Reading Notes 9

Baghdad Burning’s writer, “River” is attempting to document her experiences since the first days of American occupation in Iraq. Some of the social injustices that she encounters surpass the information given to us on American television. This means there is a gap between what is reported to us on our news stations and what a citizen of Baghdad is currently experiencing. She claims that even reports of abductions of women and children are not accurate to the American news stations because a good portion of abductions are not reported-the families choose to take it upon themselves to find their daughter, sister, or wife. It is one of the many situations that first hand she understands from experiencing and writing about it independently and anonymously on her blog.
The themes in this reading selection offer an inside look from the point of view of a girl who has been affected by the war her and her people have not asked for. There are day to day living choices she must make to keep her safe. From choosing only her necessitates to pack to get relocated info a safer place to restricted attire when leaving the house. She tells stories of her cousins losing jobs because of damages from the occupation of their factories and the irony of the military action being called “rebuilding Iraq” or “operation Iraqi freedom” when so many of the homes have computers, many go to school, and it is not a stereotypical truth but a myth that , as she says, “prior to occupation, lived in little beige tents set up on the sides of little dirt roads all over Baghdad. The men and boys would ride to school on their camels, donkeys and goats. These schools were larger versions of the home units and for every 100 students, there was one turban-wearing teacher who taught the boys rudimentary math (to count the flock) and reading. Girls and women sat at home, in black burkas, making bread and taking care of 10-12 children.”
I feel a very strong connection to Anne Frank and her diary writings. Although a different war, the family members of this girl and she herself face hiding places everyday. They are not living comfortably as they used to and must take very special precaution when leaving their household in whatever they do. Privileges are suspended, River tells that she has not driven in so long for fear of being abducted. Its as if these people were alienated and cannot call their house their home because of the war going on around them. It is just a structure to protect them from the outside.
Even though River speaks her mind, it is very dangerous. Why do you think she chooses to expose her feelings although there is a high risk for her?
What is River’s perception of the media? How does it differ from what the media may say about citizens like River’s family?
Research Topics:
Current citizen conditions in Iraq in 2008, re-location and refugee areas for Iraqis and their response to the movement, comparing Iraqi tradtions 50 years ago, pre war, and post.’
Unknown Words:
Glitterati-wealthy or famous people who conspicuously or ostentatiously attend fashionable events.
Expatriate-to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country