Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist for women’s rights and education, has caused quite a stir on social media after expressing her sympathies to comedian and political pundit Jon Stewart on the death of his dog, Dipper. Although the anchor of The Daily Show meant for her post to express condolences for her late beloved dog, it forced opponents to question her priorities and silence on global concerns, especially in light of the recent wave of Israeli brutality against Palestinians since October 7.
Jon offered a moving tribute to Dipper in a post on X (previously Twitter), the official account of The Daily Show. The comic interrupted, recalling all of the dog’s special moments, saying, “He did what the Taliban could not do, which is put a scare into Malala Yousafzai.”
Jon Stewart remembers his best boy, Dipper. pic.twitter.com/S8p4nuOFZ5
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) February 27, 2024
Malala wrote on X in response to the video clip, “Jon Stewart, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I am aware that Dipper was a good boy. I hope to return to meet your next puppy now that I’ve overcome my fear of dogs.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss, @jonstewart. I know Dipper was a very good boy. I’ve gotten over my fear of dogs and I hope you’ll have me back to meet your next pup ❤️🐶 https://t.co/OpFdobSEDO
— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) February 27, 2024
Malala’s detractors filled the post with comments, accusing her of focusing only on certain causes and avoiding more important ones, including the Israeli massacre against millions of innocent Palestinians. “You honestly surprised me and for all the wrong reasons recently,” said a disgruntled reviewer. Not that one loss is less than another, but compared to all the other causes you ‘openly’ discuss, there is no way you were as politically correct and silent about a full genocide. Locate your awareness.
You honestly surprise me and for all the wrong reasons recently. I’m not saying one loss is smaller than another, but there is no way you were so quiet and politically correct about a whole genocide compared to every other cause you “openly” speak about. Find your consciousness.
— Hihi Gadid • 🇵🇸 (@bigbrownenergy) February 27, 2024
One X user was more direct, saying, “If silence on a genocide is a price to pay for Hollywood contracts, it is not worth it.” This implied that being silent on some situations might be a requirement of pursuing Hollywood contracts. “Children are dying in Gaza, Malala,” argued another. Shameless woman. Your caretakers have to adore you. You stick to your talking points at all times.
If silence on a genocide is a price to pay for hollywood contracts, it is not worth it
— Momin Sheikh (@shaykshack) February 28, 2024
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