Afghan beauty queen makes history

BBC.com ^ | 10-24-03

[veronica]

Samadzai has lived in the US since 1996

Afghanistan is to compete in a beauty contest for the first time in more than 30 years and almost two years after the fall of the oppressive Taleban regime. Vida Samadzai, 25, who has lived in the United States since 1996, will compete alongside 60 other women from across the world for the Miss Earth title in Manila, the Philippines, contest organisers said.

Ms Samadzai, or Miss Afghanistan as she will be known in the competition, will take part in all sections of the contest, including the swimsuit section.

It is a sharp contrast to the beliefs of the former Taleban regime, which demanded that women wear coverings, or burqas, from head to toe whenever they went out in public.

Charity works

Ms Samadzai, who now studies at a Californian university, said her participation in the contest sent out a powerful message to her fellow countrywomen.

"I would like to make people aware that, as Afghan women, we are talented, intelligent and beautiful," she told Reuters news agency.

"I'm happy and I feel great that the country is relieved from the Taleban's regime.

"Now, women can go to school, go to work, they're free. They don't have to wear those long burqas anymore."

Ms Samadzai is also not just a very beautiful face; she helped to found a US-based Afghan women's charity which raises awareness of women's rights and education in the troubled country.

And she is only the second Miss Afghanistan to take part in a beauty contest.

Zohra Daoud was crowned Miss Afghanistan in 1974 and technically still retains that title.

[snopercod]

She's very attractive. This is going to drive the mullas nuts. I love it.

[DannyTN]

That's just wrong.

[Admin Moderator]

Do not post that again.

[FastCoyote]

I think I just swallowed my tongue.

[dirtboy]

So that's what's lurking under those burkas...

[Right Wing Professor]

I dunno. I'd like to see a chromosome test. Thick neck, broad shoulders...maybe the mullahs have figured out how to have a beauty queen that doesn't involve women without burkas?

[Diogenesis]

BUMP for GOTTA SEE THIS-WarEndur.Freedom 10/25/03 - Kabul, Kandahar, Kunduz, Manila

[smith288]

Miss Afghani needs to eat some food...Taliban aint hording it anymore.

[veronica]

Great bathing suit she's wearing.

[Old Sarge]

Congrats, and Hubba-Hubba, Miss VIda.

Here's a few cheeseburgers...

[kinghorse]

No comment except to say we are really asking for it. Afghan people are probably seriously insulted by this. Face facts. They are a humble hyper-conservative society. We are progressive liberated society. Greek Hoplites fought Persian Soldiers over this same clash of values.

I do not see this kind of "liberation" as constructive or culturally sensitive. It's like putting MTV on for Afghan children and asking for their reaction. That was way dumb. I don't let my kids watch that trash.

Now if you are of the opinion that this culture is odd, queer whatever, and is in need of extermination (an opinion which I assume a goodly number of Freeper share), then this kind of "humiliation" would cause delight. But it's not constructive.

[ex-Texan]

I believe she is one beautiful woman. Hope the Mullahs do not go after her for this, because she is also courageous.

[antiRepublicrat]

If only she had the eyes of the girl from the National Geographic cover. It's sad to see her now, as she's had a hard life since that photo.

[The_Media_never_lie]

I agree with you. There is no excuse for this sort of "in your face" cultural insensitivity. I am no pc person myself, but the only thing this will do is help the crazies convert conservative Afghanis to their militant cause.

That being said, how does one prevent this Afghani lady from entering the contest in a free society, if that is her choice?

[Cyrus the Great]

Your website is filled with crap.

The Persians and Greeks didn't share different values. And Persian culture nor history has nothing to do with an some beauty queen in Afghanistan.

My Greek friends have virtually the same exact culture, and have a deep love for Persian culture and history.

Alexander the Great when he conquered the Persian empire, knelt down and kissed the tomb of Cyrus.

I suggest you educate yourself.

[kinghorse]

I guess the alternate argument is that we won't ever change the thinking of the ignorant madrassas indoctrinated masses. The only way we could hope to avoid their ire would be to convert.

Or leave them the f alone. Our insatiable thirst for minerals kind of eliminates that option.

[kinghorse]

I guess Salamis never happened huh.

[Diogenesis]

She has every right in a free society to try for any contest she desires.

Don'tcha think?