Blog #4 Baghdad Manneequin Display

• http://www.nytimes.com/adx/bin/adx_click.html?type=goto&opzn&page=www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/world/middleeast&pos=Frame4A&sn2=8ca84067/d4c26d2b&sn1=9aba26c9/ac0326e4&camp=foxsearch2011_emailtools_1604630c_nyt5&ad=Tree_120x60&goto=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efoxsearchlight%2Ecom%2FthetreeoflifeSince 2003, after the fall of Saddem Hussein’s government women’s clothing has served not only as fashion, but as a ascendancy of religious morals and values in this once secular society. There is a major battle between secularism and Shariah Law. In the Baghdad between two shops is a stage with mannequins dressed in what in America would be conservative attire. These female figures are standing amid crepe- paper flames with a banner of lust craze male ghouls looking at the mannequins in eternal suffering.
Mr. Ibrahim saw it as a message that his wife and daughters needed to see. His wife Um Noor agreed with the exhibit. She and her four daughters all wore loose fitting black abayas that covered everything but their faces. She felt that the display would frighten girls into wearing appropriate attire. Women in the capital predominately wear scarves or abayas, but they encounter many others wearing tight jeans or skirts.
Years of war and sanctions have made Iraq more religious and many religious zealots especially among the Shiites whose rituals were banned under the old government are asserting their beliefs. These religious parties are now in control and have addressed the College of Science for Women at Baghdad University to organize a discussion panel on appropriate dress for women.
Since the influx of satellite and DVD’s Iraqis are getting ideas from the non-Muslim world. This is definitely affecting their culture. Many feel that the display only causes men to harass women by making them less human. Women are feeling more and more pressure to cover themselves. Dr. Nada Abed thinks that everything will settle down over time but not immediately. There is no law forcing women to wear the veil, but as in America both side of this cultural debate feel they are losing the war.