What have I learned in 380?

Not much.

Just kidding of course. I love reading and writing, but I think this course underscored the importance of writing for me. On the first day of class, I was probably the person who hated Edmonton the most. It was almost a knee jerk reaction. I think humans love to complain when things don't go our way. In that sense, the city of Edmonton in particular has served as good punching bag for everything that I don't like about my life while I have lived here.

But with this blog assignment in particular, when I was forced to pin down the things that I disliked about Edmonton, it felt like I was trying to grab water. On the other hand, this is really the city where my intellectual growth occurred. It was in this city, at this university, in an English class that I was forced to take, where I was forced to read an essay by Ngugi wa Thiong'o, which changed--so to speak--my entire outlook at life. I left the faculty of Science, and the dark side, to challenge myself intellectually and here I am.

Writing allows me to filter my thoughts from the knee-jerk reactions. I often lose sight of how valuable a tool it is. It's difficult to justify everything in writing that one might spit out verbally. But it's an incredibly important exercise because it forces you to consider things that you might take for granted, unquestioned and uncritical. Don't misunderstand me though. I do loathe Edmonton's winters and its dead character. Yet it's an intellectually lively space. My own transformation from a benign apathetic student into an (almost) radical Marxist-environmentalist is proof of that.

I'm thankful for the nudge that I received in Edmonton. If it wasn't for the intellectual variety and the breadth of people, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Queer/Minority Edmonton

I am unfamiliar with any particular spaces in Edmonton that are "owned" by minorities. But I will admit, as much as I despise Edmonton, that the intellectual growth I have undergone specifically with regards to queers and minorities in Edmonton has been immense.

Before starting my studies at the U of A, I had no specific opinions about sexual minorities and in particular about homosexuality. Although I was aware of the 'official' disdain for them in Islam, I was largely apathetic towards homosexuality and sexual minorities in general. However, thanks to a friend I met here in Edmonton, who is 'proud' and Muslim, I have now abandoned the fence.

From an Islamic and Pakistani perspective where 'homosexual sex' is rampant yet unacknowledged publicly (Iran's President made an infamous remark a few years ago that there are no gays in Iran, as an example), and to become a hardcore supporter for equality and the right to live and let live - it was all a massive change. All of it occurred in Edmonton. Although that friend has been denigrated multiple times at multiple fora, for his work to reconcile Islam and queerness - his resolve throughout the ordeal has amazed me.

His struggle in Edmonton is the lens through which I view the city and its embrace (or lack thereof) of minorities. He has done quite well, except within the Islamic community. Yet I'm hopeful, because by winning over the hearts and souls of miserables like me he's winning the smaller battles.

Some scholars have asserted that Islam is currently undergoing its own reformation. I wouldn't be surprised if several decades from now we view Edmonton as one of those cities which played a pivotal role in such a reformation. It might not be great or important as a stop on the Underground Railway, but it will definitely be something special. After all, Edmonton is the home to North America's oldest mosque. Who is to say that it won't be one of the leading cities (at least in North America) where pluralism wins?