As uncontainable as my excitement may be about the upcoming release of the film Persepolis (based on Marjane Satrapi's outstanding graphic novels; go read them), I can't help but feel a touch of hesitation regarding the timing. What an interesting time for a film project providing a negative representation of an Islamic Republic to receive funding, right? One of t
he issues at hand in the film, the oppressive nature of countries populated by Islamic Fundamentalists, is far too complex to fully explore in a single doctoral dissertation, let alone my measly blog, so I won't attempt any exhaustive discussions here. However, I will take a moment to consider a question which constantly plagues me, and which will hopefully plague you upon taking the time to think about it (trust me, it'll be good for you).How can the concepts of fundamental human rights and cultural tolerance ever co-exist?
My feeling thus far is that they can't. Like parallel lines, the two will never logically intersect, although here in the United States, we certainly like the believe that they will. Hence the inability of many to see the double-standard hidden in our general outrage at, say, the veil worn by women in countries such as Iran. But what about that central feature of a liberal democracy (I am not using liberal as a counterpoint to conservative, re: bipartisan politics, but rather in its original meaning)? Liberalism stands largely for cultural tolerance. To simplify it, it is the belief that all cultures have the right to exist. Including ones that veil their women. Why, then, do we use fundamental human rights as a premise for the invasion of Afghanistan and the demonization of Iran? Is it a violation of human rights to insist that women veil their faces? (This does not even begin to touch on the topic of those Islamic women who view Western women as the true sexual prisoners, what with out greater propensity for breast implants and Girls Gone Wild.) Now, I bring this up not because I am a supporter of the veil, or because I want to defend Iran, etc. I certainly wouldn't want to wear it, and I wouldn't want to live there. I bring this up because I cannot decide which one I would choose: human rights or cultural tolerance. Can we have both? I don't think we can. And now I will proceed to think about this for the rest of my life...
3 comments:
YousShould read: Is Multiculturalism Bad for Women? - Okin. - Ellen
To begin with, you are incorrect in asserting that classic liberalism means cultural tolerance. Classically speaking, and especially in terms of governance, liberalism refers to the freedom of the individual, systems of government and the bloodless transition of socioeconomic systems. While cultural tolerance may be an acillary effect of such a government, it is by no means a staple of same.
The United States is a liberal democratic Republic. Iran is not. Afghanistan is now further along but has a long way to go. Having spent a good deal of time in a Muslim nation, I can tell you that while some women might choose to wear a hijab or full burqa, it is highly doubtful that as many as you might think would make this choice. Even if it were not ILLEGAL for them to dress in a different manner per brutally enforced morality codes, the constant threat of violence on the part of male family members or men outside the home would persist in many Muslim nations.
It often makes young, Western "tolerant" college students feel good about themselves to espouse multi-culturalism. Furthermore, these same young, naive individuals have most likely had minimal to NO experience with an Islamic government or met Islamic fundamentalists firsthand. Take it from someone who has experience in this area: Leave the multiculturalism at home with your Chomsky Reader and Che T-shirts. We can argue all day about the merits of regime change from security aspects to the spread of freedom. What is not open to debate however is whether or not we have the right to criticize fundamentalist Islamic governments and their abuses of basic human rights. I am not a cultural relativist. I will state unequivocally that life is better for women in the United States and Iran is a retrograde Mullah-ocracy run by men living well before the 21st Century.
Women in places like Iran don't need your multicultural spew. They need to live in a place where wearing a veil is perfectly acceptable but won't be publicly flogged for neglecting to do so. Your internal debate about cultural tolerance does nothing for the plight of women in fundamentalist Islamic republics but if it makes you feel better about yourself, knock yourself out. Unlike them, you have the right to engage in this discussion.
wow, some intellectual spew received. i agree with parts of what you've both said. what i'd encourage you to read is Ghandi's autobiography. my copy is called 'all men are brothers' and it is opening my eyes about a lot of things. he was always disgusted by his religion and culture's 'untouchable' class of the caste system. he struggled with some thoughts, but was absolute in hating this, as it truly denied the holiness inherent in all beings. anyway, i miss you julia, i really do. i live in berkeley and resolve to see you before 2009. can we make that happen?
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