So this is a picture of the Muslim woman who ran in last year's olympics. As you can see, she represents a woman who accepts her religion and the things we may see as restricting. Rather than choosing to hide her talent, she accepts it shows it off, while still remaining covered in the traditional way. This reminds me of today's presentation/discussion as we discussed the different perspectives on the veil.
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I remember seeing this! It very much surprised me to see her running with her head cover. I felt very silly but assumed that if she was going to be so bold as to run in the Olympics (not that she shouldn't!!), then perhaps she would not be so traditional as to cover her head. In retrospect I'm not entirely sure why that seemed so odd to me. However, I have learned a lot more about the culture and come in contact with many more Muslim women since that time. I agree though, it reminds me of the discussion today as well. I think it's just very interesting to me that she would be so dedicated to covering her head while participating in the Olympics but it shouldn't be that odd since religion is a very big part for many other athletes. Perhaps it is the physical and very apparent manifestation?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/16/asia/women.php
ReplyDeleteI found this article and thought it was really interesting.
In summary, Malaysia recently set up a law prohibiting women from practicing yoga. Women were outraged and joined together in a conference with the goal to demand equal rights for women. The women actually used the Koran and Islam Tenets to help prove that they deserve equal treatment.
"The repression comes not from the Koran, the women argue, but from the human interpretation of it, in the form of Islamic law, which has ossified over the centuries while their globalized lives have galloped ahead. So they are going back to the original text, arguing that its emphasis on justice makes the case for equality."
This article gives hope to women in Muslims countries that one day they will be offered the same equality as their male counterparts. It also doesn't point a finger at Islam, instead it hopes to improve the interpretation that the leaders have imposed.
This is so interesting, I was caught a little off guard when I saw this picture. You would think the extra clothing might slow her down, but I'm sure she doesn't think twice about wearing the extra fabric.
ReplyDeleteWOW, you always hear about women who don't want to wear their veil. You never see or hear those who accepts and appreciate it wearing it and what it represnts.
ReplyDeleteI actually (and very recently) found an article on the burqini, the Muslim woman's answer for swimming! In a land where temperatures often reach well above 100 degrees, I wondered how did they swim with all their drapes. They're not quite BayWatch, but easier to swim than the traditional burqa! Photo:
ReplyDeletehttp://timworstall.typepad.com/timworstall/images/burqini.jpg
news paper article:
http://www.crescentsofbrisbane.org/images/CCN/CCN059/daily_telegraphphoto%20burqini.jpg
I like how you said "we may see as restricting." I think a lot of issues arise because "we" see them as restricting. However, if you are brought up in that sociaety, you might not know anything else so you do not feel oppressed. Different cultures have different opinions on what is oppressive and what is not.
ReplyDelete