How would you describe these women? What words come to mind? Women in the Middle EastWomen in the Middle East

Women in the Middle East Video >

Covering by country Iran – loose fitting clothing and a head scarf that covers her hair. Jordan – not enforced by law, but 60% of women wear coverings Saudi Arabia – everything covered except the eyes; no bright colors Afghanistan – mandatory burkas under the Taliban; now optional; very socially unacceptable to not have one in the south.

The desire to return to the fundamental life of strict Islam crashes into the reality of globalization and peoples desire to have “what the West has.” Women’s rights are at the forefront of that conflict, as some rights that women have here in the US strongly contradict Islamic law, or sharia. Iran A Region of Conflict Ms. Bahrain *For instance, in many cases a woman must ask for her husband’s consent in order to divorce.

Do’s and Taboos in the Middle East Cy-Woods HS

Women’s Rights In Saudi Arabia, which of these pictures shows a woman doing something illegal? The woman in the car.

Women are not allowed to eat in the regular dining area. They must be accompanied by a man. The clash of globalization and fundamentalism in Saudi Arabia today. Women’s rights

Women’s Rights Why would this woman not be allowed into government buildings in Turkey? Like France, most religious symbols are not permitted in government buildings.

Secularism Turkey is a prime example of a secular society: one that is NOT based on religious law.

Saudi Arabia You hold the door open for a very distinguished looking Saudi, but he just stands there, waiting for you to go in first. Why? The person of “lower” rank always goes in first.

Do’s and Taboos You are walking down the sidewalk with an Arab business partner and he suddenly grabs your hand. What do you do? It is not uncommon for men in the Middle East to hold hands. It is simply a sign of friendship.

Do’s and Taboos What do you have to be careful about when eating a meal in Arab countries? Eating or passing food with your left hand. That hand is reserved for sanitation purposes.

Do’s and Taboos Why might an American find talking to an Arab man a little uncomfortable? Arabs generally don’t have a concept of “your space”. They may carry on a conversation about a foot apart.

Do’s and Taboos Why can an Orthodox Jew eat a giraffe but not a pig, but only if they don’t have a glass of milk with it? Giraffes are kosher, meaning they have cloven hooves and ruminate (chew their cud), pigs only have the cloven hooves. Meat and dairy are not to be mixed.

Do’s and Taboos What is this baby thinking if she has an understanding of Arabic customs? “You are lower than the dirt on my feet.”