From “Edwin” to “Evelyn”: Angelina Jolie Switches Gender Roles in Salt

From “Edwin” to “Evelyn”: Angelina Jolie Switches Gender Roles in Salt

A Woman's World

Katie Couric, Gloria Steinem, Jehrmu Greene

Much Ado About Fabric

It appears that France has followed Spain's lead and banned the burka. The penalty for wearing the full-faced veil is approximately $200 and/or a rehabilitation program. According to the rhetoric on Salon.com, if a man is found guilty of forcing a woman to veil, he could be fined $40,000 and spend a year in jail. (Salon.com Photo)



As I stated last week, I find this sort of legal action a violation of women's rights rather than a protection of them. Granted, the veil's origins are rooted in a desire to protect men from being tempted by female sexuality. The very fact that women are physically hidden is representative of their social status. Moroccan author Fatima Mernissi discusses the origins of veiling at length in her book Beyond the Veil. However, this doesn't change the fact that many women choose to wear the veil of their own accord. Some Muslim women simply view it as religious or cultural devotion. If you strip the veil from them, then it does not mean they are liberated or their status is elevated. We should be focusing on empowering women to make their own choices, not in forcing them to interpret feminism as the West does.

In the end, the veil is a symbol with different meanings for those who are interpreting it. Western lawmakers see it as oppression. Advocates for veiling see the ban as oppression. I say anything that restricts a woman's choice is oppression--be it cultural or legal.

Is Sexual Violence Cultural?

It is interesting to note the number of times that I have heard sexual violence labeled as a cultural phenomenon . In an age where cultural sensitivity is politically correct, it seems that some groups use the word "culture" as a way to downplay sexual violence against women. Is sexual violence against children also cultural? Is genocide cultural?


My culturally relativistic inclination is often dissuaded when it comes to issues of social justice. If sexual violence is cultural, then it shouldn't be.

Hip-Hop and Homophobia

An interesting article on hip hop and homophobia.

Trading One Form of Patriarchy for Another

(Photo by David Dennis)

Spain's senate recently decided to ban Muslim women from wearing the burka--a full-faced veil that covers everything except the eyes. They outlawed "any usage, custom, or discriminatory practice that limits the freedom of women." I applaud Spain on their progressive efforts. I would suggest the following also be banned in order to prevent the limiting of women's freedoms:

1. High heels. High heels make it difficult to walk and run freely. Flats are much easier to catch a bus in.


2. Skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are often tight and uncomfortable and make it difficult to sit easily at work. More work can be done if one is comfortable.
   

All joking aside, I would argue that Spain has actually taken a step backwards in women's rights. Women wear the burka for a variety of reasons and personal choice is one. Assuming that all Muslim women wear the veil by force is a gross overgeneralization of a much more complex cultural practice. Legally banning a woman from wearing the burka denies her the right to chose. In this way, legal patriarchy has replaced religious and cultural patriarchy.