Before anything else, I want you all to take a good, hard look at this picture.
We all know this is Malala Yousafzai.
Some of us admire her for standing up to a force many of us fear. We look up to her for living through anyone’s worst nightmare, surviving and going on to become a symbol of hope. Some of us applaud her for being the absolute hero – nay, heroine – she is; empowered, brilliant and incredibly strong.
However, on the flip side, some people choose to take out all their anger on her. They direct all hatred and negativity that they can towards her.
Whether the news is about her heading to university…
5 years ago she was shot for campaigning for girls education. Today she joined Oxford University! Bravo dear Malala! ❤️ The world loves you! pic.twitter.com/SfTnkgZimc
— JÉRÔME JARRE (@jeromejarre) October 10, 2017
…or her being welcomed onto Twitter…
Hi, Twitter.
— Malala (@Malala) July 7, 2017
…or even just chilling with a celebrity – people always seem to hop aboard the anti-Malala train.
Can't believe I met @priyankachopra! ? #UNGA2017 pic.twitter.com/xo44LLm0T2
— Malala (@Malala) September 20, 2017
That hatred that some of us hold in our hearts surfaces every now and then. This picture that surfaced recently on Siasat.pk serves as an example of the same:
Now, while there’s no confirmation on whether that’s actually Malala, people went in on the post with some absolutely shocking comments.
She was likened to Mia Khalifa by many people.
Some people thought that since she’s wearing jeans, the scarf will come off too.
Don’t see the connection personally, but who can argue with the moral police.
Some people dragged in other women pointlessly.
While others continued to spin conspiracy theories.
This vile comment was also passed.
And people obviously dragged in the element of izzat.
The comments were truly horrifying.
The worst part is – these comments reflect a mindset that exists within our society. Where people love and support Malala, there are those who have the vilest things to say about this 20-year-old activist.
Fortunately, there were many who defended her as well.
And even those who weren’t fans chose to side with her on this issue.
In fact, some people pointed out how vilifying her like this is ‘baseless criticism.’
And some people actually tried to reason with the moral police.
It’s extremely unfortunate to see how someone lauded as a hero abroad is ridiculed over the smallest things in our country. May we learn to see the positivity in things and hopefully realize that we are not the judge and jury on any matter whatsoever.
Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.