I like to think that something interesting happens every day. It might not be anything that's a big deal, but we poor humans are subjected to so much negativity, I like to be on the lookout for things that are fun, or interesting, or positive in some way. Even things that aren't positive can be interesting, too, at times. Who knows what might find a home on these pages?
Anyhow, today's cool thing was that only women were on the phlebotomy schedule today, so once we'd all struggled through our day and gathered back in the lab to finish the paperwork, my buddy Anne poked me and said, "Hey, Kate, look. Rebab has her scarf off."
Now, in case anyone doesn't know, Muslim women keep their hair covered in the presence of men, with the exception of their husbands, fathers, and uncles and their children. So, you'll seldom see a Muslim woman in any kind of public situation uncover their hair - even if they're in some sort of "all women" facility, they won't uncover for fear the UPS man might walk in. And, of course, not all Muslim women keep their hair covered. It's based on many different factors.
Anyway, I turned around and Rebab has pulled her scarf off. She has this wonderful mane of hair, long, thick and straight, honey brown in color. Anne reached over and "petted" her hair. "Only other women are allowed to touch another woman's hair," she said. (I sort of beg to differ on that - I'm sure Muslim men aren't adverse to running their hands through their beloved's hair), but I did understand what Anne meant. Anne knows I'm doing research of the Middle East for a book I'm working on, so she unconsiously feeds information to me about African and Middle Eastern culture from a personal viewpoint.
What else struck me was the erotic quality of seeing something "forbidden" so to speak. One reads in romance novels about males becoming undone by the sight of a 'well-turned ankle' or more of a 'heaving bosom' than they're used to seeing. Imagination certainly *does* work its magic when the unknown is the norm. It was wonderful to know that Rebab had grown to trust all of us enough to let down her guard on a little portion of her daily public life.
8 comments:
Very glad for the trust being shown - but I'm afraid I consider that particular culture to be ill almost beyond saving.
Have you done much research on the origins of the hijab(sp), chador and burkha?
Orion
I've often wondered why they cover their hair, and if they ever do uncover it outside of their home. Neat thing to read Kate.
Kate got Linky Loved by Jeff O'Rion!!
I agree with you Kate, it would be a special moment to see her hair when it is always covered. Hmmm maybe us ladies should go back to showing next-to-nothing, and only uncovering little "bits" like a peek at an ankle. Imagine how our men would become even lustier?? LOL
**hoo boy, gettin' hot in here**
Yes, quite actually I *have* done a lot of reading, and listening on the subject of burkhas, hijab, and chandor. When all the s*** came down with the Taliban, and to a lesser degree with Kholmeni (sorry, too lazy to look up correct spelling), being the feminist I think I am, I was PISSED at how the women were being treated. How DARE those men subject those women to those antiquated rules!
But, a few things have come to pass since the days of 9/11. I've had the chance to meet some Muslim people, and some people from that part of the world who may not be Muslim, but lived either in countries with a large Muslim population, or non-Muslim people who left Iran or other countries that were under horrible regimes. At least, they are horrible to us! I have to take into consideration that maybe not ALL those people want what democracy has to offer!
And then there's a comment that Gandhi made: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Man, did that hit me. I had to think what *I* felt was wrong...and how could I begin to fix it? I'm just one person!
But, I have eyes, ears, and a voice. I'm smart. I have a talent for words. If I were still a journalist, what kind of human interest stories would I be looking for?
And then one day I was working my shift at the all women's gym I was a trainer at, and one of our two Muslim members was in there, and I had a chance to talk to her one on one. The conversation lasted for two hours. I learned a lot from her, and she learned a lot from me. And as much as I hated to admit I might be wrong about anything, I had to take a good hard look...at myself and my lack of giving a damn about learning; I was only reacting to what I'd seen in the media coverage. I had to admit that I knew next to nothing about the Muslim religion. I knew about Christianity (hell, I grew up in that!), I knew a fair amount about Judism, Buddism, Native American beliefs, etc., but I was clueless about a religion that seemed to be playing a huge part in MY world. Time to learn. NOT politics, NOT media coverage, but people. I chickened out on calling the Islamic center in a nearby town. I'd read that they had received many threatening calls and emails after 9/11...what would they think of someone else asking questions at that point in time? I am a firm believer that when the God/dess is ready to provide answers, the teacher will be found. And that happened.
Right now I don't have time to go into it, but I will be glad to continue if there is interest in hearing about it!
I've worked directly with two Muslim women who do not wear the burkha while they work. In fact, one of them works with me now. And, I was flabbergasted just today to hear that she wears the burkha whenever she is doing something of a religious nature. I didn't expect it because, once again, I was assuming - wrongly - that because she wore Western dress at work, it carried over into the rest of her life.
One of the things I was naive about before I began researching was what happened behind closed doors. I made some poor assumptions - I was *sure* the women were forced to wear that garb all the time! I was shocked to find out they wear jeans, and tank tops, and sandals. They have fun with coloring their hair, they keep up on the latest hairstyles. They are as adventurous about sex as we are, their teenagers are just as bratty, and so on!
And, I'm learning really neat things about how they feel about their faith - far different than what I expected! I know there are unsavory Muslims just as there are in any other culture/religion, but I'm enjoying the journey listening to people who are living their faith!
Y'know, Jude, I've known Jeff a long time and believe me we've talked about many things Celtic, and it had never occurred to me to say O'Rion! I love it! LOL
I would love to learn more about that and many other religions and ways of living. If you want to share i'm more than happy to read on! :)
Fascinating what you've told us so far Kate, I too would love to hear more.
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