter, and that she is able to support her claim.

The Logical Perspective:

In this text, the author focuses on Malala’s case to show the readers the unfair treatment of victims throughout the world, in the past and present times. In other words, she exposes the special support given to some victims, while other are left to face life on their own. She accuses some politicians, PR companies, and powerful men of exploiting and marketing tragic cases for their own personal profit. Grayson not only accuses those personalities of supporting some victims for material reasons, but also for choosing to help some victims and ignoring the rest. This claim is supported by many illustrations throughout the text. For example, she says: “Former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, Malala’s avid supporter, fits that description…” (Grayson 594). By giving the example of Gordon Brown she, not only proves her claim that supporters are not always what they seem, but also brings up new victims that were ignored and forgotten. The widows whose husbands were killed at war, like the drone victims mentioned in the beginning of the text, are evidences that support her plea that the media when supporting some cases, overshadows others. She also refers to quoting passages from newspapers like The Independent or The New York Times, and an artist Jonathan Rao. This makes her text more credible and persuasive. It shows he is not the only one taking that position. Finally, the text follows a deductive strategy going from general to specific. At the end, she even chooses to specifically point out that Malala is innocent by stating “As and intelligent young role model, I don’t imagine Malala would want this” (Grayson 598).

The Ethical Perspective:

It is a known fact that supporting injustice is immoral, however Carol Anne Grayson makes it clear that supporting one justice but standing against another is not moral.  One should respect all justices to be in the range of righteousness. Grayson states: “Those who claim to support gender justice should ask themselves why is it that some cases are suppressed by government including but the same politicians so supportive to Malala” (597). In addition, this text mainly addresses the equality in the treatment of victims. No one has the right to choose who deserve support and who does not. All humans deserves an equal number of helping hands when in need.

Work Cited

Sinno Z., R., Bioghlu-Karkanawi L., Fleszar D., N. Jarkas, Moughabghab E., Nish J. M., RantisiR., Ward A. (Eds.). Shifting Narratives: A Reader for Academic Writing. Educart (MiddleEast)

Publishing: Beirut, 2015.