Discussion Guide
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-10
Grades 11-12

On Her Shoulders: Discussion Guide Discussion Prompts: Heroism-Labeling and the Savior Complex

Discussion Prompts: Heroism-Labeling and the Savior Complex

What do you feel when Nadia Murad is named UNODC Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking? This feels like an important event in the film. What did you notice about Murad’s reactions?

What do you think is the purpose of the commendations and awards Murad receives? Are there any downsides to these commendations and awards? What do you notice about Murad’s reactions to these designations and the reactions from those administering these awards? Is there a difference? What might this difference suggest? Do you think the international community is giving Murad awards and titles so its members can feel that they are taking action? Is this action a meaningful action to you? Is it to Murad?

What do you think Murad’s awards mean to the organizations that grant them? What do you think they mean to Nadia Murad herself, or to the Yazidi people?

Michelle Rempel, a conservative Canadian Parliament member, is emotional after Murad’s testimony before the Canadian House of Commons. After explaining what she will do to try to help Yazidis and move Murad’s agenda forward, she tells Murad, “My mom watched you. She’s like, ‘You tell her she can come live with me. You tell her she’s my daughter.’” How do you feel about this exchange? What do you think Rempel’s intention was? How do you think this exchange made Murad feel? How do you think this exchange made Rempel feel about herself or her family? When Murad said they were looking for protection for their people in safe places like Canada, Rempel responded by saying that the system is very bureaucratic and takes a long time. How do you see this impacting Murad?

Sources

About the author:

Mallory Rukhsana Nezam

Justice + Joy

Mallory Rukhsana Nezam