Stereotypes Of Middle Eastern Women

When you think of Middle Eastern women what first comes to mind? Most people visualize a covered up women that is restrained by her father or husband, they are frequently portrayed as uneducated and suppressed. These images vary from a person to another based on people’s views which can be influenced by many things: religion, politics, cultures and many others. The idea of western women wanting to free the oppressed Middle Eastern dames in discomfort would be rewarding and uplifting if all Middle Eastern women were oppressed or maltreated. However, that is not the case. Most lead pleasant, satisfying lives. Many are well educated and constructive members of society that have opportunities to go to school and have decent jobs. Middle Eastern

When picturing a Middle Eastern woman, many people automatically assume it is a woman covered from head to toe in a black cloth and usually negative thoughts are connected with this image. (Nolan)The problem with this idea is that one does not know exactly the reasons for the cover up or the head scarf covering the hair. There are different types of hijabs (veils) that women choose to wear to sustain modesty which is represented in the Koran (The Islamic holy book). There is the Niqab which covers up the entire face leaving a small slit for the eyes to see and there is the more common hijab which covers the hair and the neck leaving the face showing. The hijab actually symbolizes women’s status and freedom in Islam. (Nusrat) Freedom from the pragmatism and the objectification of a woman’s body and appearance. Hijab is not a symbol of oppression, women are oppressed because of social and economic logic in countries where women don’t even wear hijab like in the west. On the other hand,

As a result of Western misinformation and lack of awareness, Arab women are unfortunately, victims of the stereotyping process. There is little understanding of the status as women or the total context of their lives. They also are often regarded as anti-education. I argue that many Muslim women do not choose to eschew education, but rather are incapable to access this basic right primarily because lack of opportunity and socio-political force. Plenty of Middle Eastern women are voting, demanding change, involved in government jobs and positions and many other important roles in society. (Parween)According to the teachings of Islam, education is very important. The first revealed word of the Quran commanded the believers to "Read!" This command did not differentiate between male and female believers. (Sadek) In recent years, those who reject girls' education are not backing up their decision from a religious text. There is nothing in Islam which prevents the education of girls. What we see in some Arab countries of fathers or male guardians not allowing their daughters pursue an education is not a religious perspective, it is either influenced by the culture of that individual or just conservative thoughts of protecting the female. For example, a male family member that does not allow his daughter or sister to go to school is influenced by environmental and economic issues such as a family