September 23, 2002

4:46 AM

"'The best thing is being able to write my name,' says Siddiqa, 18...." Simple and powerful lessons are being taught in Afghanistan.
posted by donkeyschlong (8 comments total)

Good on 'em, too. Considering what a mess the guys made, maybe the gals will take their shot at helping run the country one of these days, too.
posted by alumshubby at 7:09 AM on September 23, 2002

(pls excuse gratuitous use of "too)
posted by alumshubby at 7:10 AM on September 23, 2002

(not to mention missing close-quote)
posted by alumshubby at 7:10 AM on September 23, 2002

In their greedy embrace of the government's back-to-school campaign after the prohibitive years under the Taliban, Afghanistan's women are as eager to get an education for themselves as for their children.

I understand the reporter's point here, but I question her word choice. Do these Afghani women, who have suffered enough already, really deserve to be characterized -- even unintentionally -- as greedy, for wanting an education? Couldn't (oh, nice -- I just checked the reporter's last name) Gall have used a more appropriate word? Say ...

ravenous
eager
voracious

???

Or am I just being overly sensitive and literalist?
posted by damn yankee at 7:13 AM on September 23, 2002

I know what you mean damn yankee, but greedy doesn't necessarily carry negative conotations, particularly when used in erotic literature ("Jade pulled down his shorts and greedily ....").
posted by Summer at 7:25 AM on September 23, 2002

"Jade". Perfect! you are cracking me up, Summer.
posted by taz at 7:39 AM on September 23, 2002

The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works.
posted by dhartung at 9:08 AM on September 23, 2002

Alumshubby: the dictatorial, Soviet-backed government of the pre-Taliban Afghanistan had a half-female government. That is part of why the Taliban emphasized the subservient role of women in its society.
posted by Ptrin at 6:22 PM on September 23, 2002