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August 14, 2004

Misogynist Muslims

Karol Sheinin (of Dean's World) linked to this editorial in the New York Post.

I will admit, I cannot stand how Islamic women are treated - actually, I cannot abide how Islam looks at all women.

The editorial explains how it is nearly impossible for most Muslim women to participate in any sports at all.

"The question how much of a woman's body could be seen in public is one of the two or three most important issues that have dominated theological debate in Islam for decades," says Mohsen Sahabi, a Muslim historian. "More time and energy is devoted to this issue than to economic development or scientific research. "

Fundamentalist Muslims are afraid that Muslim men (who apparently have no self control whatsoever) are going to just go completely apeshit if they see a woman's legs or arms or hair.

Hijab theoreticians agree on one claim: a woman's hair emanates dangerous rays that could drive men wild with sexual lust and thus undermine social peace.

And in Iran, the Mullahs have decreed that women may not ride bikes or motorcycles (I imagine horseback riding would be verboten also):

" In 2000, for example, the Khomeinist authorities in Tehran announced a ban on women riding bicycles or motorcycles. The rationale? Riding bicycles or motorcycles would activate a woman's thighs and legs, thus arousing "uncontrollable lustful drives" in her. And men watching women on their bikes in the streets could be "led towards dangerous urges."

I did a little more looking around, and I found that according to some Islamic scholars, Muslim women are not allowed to swim. They can't even learn to swim, even if they are in an all female facility.

Perhaps, with more and more democracy in the Middle East, someday these women will be able to be free to run around a track in comfortable clothing, or learn to swim, or ride a bike.

Posted by Beth at August 14, 2004 05:44 PM