The Rosa Parks of Pakistan?

Not quite. Thats not to say that Mukhtaran Bibi does not have the same courage or elegant composure that Parks had. But the circumstances --and more importantly the causes -- that produced Rosa Parks and Mukatarn are incongruent.

That did not, however, stop audience members on Monday night in DC from asking her if she felt she was Pakistan's Rosa Parks. Never mind that the question assumes a knowledge of American civil rights icons in rural Pakistan. The question reveals the (sub?)conscious effort to place historical figures in imaginary boxes.

I--like so many others in the audience--was humbled by her humbleness. What impressed me about her, aside from her brave struggle, is her sincerity and her incredible political acumen. When asked by NPR what she would tell Congress in her testimony the following day, she said she would think about it and then tell them tomorrow.

In a town that thrives and sustains on BS and self-aggrandizement, its refreshing to see voices like Mai illuminating our path.

To support her, check out a cool effort by some Muslims called (of course) Muslims for Muktaran.