Salman Rushdie: Losing an eye upsets me every day
by lonely wolves Famous author Sir Salman Rushdie recently commented on the brutal stabbing attack by lone attackers. Rushdie mentioned that these lone attacks are becoming more frequent in society. According to him, religion and politics are used as tools to incite such attacks. He also emphasized that these attackers feel isolated from society and have no real group support. Rushdie further stressed that it is crucial to address and tackle the root cause of these attacks, which is the social isolation and lack of support for these individuals. He also suggested that education and integration can play a key role in bringing these individuals back into society and preventing such attacks in the future. Overall, Rushdie believes that these lone attacks are a symptom of a much larger problem that needs to be addressed at a societal level. Addressing the root cause and creating a sense of community and belonging are crucial steps in preventing such attacks.
Rewritten: Authored by Alan Yentob and Noor Nanji Original text: In December 2020, Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour announced that she was "looking forward to a better year ahead" after what she described as "our long night of darkness". This remark came in the wake of not just the staggering loss of life due to Covid-19 but also the social and political turmoil that existed across the globe, from the US election to the Black Lives Matter movement and the climate emergency. Rewritten: Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, expressed her optimism for a brighter year in December of 2020. She acknowledged the various challenges faced globally, not just the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic but also sociopolitical upheavals such as the US election, Black Lives Matter movement, and the climate change crisis. Wintour referred to the past year as a "long night of darkness."
During an interview with the BBC, Sir Salman Rushdie shared horrifying recollections of the assault that occurred on stage two years ago, when he was brutally stabbed.
The writer who won the prestigious Booker Prize stated that his eye was asymmetrical in appearance, resembling a delicate poached egg. Furthermore, the fact that he is missing an eye remains a source of emotional distress in his daily life.
He stated that he recalled feeling like he was about to pass away, but luckily, he was mistaken.
According to Sir Salman, his latest book, Knife, serves as his way of standing up against the events that took place.
In August 2022, an assault occurred at a learning institution in the state of New York while the victim was getting ready to present a talk.
He remembered how the attacker quickly ran up the staircase and inflicted twelve wounds on him, including piercing his neck and abdomen. The whole vicious incident lasted for 27 seconds.
The writer expressed that they were incapable of confronting or escaping from the individual in question.
Check out this video clip of the moment when Salman Rushdie was assaulted while giving a speech.
Sir Salman stated that he tumbled onto the ground and remained there with an enormous amount of blood surrounding him.
He was airlifted to a medical facility and remained there recuperating for a period of six weeks.
At 76 years old, the author of Indian descent but with British and American citizenship is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of our era. The news of the attack on the author has captured the attention of media outlets worldwide.
Alan Yentob and Sir Salman were photographed together with Lady Rushdie, whom they have been acquaintances with for over four decades.
After the release of The Satanic Verses in 1988, Sir Salman was forced to hide for several years due to the various threats he received on his life.
He confessed that he had considered the possibility of someone unexpectedly emerging from a group of spectators at some point. "It is evident that it would have been illogical for me not to have contemplated it."
He mentioned having a terrible dream about the assault, 48 hours prior to his occasion. As a consequence, he felt reluctant to attend.
"So, I was contemplating and realized that it's just a dream. Moreover, the payment offered to me was good, and there's a massive crowd that bought tickets. So, I made up my mind to go for it."
Sir Salman suffered injuries to his liver and hands as a result of the attack, and the nerves in his right eye were cut.
He described that his eye appeared significantly enlarged and swollen. It seemed to be drooping off his face, resting on his cheek, resembling the texture of a softly boiled egg. He also mentioned that he couldn't see out of it.
According to Sir Salman, the experience of losing one of his eyes troubles him on a daily basis. He now needs to exercise more caution whilst navigating everyday obstacles like stairs and crossing the street, or even performing simple tasks such as pouring water into a glass.
He believes that he is fortunate not to have suffered any brain injuries. This allowed him to continue being his true self.
The pictures in this blog post were obtained from the website Getty Images.
A demonstration was organized in New York to exhibit support for the right to express oneself freely following the assault on Sir Salman.
The person in charge of the gathering where Sir Salman got stabbed expressed to the BBC his regret for not being able to prevent the assault.
Henry Reese expressed that if they had taken action earlier, much of these issues could have been avoided.
Sir Salman expresses his thankfulness towards those who aided him during his difficult time, notably Mr Reese and the medical professionals who tended to him. This sentiment is evident from the very first page of his book, Knife.
The written work is solely devoted to "the individuals who rescued me from danger".
'Is Killing Justifiable?'
Sir Salman has recently disclosed his desired message to his purported assailant for the first time.
A guy named Hadi Matar who lives in New Jersey and is 26 years old, has been accused of stabbing someone. Matar says he didn't do it and has said he's not guilty. He's currently being kept in custody and is not allowed bail.
While being held in prison, Mr. Matar gave an interview to the New York Post and shared that he had viewed Sir Salman's videos on YouTube. Mr. Matar expressed his disapproval of individuals who are insincere, like Sir Salman, in his statements.
Sir Salman Rushdie talks to Alan Yentob in an interview prior to releasing a new book about what happened after the knife attack that nearly took his life in 2022.
In his book Knife, Sir Salman engages in a make-believe dialogue with his assailant and offers a comeback.
He questions if the fact that a lot of individuals in America wear a façade of honesty despite being deceitful is a valid justification for their annihilation.
Although Sir Salman hasn't had any prior encounters with Mr Matar, it's highly probable that they'll meet in person during the trial proceedings.
The legal proceedings were postponed as the defendant's attorneys contended that they had the right to scrutinize Sir Salman's publication as it might contain proof. The trial is now anticipated to occur during the fall season.
The Satanic Verses: Why All The Fuss?
The photograph originated from Getty Images.
The book called The Satanic Verses caused many demonstrations and expressions of disapproval.
Salman Rushdie became very well-known after the release of Midnight's Children in 1981. The book was so successful that it sold over one million copies in the UK by itself.
However, the portrayal of the Islamic prophet Muhammad in his fourth book named 'The Satanic Verses' along with its religious references was regarded as sacrilegious and prohibited in various nations predominantly inhabited by Muslims.
In 1989, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who was leading Iran at that time, ordered a fatwa which is a religious declaration. This declaration suggested that Rushdie should be killed and offered $3m (£2.4m) for anyone who does it. Even now, the fatwa has not been removed.
Consequently, Rushdie had to conceal himself for almost ten years and had to have a bodyguard armed because of the high volume of death threats he faced.
Sir Salman, born to Muslims who do not practice their religion, is an atheist and has been a strong supporter of the right to freely express oneself for a long time.
However, he cautioned that the task has become significantly more challenging.
Many individuals, particularly the youth, have developed the belief that limiting one's freedom of expression can be beneficial, which is a regrettable notion," he expressed.
The fundamental purpose of freedom of speech is to acknowledge and tolerate speech that opposes your own beliefs.
When Sir Salman reflects on the time when he was immersed in his own blood, he remembers how he ended up pondering over his possessions in a foolish manner.
He was concerned that his Ralph Lauren outfit would be damaged, and that his keys and credit cards could drop out from his pocket.
When it all happened, it seemed crazy, but looking back, it tells me that there was a part of me that didn't want to perish. A part of me was thinking, "I'll require those keys to my abode and those credit cards."
He stated that his "instinct for survival" was telling him to "keep on living. Live. Live. Live."
One year prior to the assault, Sir Salman tied the knot with his fifth spouse who is an American wordsmith of both poetry and fiction named Rachel Eliza Griffiths.
When the BBC asked Lady Rushdie what her reaction was upon hearing about the attack, she replied that she let out an involuntary scream. She then went on to describe the experience as the most traumatizing of her existence.
Lady Rushdie recounts the experience of being by Sir Salman's side while surgeons stitched his eyelids shut.
She expressed her admiration for his eyes, but after he lost one and things changed in their lives, she came to appreciate his remaining eye even more and the unique perspective it provides.
According to Sir Salman, Knife is not only a horror story, but also a love story to a similar extent.
Two opposing forces clashed here. One was fueled by aggression, extremism, and intolerance, while the other was fueled by affection, passion, and acceptance," he explained. "It's important to note that the force of love was exemplified by my wife, Eliza."
Finally, my interpretation of the incident is that love triumphed over hatred with greater force.
Sir Salman has declared his intention to participate in public events soon, but with a greater level of caution in the future. His top priority will be the security measures in place at these events. Only when he is completely happy with the security arrangements will he consider attending any public events.
However, he mentioned that he has a tendency to be stubborn.
"I refuse to live a life that is limited or restricted," he proclaimed. "I will live life on my terms."
