treated the way that they are. I am an American and proud of it and I feel so lucky to be here and not there. Can anyone offer any input, I would really appreciate it.
2007-09-22 17:21:20 · 12 answers · asked by Serious 3 in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
WRONG WRONG WRONG!
People, listen, the middle east think we are what they see on CNN. Are we? Of course not. They think that GW Bush reflects our thoughts and dreams. Does he? Of course not.
So why on earth would we judge them according to a god damn TV program? I am American, I lived for many years in the middle east. These people are very civilized, and women there are enjoying a life full of respect, decency, and have the right to do anything as long as it is not offensive to herself or to her honor. But you know what, not only women, men too. Men or women, they are not allowed to do whatever they have been prohibited from by the Quran. This shows respect. Respect that most of us lack. How many of us follow the Bible now?
I think this is preposterous. You can't judge people without living with them and observing who they really are. Breaking news... These people are not hairy with beards and dirty clothes and riding camels in the deserts and having bombs up their ???. Most of them are superbly educated, speak more than one language, own luxury cars, women there are extremely interested in fashion and make up. They are nice people. Then again, not of them. But, are all Americans or Europeans nice? Or do some people exist who need to be shot in their heads? Honestly people, don't let the world hate us more and more because of our silly judgments about something we don't even know anything about.
2007-09-23 02:00:14 · answer #1 · answered by EyesOnly 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
treated like what exactly? I ask this because the concept that women are horribly oppressed in the Middle east is not inaccurate, but there are certain extremes that only happen in certain areas.
Mainly any mistreatment of women comes from the fact that woman are seen by some as property because her main value lies in breeding capabilities. when her virginity or her honor (and therefore the possible paternity of any subsequent child) are in question then she has little or no worth.
However, this is not the prevalent attitude in most countries. There are still social and legal restrictions, but most of these are going the way of the dinosaur. The Middle East, as far as gender relations is in approxiamtely the same place that America was in the 70's. There are movements for womens rights and improvements, but there are some serious backlashes in places like Iran, and Saudi Arabia. There are also still some practices that are being stamped out. Here in Jordan there is still a problem with honor killings. About 25% of solved murders in this country are attributed to honor crimes. The monarchy is trying to push legislation through the parlaiment to outlaw these killings completely instead of still attaching a lesser sentence to them than a regular murder.
i guess my point is, change is happening and it isnt all as bad as some in the US would make it out to be.
2007-09-23 06:53:17 · answer #2 · answered by bluestareyed 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The system in the middle east is extremely patriarchal. Women have absolutely no rights and that is, as was mentioned, because there is no separation of "church" and state. Men control every aspect of life in most of the middle east. In the name of Islam, women are relegated to being below men in every area. However, Islam as a religion is not nearly as hateful as cultural practice has made it. So a lot of people think Islam is a violent religion, but it is a religion of peace and logic and beauty. It is the extremists that turn it into something hateful, and much of the treatment of women is a direct result of extremist governments. Yes, we are lucky to be here.
2007-09-23 01:17:05 · answer #3 · answered by teeleecee 6 · 4⤊ 3⤋
I am an American Muslim woman married to a Saudi man. If you im me I'll be happy to discuss the Middle Eastern/Muslim women with you. In Islam women are equal to men. They have rights appropriate to their gender and men have rights appropriate to their gender. It is culture if the women are mistreated. Islam does not allow men to beat their women in Islam. Mothers are especially honored for their ability to give birth and bring life into the world. Women are treated like diamonds in Islam. The Qur'an refers to women as diamonds and gold. Hijab is not a choice. It is an obligation upon every female Muslim. It is also a direct command from ALLAH(God) in the Qur'an and Hadiths(sayings and actions of Muhammad (PBUH*)).
2007-09-23 12:54:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
It is exactly what happens in any country, where religion and government are not separated by law. Religious leaders do whatever they feel like doing, and there is no law to protect minorities. That is why we ( American people ) should NEVER ALLOW religion into our government. Keep them where we can always see them and control them by upholding the law.
2007-09-23 00:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by ms.sophisticate 7 · 7⤊ 2⤋
It mainly has to do with Islam, and those countries being socially behind, following the old sexist traditions. Also, religion reflects highly in the legal system, so women are held down as second class citizens. When the law doesn't back you up, the men are allowed to do whatever they please, and there won't be much attempt to educate and raise awareness either. Religion dictates the law, men are put in charge to do what they please, women's position remains weak and untold.
In some countries fathers are allowed to kill their daughters in the name of "honor," if she has pre-marital sex, who is going to change this? The men or religious leaders who make the laws? Or women whose votes only count as a half, are not allowed to testify or travel without the written permission of their owners (this is the word for husband in some languages)?
2007-09-23 00:28:07 · answer #6 · answered by Lioness 6 · 7⤊ 6⤋
Show me a patriarchy where women do have any rights at all. Religion is usually used to justify it.
2007-09-23 03:59:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
lol wtf u talking about u dont even kno which countries do that u probly just overheard some ppl talking about a certain country in the middle east. the answer is: cuz we dont love dese hoes. seriously if girls are legally equal then life isnt equal we all kno that if there isnt intervention every single one of them will demand to be treated like a princess and i just wanna get some action without havin to worry bout some girl tryin to play me like a trick.
2007-09-23 04:50:28 · answer #8 · answered by crack c 2 · 2⤊ 5⤋
religion, tradition, beliefs, values. i'm very very happy not to be there as a woman, i think i might rather die than be a woman in the middle east. it stands againt everything i believe in as a woman.
2007-09-23 01:33:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
Yes, all of the above. I can't imagine living that way. Thankfully, I will never know.
2007-09-23 01:21:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋