Mother would say now and then. "If I only could go for a walk in the early morning when the streets are deserted. The light must be blue then, or pink, like at sunset. What is the color of the morning in the deserted, silent streets?" No one answered her questions. In a harem, you don't necessarily ask what is happening to you. Roaming freely in the streets was every womens dream. Aunt Habiba's most popular tale, which she narrated on special occasions only, was about "The Women with Wings," who could fly away from the courtyard whenever seh wanted to. Every time Aunt Habiba told that story, the women in the courtyard would tuck their caftans into their belts, and dance away with their arms spread wide as if they were about to fly. Cousin Chama, who was seventeen, had me confused for years, because she managed to convince me that all women had invinsible wings, and that mine would develop too, when I was older." (pg22)
Imagine if you had to be locked in a gated area trapped with women and children. Imagine never being able to experience life outside those gates, except in your fantasies. Just imagine your life without being able to do as you please because the men said so. How would you feel? Would you follow the rules or go against them and face the consequences, just to be free? Why do you think these women are following the rules? Why do you think these men act this way?(meaning why do you think they think they are superior?)
Also, what do you think cousin Chama means in this quote:
"Cousin Chama, who was seventeen, had me confused for years, because she managed to convince me that all women had invinsible wings, and that mine would develop too, when I was older."
I'm not really sure what she means but the impressions I got out of it was that maybe these women do sneak out of their Harems when nobody is paying attention. I would like to hear others opinions on these lines or if someone can give me a better understanding it will be helpful. Thank you :)
Muslim Women
OH YESS!!! We are going to learn about the true beauty of women behind their veils.
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2 comments:
Why do you think these women are following the rules? Why do you think these men act this way?(meaning why do you think they think they are superior?)
Just to address these questions, I think the women follow the rules because it's the tradition they've grown up with. It's what they know, it's what they're familiar with. More importantly, it's what they've been taught as being RIGHT. The men, I believe, are under the same influence. Do you see it as otherwise?
Example: If a child is raised always being told that the sky is green, just because one person says it's blue, will they believe them immediately.
That was a little far fetched but I hope you see the connection.
With the quote, I think you may have picked up on something when you said they snuck out anyway--it's what we want them to do, right? But I also think that the comment was made to give hope to the younger child and to make her believe that the "lockdown" isn't forever.
I have to agree with you. These people do what they are told because they were told that it is right. Its like women in society today. They are always told that they have to look pretty, or to be thin. So, then this results into women becoming aneroxic or bulimic. lol I like the example and no they will not be able to be convinced that the sky is blue right away because a green sky is what is imprinted in their brains. TThey are basically brainwashed into believing that the sky is green when it is really blue. Its like terrorists as well. They are taught that killing others is right when the truth is it is wrong.
Of course we want them to sneak out because we want them to be able to have that strength to obtain their freedom.
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