"No todo es lo que parece-los velos son sexy"- Wonder if in the near future, this could become a publicity stunt in the West!! these are the words of Egyptian feminist Iman, who notes that it´s easy to wear a veil but hard to practise the religion. couldn´t agree more. But this introduction is but an aside. In today´s EPS supplement of the EL Pais, a very interesting article appeared on Islam, women and equality in Morocco. Its title- "Carrera hacia la igualdad". Very interesting, relevant points are made, especially by the women interviewed. the link is attached for the interested reader. what most strikes me, however, is the stance the author of the article adopts. he is nothing short of condescending, paternalistic and ethnocentrist. For example, the way he mockingly derides the traditional and common form of dress by both male and female Moroccans; his absurd insistence on the feminist Iman´s western adoptions and his repetition of how many cigarretted she smokes on the hour- as if these silly habits automatically grant entry into the civilised world.
there are interesting comments about the increased visibility of the hijab in the Arab and Muslim world and what exactly this represents and symbolises. interestingly, and i agree, the same feminist quoted above also notes that it is more a political and identity symbol rather than a mere manifestation of faith.
the author´s dichotomous, Machiavelean posture, though, is at times enervating, to say the least. his questions and comments clearly reveal his ethnocentrism and superiority speaking from the Western culture. He equates the Islamic form of dress easily and undoubtedly with backwardness and fanaticism, for example. Nonetheless, the article on a whole provides valuable, interesting observations which, if read with a "lupa" reveals the many ironies and contradictions in our societies and the need to dispel our prejudices and stereotypes when trying to understand the Other. Good article, worth a quick read!
there are interesting comments about the increased visibility of the hijab in the Arab and Muslim world and what exactly this represents and symbolises. interestingly, and i agree, the same feminist quoted above also notes that it is more a political and identity symbol rather than a mere manifestation of faith.
the author´s dichotomous, Machiavelean posture, though, is at times enervating, to say the least. his questions and comments clearly reveal his ethnocentrism and superiority speaking from the Western culture. He equates the Islamic form of dress easily and undoubtedly with backwardness and fanaticism, for example. Nonetheless, the article on a whole provides valuable, interesting observations which, if read with a "lupa" reveals the many ironies and contradictions in our societies and the need to dispel our prejudices and stereotypes when trying to understand the Other. Good article, worth a quick read!
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