[clee1]

Maybe not....

I think it has more to do with an @ss-backward culture than it does with Islam.

[broadsword]

I think it has more to do with an @ss-backward culture than it does with Islam.

A$$-backwards culture, true, but it is Islam and the backward-thinking, oppression, murder, terror and misogyny of the Koran that produces that primitive culture.

[MonaMars]

"I think it has more to do with an @ss-backward culture than it does with Islam."

But wouldn't the ass-backwards culture evolve into something more civilized if Islam wasn't keeping it chained to the ninth century?

[valleygal]

You're right, it is the culture AND it's the religion.

The Invisible Society:
Women in Middle Eastern Culture

http://www.is.rhodes.edu/modus/96/Spivey.html


Excerpt:
The concept of honor plays a substantial role in the lives of both men and women in the Middle East. As previously explained, Middle Eastern society often revolves around the concept of public morality. Within this type of society, honor is of supreme importance. Fear of scandal is a major consideration in the daily lives of many Arabs.11 Upholding the honor of the family and protecting it from dishonor is a vital responsibility.

The family is at the core of women's position in Middle Eastern society. Furthermore, the family is the centerpiece of society in Arab states. It is the basic unit from which all other establishments revolve; it has shown great resilience and proven to be especially successful in the Middle East. 36 As is made apparent through the Arab proverb, "To forfeit one's family is to forfeit one's dignity," the family is held in very high regard, 37 and is even considered "sacrosanct" by men. 38 The contemporary Muslim view sees the family as responsible for the rearing of dedicate Muslims instilled with the "proper" cultural values. This responsibility rests on the shoulders of women. 39