Singing Feminism

 

C) TAKE A LOOK AT THIS INFORMATION ON WORK INEQUALITIES

The source is reliable, check it out: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS

I find it depressing Kuwait has a stronger pull for women in the work force than Lebanon. In fact, Lebanon's status on the list is by far one of the lowest with regards to the percentage of women working. Who would want to sing such a tune. 

D) A LACK OF POLITICAL REPRESENTATION:

Women all over the world are underrepresented in Politics, but in Lebanon sectarianism has made it even more difficult for women to incorporate themselves within the system. Out of the 14 who ran for Parliament only four people were voted in, clearly the public generally doesn't have a strong sentiment towards women representatives. I sing to a different beat.  

E) WHO SINGS FOR FREEDOM LOUDER THAN THOSE WHO ARE INVISIBLE OR SIMPLY REJECTED (SEXUALITY)

Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code roughly (and I'm paraphrasing) states that any sexual acts that are not natural are deemed inept and unlawful. The punishment is up to a year of prison time. There has yet to be a clear depiction of what natural intercourse is, as homosexuality has its roots throughout history (assuming historical practices count in determining what natural is) it too must be considered a natural act. Furthermore, assuming animals are a reference to what is natural, they too engage in homosexual behavior, again indicating that homosexuality has a natural and earthly basis.

That said, the article is being actively challenged by Helem (aka Dream) an NGO that promotes sexual rights throughout Lebanon.(http://helem.net/) There struggle is a large one as the general public's attitudes to homosexuality can be relatively violent. Students of mine have actively stated homosexuals should be stoned as is deemed by Islam. Such practices in my opinion are Un-Islamic, as is preventing a group of people from choosing to live a type of life that is deemed inappropriate in Islam. A truly secular society encourages the freedoms and rights of all people to chose the life styles they feel best suits their faith and/or sexual preference. I would not support a women being encouraged publicly to practice what she feels is unIslamic behavior, likewise I do not support a man or woman who is of a specific sexual preference being denied the right to practice their preferences. One must always have the right to chose. Choice should be the anthem of this page.

 

F) WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET DEAR OLD FRIEND (BODY IMAGE)

How many women at this girls age believed that they were something grand, something magical. She believes it, she believes whole heartedly in the stories that are told to her, that if she is beautiful enough, she will be the princess every girl dreams of becoming. One should realize princes and princesses are as much a fabrication as they are an obsolete and overrated dream that only perpetuates the unfairness of the gender roles we are categorically squeezed into. But you have heard all this before, I'm singing the same old tunes. Its the afterward that concerns me more, for once you realize that the world is indeed not of your own making, and that it wont always work itself out by sleeping or singing, well then you're forced to reconcile that extra baggage you so dearly wish you could neglect. The jiggling stomach, or the oversized nose, or the undersized breast, or the ass that doesn't round out far enough are all symbols of who you are and what you are and yes they are imperfections. Our need to cut into our skin, tug at it just enough to make it give off the impression of perfection still doesn't negate the fact that we are imperfect. That it is our gift on this earth to be imperfect, to be different. In no circumstance does it make sense that the media bombards us with new definitions of what we should look like every day, but it is the case. In no circumstance does it make sense that if I were size 0 my attractive features would show. No you see every size has its beauty, every person her glow, every individual his/her distinctiveness and this is beauty. And this is what should be taught to this girl looking longingly in the mirror expecting some future that will not deliver. Lets save her the pain the torment, eradicate the struggle we women live with daily by opening up the doors toward a possibility of finding beauty in something that doesn't always lock us out. Lets learn to be proud of who we are!

G) What's to be  said about MASCULINITY (Women to Men Relations)

A) CULTURE

"Among [Egba of Nigeria] from West Africa, women dominated the trade and merchant exchange of goods of their community."

Similarly Arab women maintained economic autonomy from their men under Islamic practices. Much of the influence of Imperialism has radically changed aspects of history that cultivated at their times a degree of autonomy for women unseen in the Imperial cultures coming to liberate the savages. Such policies as the right to abortion and even certain legalized forms of prostitution, which only today do we see emerging as women rights matters in Europe, were present pre-Imperial policies. Culture plays a big role in how women are perceived and in what ways they are treated.

But the cliche talk about imperialism and traditions is now being further complicated by globalization. Our globalized world is gravely carrying with it an anarchic confusion that is to some extent irradicating the old and replacing it with the new, or morphed versions of the old, like fusion music. To some this is in effect a newer form of Imperialism, or a nasty tasting form of monopolized Capitalism, to others it is Americanization, to others still it is Westernization, and some simply call it progress. It is unclear what we are dealing with when we say globalization, all that is known is that there is a world that is growing faster and shrinking as a result of certain technological progressions.

            Now we have a threefold to take into consideration when addressing the cultural implications of feminism in third world countries:

B) RELIGION 

Islamic feminism exists-since I am one to not particularly advocate aspects of Islamic feminism, I have no right talking about it, that said, I do feel it is an alternative option for feminists to engage in. For one, Islam is a multifarious religion and there are tons of interpretations to be had and to be studied. For another, Islam is a beautiful religion and if women want to explore there rights within its codes and guidelines, who am I to say otherwise. (side story: my parents feel one day I will become a devote Islamic Feminist, they sing its praises) Lastly, but not least, Faith is a choice, and like my previously mentioned anthem, I'm all for choice, as long as it doesn't excessively infringe upon others. (That's a big AS LONG and is meant to be discussed in detail, but I feel it is a legal matter and one that will and is dealt with daily in that medium. Moreover, i feel discussing it in this post will exhaust the reader)

 

NOW THAT WE HAVE REACHED THE END OF THIS SONG I FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO SUM UP IN A FEW SENTENCES THE POSITION I HOLD ON FEMINISM: 

1. feminism upholds the importance of equality between the sexes
2. feminism is not essentialist nor does it eradicate difference 
3. feminism has vastly diverging perspectives and modes
4. I am a feminist
5. I am not a single type of feminist nor do i promote a singular overarching label, unless it is loose enough to identify myself with like feminism
6. We as feminists have a long ways to go as is evident by the previously mentioned information