The bravest feminist

It's humbling to consider the distinction of the bravest feminist title to belong to a 14-year old girl. Young Malala Yousafzai has made the ultimate sacrifice for her courage, too, as she was almost fatally wounded by terrorists last week. She lives in Pakistan without the luxury of "freedom of speech" we Americans take for granted.  Her had a price on her head for speaking up in a resounding voice about equality for herself and her peers. 

The vile and disgusting assailants were not quite successful, though. I hope this teenager lives to resonate her message throughout the universe via the internet. The message is threatening, and extremists must be scared to bring on this brazen attack. Malala's story has reached a wide-spread audience and invoked a stronger resolve to prevent such sadistic actions in the future. Women AND men (i.e., Malala's father) will strive to balance the gender power structures of the world, as females earn and inherently deserve mutual respect and access to education. An educated girl grows to be an informed and outspoken woman who won't be controlled. Hence, the struggle to dominate such strong individuals.   

Misdirected martyrs must want to send a message of their own, but it only serves to prove their depravity and disregard for human life. Such religious fanaticism and its desperate acts are piteous. If there is any justice in the world, may their creator administer just punishment. We can pray to our own gods to exact that divine balance. 

No, I don't understand the culture. I don't want to know what makes minds like theirs tick in an extremist culture of hatred and putrefaction. 

This young woman's face "like a flower" lives on, and she is reveled as a fresh leader of the international feminist movement. Her example will continue to be one of compassion, much like my beloved President Obama. Women across the globe aspire to Malala Yousafzai's sense of equality and purpose. We can all learn from her selfless and valiant activism for the good of global citizens.