Thesis Statement: Women in Islam are targets of discrimination and belittlement because they are seen as the weaker sex. Women are also thought to stay in the “house” rather than in the “work” area. But, women are far from these things and can do whatever their heart desires.
Islam is known for its strong beliefs, culture, and the treatment of females. Islam and women are very controversial. Due to the fact that there are many different views to this topic. To the Muslim nation the women are treated is perceived as normal. To the rest of the world it’s seen as inhumane, degrading.
Women are thought of as being lower in intellect and spirituals in comparison to men. In the Quran it states “and of His signs is that He created for you, of yourselves, spouses, that you may repose in them.”(Q 30"21) It is believed hat the woman’s place is in the home. She shouldn’t even leave the house to pray at the mosque but rather she is closer to Allah while inside the home. It is also believed that a woman’s way to paradise is through her husband.
In pre-Islamic Arabia violence against women began at birth. In the form of female infanticide. Women often face genital mutilation which is a cultural practice that seems very dangerous and scary. Approximately 10 percent of Muslim women are abused physically, sexually, and mentally by their husbands. The common theme of abuse is that men in opposition of authority and power abuse women.
Stereotyping leads to misconceptions about people, cultures etc. For example the men in Islam see women only at home they don’t see them as a provider. They don’t see that women can become apart of the work force. The men are brought up to think this way. Stereotyping of anything in any matter isn’t right because you don’t get to know anything other than that.
The media has the power to perpetuate or change discrimination. They can show footage or reports on discrimination all over the world. They could show the negativity which may cause the public to want to get involved in some way to stop the abuse and discrimination. Or the media could show the world in a way that could attract many to discrimination. I would say that the media can promote or demote issues of the world.
I think my role in this isn’t a major thing. But, I think I could try and make a difference. By letting others know that women are important and they shouldn’t be mistreated. A lot of people are left in the dark in this situation of women being mentally and physically abused. No matter race, gender, or whatever nobody should feel inferior.
In ten years I still see abusing women as a problem because the Muslim people are brought up to do or act, as the Quran says. It not only will be like that there in Islam but also all over the world. I would say this is a worldwide problem. I think the current state of the world know that mistreating and discriminating women is wrong, yet there aren’t many who put a stop to it. But, along the years as women keep succeeding and going forth in life. I believe that we will be able to be seen as equals and be accepted more in society.
Bibliography:
http://www.eckerd.edu/academy/bes/irga/human.rights/womensrights.html Retrieved: November 27, 2003
http://www.aeches.uga.edu/~godlas/Islamwomen.html Retrieved: November 27, 2003
http://www.jahnah.org/sisters/turabi Retrieved: December 4, 2003
http://www.islam.jeeran.com/muslimwomen.html Retrieved: December 4, 2003
http://www.islam.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mwlusa.org%2Fpublications%2Fpositionpapers%2Fviolence.html Retrieved: December 21,2003
www.answering-christianity.com Retrieved: December 28, 2003