March 22nd, 2009
10:44 pm
Gabrielle Martino
In Saudia Arabia today, it was urged by a group of religious officials that a ban be put on by the government that would not allow women to appear on television. The ban also calls for music television shows to be banned as well. Both the intersection of the sexes and listening to music go against the religion of the Saudia Arabian peoples, but the country in efforts to be moving to a more modernized society has began to integrate women into the culture.
Saudia Arabian television does show Western performers, but any excess skin is covered by censors (cleavage and bare arms). Saudi Arabian women are required to cover their bodies entirely while in public, with only their eyes showing. In recent television, women have been showing their faces and it has caused quite the controversy. One interesting statement was made that women in Saudia Arabia are allowed to become doctors, teachers, and have other important jobs, but they still are not permitted by the country to drive or in making their own choices in what to wear.
I think that this story actually has some promise in it. While it is being urged by religious officials that women not appear on television, it looks like the Saudia Arabian government is truly trying to modernize and they will not allow this to happen. Women are getting more rights, even though it seems to be a very slow process in this country.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5732oHtlBM6bVxcVIFhfbhjfn0QD9738O600
2 comments:
I think this only proves that separation of church and state should be practiced internationally. I know that customs within different countries should be seen and honored, but its hard for me to do that when questions of equality are at hand.
I disagree with the first comment. In Saudia Arabia, separation of church and state is not possible because of the practice of Islam in the country. Under some forms of Islam, Shari'a law is religious law, in which Muhammad is the spiritual and legal leader of the people. There is no separation of church and state in the form of government, it is inherently one.
However, as a Westerner, I would also like to see more rights for women.
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