Sunday 24 February 2013

What is the What

At this stage of the book, I am honestly struggling to catch up with everyone else as I had missed a week of school and forgot to read. I am getting a fair understanding about the Sudanese war and the conflict between the Arabs and the Dinkas. Unfortunately, what I don't like about the book is the one-sidedness. Since it is coming from a personal view point it really limits your understanding about both sides of the conflict. What I like about the book is how it evokes emotion. It makes you feel sad when the author describes the war and explosions. I also like how he is portraying the helpless Sudanese person as he was kicking the door and attempting to get someone's attention. The ignorance of the people and Michael who didn't hear him could be a metaphor of the government refusing to listen to Sudan's issues. It made you think and took a while for it to sink in.

Tuesday 12 February 2013

How to Write about Pakistan


How to Write about Pakistan:

When writing about Pakistan use words such as ‘Pakistan’, ‘Muslim’, ‘Taliban’ and ‘Terrorism’ in your title. These words make up what Pakistan is as a country- don’t talk about the amazing experiences you had or breathtaking landscapes you witnessed. After all, Pakistan is all about terrorism and crazy religious ideologies. 

Mention the holy man clothed in white robes, reciting the Quraan at the top of his lungs with his fist in the air. Talk about how everyone is living in poverty-helpless and desperate. If you must have a picture of a Pakistani in your cover, make it a picture of a distressed 9 year old girl with pale skin and a scarf over her head with dirt under her fingernails. Show starvation, poverty, and bombs. Oh yes, a lot of bombs- and bombers. Regular bombers, suicide bombers, even child bombers. 

Compare Pakistan with India. Talk about how bitter Pakistan is and how holy and breathtaking India is. Don’t ever offend India, as this will put your readers off. Talk about corruption, weapons, and the relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan. Talk about the camels and describe deeply how they walk across the glowing sunset with their long, majestic legs. End your book with a deep quote from Mahatma Gandhi. Even if he isn’t Pakistani- so what? They’re all the same, anyway.