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DSCN1134_web.jpg

Day of rambling

June 28, 2015

DSCN1134_webNot much to do. I’m waiting, so I might as well be productive. I head on over to Khan Academy’s website and started working on some programming tutorials. After all, I’ll need a job after this…adventure.Wow, I spent the whole day working on Javascript tutorials on Khan Academy and Python tutorials on Code Academy. A comfortable room and nothing else to do can do wonders to focus the mind. In addition, it is interesting to see the conversations people are having on facebook regarding the US Supreme Court’s decision to rule in favor of Gay marriage rights in all 50 states. I get to see the conversation going on here in Pakistan as well as in other parts of the world. I certainly see some folks who are bigoted, or resentful from some religious sentiment, but what I also see are people from right here in Pakistan questioning and debating that narrative. There are days when things can seem very bleak and hopeless, but this debate would not have been possible before social media. Exposure to different points of view is an essential thing. I read about a ruling in favor of LGBTQ rights in Lebanon, based on a case that was against a transgender woman.Why does any of this matter? Even if for some reason you lack the ability to appreciate the humanity in those you feel are different from you, it is these movements in support of human rights that allow Muslims and all others to practice their faith, have places of worship and have recourse against discrimination in countries that have protections for minorities. No one cares about your personal like or dislike or the religious "reasoning" behind your disagreement. If all these different movements had not struggled for their and your rights, you probably would not have your rights protected in any of these places either. Even the most selfish fool should be able to appreciate that. There's still a lot of inequality and hatred to fight, but these laws help strengthen basic protections for all people.I spent the evening chatting with Najib sahib. I read a fantastic Urdu short story he recommended by a contemporary writer named Mumtaz Hussain. I felt it had the same depth of thought and beauty of language as the excellent short stories I have read by some of the most respected Urdu writers of past generations. There are thoughts and feelings explored in these stories that would surprise many, and bring a great deal of nuance to people’s perceptions of the types of social movements that exist and have existed here. For me, these books are where the real treasures are to be found.

In blog, pakistan, photo, risalo, travel
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