KuteNurse

I have to agree with Salome. I am not by any means backing out of this conversation because I have much more to say, however, I would be happy to start another thread in the sauna.

Also, I am still waiting for my apology for name-calling.

Brea

I agree with A'isha about the Self Righteousness thing.

I have only read a bit of this thread but wanted to provide a part of a local humor column I once read:

You know how women wear high heels and then complain that their feet hurt? Why don't they just stop wearing them? In fact, the next time you see a woman in high heels, go up to her and shout "B***H!"

I always thought that was hilarious.

Also, as a professional driver, I can say that I don't need a man driving for me (I outdrive them all), so don't say 'women' would be safer if they had a driver. I've explained my views on all that kind of thing ad nauseum so I'll leave that out here.

I don't think I'd do well living in the Middle East. I don't do well living here.

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www.breamorgiane.com

sultan

It is very interesting how conformance with Islamic codes can be seemingly rigid or flexible depending on the standards of the culture in which it is found. Having known several Albanian and Lebanese Muslims in NY, all were very flexible in the application of Islamic norms in their daily lives. Separation by gender is totally unknown and it is the local culture that dictates such flexibility. Yet, none of them feel any less devout or less worthy of divine dispensation.

As for me, while I greatly respect Islam and have been privileged to have Muslim friends, sorry to say, the lifestyle shown in those tapes is not for me. Being a Latino, to me gender separation is unfathomnable. My current doctor is female as have been past employers. I coached women in sports and have always been surrounded by females all my life! The thought of being separated from women in social or domestic gatherings is something that I can never begin to imagine.

Therefore, while I respect the women in those videos, if I had a wife and daughters who were medical practitioners they would not be isolated from dealing on a professional basis with male colleagues.

Live and let live!

maariku

Hey! Just dropping in to share some interesting links with you

An article where to two girls explain where they wear on don't wear the Hijab
TheStar.com | GTA | Why I wear a hijab ... and I don't

A book by a girl who voluntarily decided she will wear the hijab
Amazon.com: Does My Head Look Big In This?: Books: Randa Abdel-Fattah

These are the stories of Muslims living in the West, but it might help us get a deeper understanding.

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"[A good bellydancer] must express life, death, happiness, sorrow, love and anger, but above all she must have dignity." -Tahia Carioca,

Mosaic

The book 'Does My Head Look Big In This" is a great story about a young girl in Sydney Australia, deciding to wear the Hijab, it was entirely her own choice. I really enjoyed the book

Aisha Azar

Dear Sultan,
Women in medical and other professional fields are not separated from their male colleagues, and they treat both males and females. The Islamic law is that a male and female who are not related are not supposed to be alone together. This has happened to me and many other women. In the U.S. if a doctor is doing a physical examination that requires the exposing of genitalia, then a third person will be present, presumably a nurse. This is for the protection of the doctor more than the patient. The Islamic law works in somewhat the same way in that both the man and woman are protected by not being alone together, though the reasons are different. There is no "isolation from colleagues".

sultan

Hi A'isha,

This is not what my Iranian friend told me. A female medic will not work on a male unless it is an absolute emergency. But perhaps his experience is so because he and his family are provincials and their lives are not impacted by the more modern urban sensibilities.

As for social gatherings, the idea that men cannot attend women's football matches is utterly abhorrent to a former coach such as myself. My friend told me at one time that he would not respect anyone young lady who travelled with a coach who was not her father. In reply I told him, in my culture as far as anyone is concerned, the coach treats his players as if they are his daughters and there is mutual respect at all times. My players used to call me ''Little Daddy'' because of the way I treated them. And as far as I am concerned, that's the way it is supposed to be.

Again, I am open minded enough to allow other cultures to practice the lifestyles they choose for themselves. Just as I respect them I expect them to respect me and my choices.

Aisha Azar

Dear Sultan, .....
I thought we were talking about Saudi Arabia, not Iran...??? I perhaps am confused. I discussed the issue in depth with a woman that I know who worked in hospital administration in Saudi Arabia.
Regards,
A'isha

sultan

Above, there are references to the Middle East, Egypt, the application of Islamic codes or ''Islamic culture'', and references to living in the West. Thus, the thread has been wide ranging. On that basis, it is only fair to continue to write about all of our experiences.

KuteNurse

I have to agree with Sultan. I saw a documentary on Arab women and I do not specifically remember which country/countries it was regarding. So forgive me if some of the information is incorrect. In the documentary, a female doctor was not allowed to perform any examinations or procedures on a the male species. She was only allowed to treat female patients. I believe it was vice versa also. An Arab man could not perform examinations or procedures on a female patient. I will do more research on this topic later tonight and see what I can come up with.