DefinePK

Research Objective

To critically analyze the representation of subjectivity and agency of Muslim women in the memoirs "I Am Malala" and "Red, White and Muslim," arguing that these depictions align with a secular neoliberal paradigm, potentially undermining more religiously or communally oriented forms of agency.

Methodology

Interpretative analysis of two selected memoirs, "I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban" by Malala Yousafzai and "Red, White and Muslim: My Story of Belief" by Asma Gull Hasan, using Saba Mahmood's theory of subjectivity and agency of Muslim women as a theoretical framework.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Selection of Memoirs: I Am Malala & Red, White and Muslim] --> B[Theoretical Framework: Saba Mahmood's Politics of Piety];
    B --> C[Interpretative Analysis of Memoirs];
    C --> D[Examination of Subjectivity and Agency Representations];
    D --> E[Critique of Secular Neoliberal Paradigm];
    E --> F[Identification of Silenced Subjectivities];
    F --> G[Conclusion: Call for Nuanced Portrayals];                    

Discussion

The paper argues that the prevalent representation of Muslim women in these memoirs is shaped by Western feminist and secular liberal assumptions, which often define agency solely through individualistic struggle and public visibility. This approach risks essentializing Muslim women into either oppressed victims or modernized, Westernized individuals, failing to capture the diversity of their experiences and forms of agency, particularly those rooted in religious or communal values. The authors critique the tendency to use secularism as the sole yardstick for measuring Muslim women's freedom and agency.

Key Findings

The memoirs tend to portray Muslim women's subjectivity and agency through a secular neoliberal lens, emphasizing individual empowerment and resistance to societal norms. This framework often marginalizes or overlooks women who prioritize collective or religious values. Malala's narrative is presented as a victim needing rescue and liberation, while Asma Gull Hasan's memoir seeks to reconcile Islam with secular Western values.

Conclusion

The paper concludes that the chosen memoirs, while aiming to challenge stereotypes, inadvertently reinforce a secular neoliberal model of subjectivity and agency for Muslim women. This model prioritizes individual choice and resistance, potentially silencing or devaluing women who find agency and fulfillment within more traditional or religiously oriented frameworks. The authors call for more nuanced portrayals that acknowledge diverse forms of Muslim women's subjectivity and agency.

Fact Check

1. Malala Yousafzai's memoir "I Am Malala" was published in 2013. The text states, "Her memoir, co-authored with Christina Lamb, was published in 2013." This is factually correct.
2. Asma Gull Hasan's memoir is titled "Red, White and Muslim: My Story of Belief." The text consistently refers to the memoir by this title and attributes it to Asma Gull Hasan. This is factually correct.
3. Saba Mahmood's seminal work is titled "Politics of Piety." The text frequently references Saba Mahmood's "Politics of Piety" as the theoretical foundation for the analysis. This is factually correct.

Mind Map