Politics of the veil

In the West we have a tainted view of those associated with the Muslim religion.  In particular many Americans relate extremists with the entire religion, which is entirely unfair.  This viewpoint has swept the nation as a common understanding.  The major influences that spread this attitude are political leaders and the media.  Political leaders use their personal opinion to influence legislation and political action.  The media is the most widespread manner in which the suspicion of Muslims is spread.  When we have had extremist attacks it is made clear to the America people that the reason they did this was because of their religion.  However, when it comes to Christianity it doesn’t cross over.  If the Klu Klux Klan attacks an individual or groups the act is not usually seen as an action out of Christianity.  The truth is the Klu Klux Klan are Christian extremists, and just like us who are a part of the religion do not want them painting the image of them as a group, Muslims are the same.

 

Politics of the veil

The implications when talking about Muslim women up to the standard of their French sisters (or western sisters) pertains to the rights women have in these different cultures.  In the Muslim religion women are not treated with loyalty, respect, or privilege like western women.  A man most commonly controls Muslim women who participate in the religion, whether it is their father, brother, or husband.  The implications that would bring Muslim women to the western privilege generally means that they have more personal rights.  This includes a right to an education, a right to personal choices, a right to be self sufficient, and a right to dress and act as they wish.  The unfortunate circumstances that some women living in the middle east face is if they “break” religious rules the punishments, like public stoning, are legislatively accepted. 

A Muslim girl

Women should be treated with respect.  In my opinion it is as simple as that.  However, westerners sometimes have trouble understanding the religion’s reasoning for the treatment of women and ruling in particular.  Some women chose to participate in the Muslim religion abiding by all rules because it is what they believe.   It is no ones place to tell someone that what they believe is barbaric.  Because of the cultural moral ground that seems to vary based on location and groups of people, what is right is not always right.  There is no superior culture, but we’d all like to hope that people would respect human life.