Nicholas Kristof's Half The Sky

The son of a professor capable of speaking at least seven languages, Nicholas Kristof was primed for his lifestyle. Ladis Kristof grew up in Eastern Europe, fled during World War II, and landed in a Yugoslavian concentration camp. After the war, he packed up and moved to America, shortly before learning English as his seventh language and eventually became a professor at Oregon State University. His father's accomplishments taught Kristof the importance of resiliency, a solid education, and occasionally accepting help. Nicholas Kristof is a journalist who traverses the world discovering stories that need to be heard. As he said in his interview, one of the most beneficial things for a young American today is to take a gap year and see a new part of the world. While traveling abroad in Europe certainly is expensive, Latin America is much more affordable. This gap year serves two purposes, either of which would be a compelling reason on its own. First, a gap year offers a much-needed sabbatical to the student, allowing them a chance to breathe and prepare for college studies. Second, seeing and actually experience the way people live outside of American neighborhoods is …show more content…
Filled with stories about individual humans, Half the Sky offers an insight into the day-to-day lives of girls and women around the world, and specifically in Southeast Asia. In his interview, Kristof mentioned Srey Momm, one of the girls whose freedom he purchased, bringing her back to her own family. Yet in the brothel, Srey Momm had become addicted to methamphetamine and couldn't stand her withdrawals; she ran back to her brothel and her slavery. Srey Momm is one example of a story that has not ended well, yet overall Kristof's tone remains hopeful. Change is possible. Individuals can make a real difference. Hope is still