Here in the United States, we each retain certain rights and protections from the influence of our government, whether it's the right to a speedy trial, the freedom to practice the religions we want, or even the right to bear arms. There are proper shieldings in place that allow each of us to thrive happily. From the moment we reach third grade, the Bill of Rights and even the preamble to the Constitution become ingrained. It becomes stored in our long-term memory that many of us could recite either in our sleep if we needed to. Furthermore, it's just one advantage that comes with being American. Though some could, and rightfully so, argue that not even those protections warrant safety for everyone living in America. No matter how we parse it, we're still some of the most privileged individuals on earth. We take so much for granted that we don't realize people worldwide are denied the simple right to be themselves — women included.
For many young women, the idea of our schools policing our fashion isn't something new. We all understand why the enforced code is stricter for female students, and at one point or another, many of us can remember a time when adults punished us for wearing a spaghetti strap top without our jackets. It's a simple cycle for many young girls, one no matter how hard we try, we can't seem to avoid. However, the young women "in the southern Indian state of Karnataka" continue to have their rights and fashions infringed upon by their government. According to Aljazeera, an independent Qatari news outlet, outrage over the newest hijab ban in Karnataka has reached international heights.
Since the Hindu supremacist-backed government has come into power, they have decided to enact their "anti-Muslim agenda," which has since spurred an increase in "attacks against minorities, particularly Muslims." To better illustrate their increasing attacks, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has decided to ban clothes that "disturb equality, integrity and public order." Essentially, the BJP ran government is purposefully taking any opportunity to target Islamic expression. To emphasize the seriousness of this violation, the author of the article utilizes striking imagery to convey their point. When you first click on the headline, "Hijab ban in Indian state violates religious freedom: US official," the author has purposefully attached the above image to relay the dangers many young Muslim women face. The photo also communicates that these women are willing to make their voices heard no matter what chaos lies around the corner.
Next, the author also does something almost, if not equally, critical to highlight their point. They include a quote from, inspiration to many young women worldwide, Malala Yousafzai. By having Yousafzai's quote, the author appeals to the values of many individuals. The moment one sees Malala Yousafzai mentioned in an article, we trust the author's credibility. We trust that the author understands their assignment to highlight these critical issues that affect Muslim women. Yousafzai's words spotlight the idea that what the BJP is doing will lead to "the marginalisation of Muslim women." Everyone knows that she has been a champion for the rights of young Muslim girls. As a result, adding in an incredible advocate who understands the sensitivity of the issue at hand demonstrates the author's expertise on their topic.
In conclusion, the author proves their expertise in using rhetorical strategies to reel readers worldwide. They allow us to empathize and support these young women by showing us their fight and emotion in the image they've chosen to use. As readers, never do we, once, disapprove of these young women's actions. Each word in this article appeals to the reader's emotions and paints a clear picture of what other young women worldwide go through. So often, we as Americans take our rights for granted without considering how others may live. If it weren't for the brave journalists overseas, we would never have the opportunity to explore issues that align with our values and bring important subjects to the forefront.
[1 image, 1 link, 4 quotes, 4118 words]
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