What Muslims Think - Pew Poll

Submitted by Maurice Picow (Israel), Jun 30, 2006 at 11:20

Islam is not any easy religion to adhere to, in most countries that is. Regarding rights of women, for example, their treament by Muslim men ranges from not so bad (in countries like Gt. Britain and Turkey) to downright terrible (Sudan and other Sub-Sararra African countries), Saudi Arabia, and (formerly) Afghanistan. Obviously most Muslims, especially those living in countries addering to the strict Saari Islamic Laws, have a severe disdain for Western cultures, especially with 'anything goes' liberality.

Muslim women living in Saudi Arabia, for example, having to wear the type of clothing they have to in public, not being allowed to drive or venture out in public alone, have a difficult time, and nonly now are beginning to make attempts to create changes in their societies. The granting of the right to vote to women in neighboring Kuwait may eventually be beneficial to Saudi women as well. since they are still denied this right.

Interesting enough, women's sufferage only suceeded in America in 1920, when they were finally given the vote, as well as other rights, especially in regards to certain employment, property owership, etc. In fact, American women before this time also lived within fairly strict laws, and most women knew that they had few opportunities, other than to marry and raise families.

Even dress codes for American females were fairly strict until the 1960's, with girls not being allowed to wear trousers or jeans in public schools!

Still, though, as compared to Muslim women, Western females ,including those in the USA, have always had an easier time at simply being females. There will always be a big difference in opinion between Muslims and non-Muslims concerning a lot of issues. And those differences, are plainly evident today in our post Millenium world.

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