Individual+Assignment

Feminism in Religious Societies Feminist theology involves the notion that women ought to be treated equally among religious authorities. Feminist theologists also attempt to understand the roles of women within sacred texts, workplace and household. Religious aspects of marriage are imposed within the household, through female requirement to carry out chores, take care of her children, prepare meals and for both genders to refrain from divorce. Society does not treat females the same way it treats males with regards to their expressions of desire. Therefore, beliefs and values of society are integrated within religion, thus striving to form organization within society. However, particular individuals disagree with these standards, which causes them to demolish society’s rules of behaviour. Lebanese artist, Haifa Wehbe, and Croatian artist, Severina, recognize inequalities between men and women. Each artist demonstrates that a woman is capable of defending her position within society and liberally expressing her desires. Essentially, both artists enable the development of westernization within their societies, which results in controversies and disorder within each culture. This essay explores the question whether or not it is acceptable for Islamic and Catholic women to counter the views of modern society in order to defend their position within society. Feminist theologists argue that due to the fact that writers of sacred texts are male, stories of female contributions are limited to male viewpoint. Christian feminists state that “the Bible writers were simply men of their times and were limited in their perspectives” (Rhodes, 1991). In Timothy I reading of the Bible, Paul states that “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” (Rhodes, 1991). Thus, this relationship between men and women remains present in modern society. Christian feminists view Paul’s remark extremely degrading to females, as he makes it clear that males possess authoritative power over females. Islamic feminists also “want to go back to Quran, not to the jurisprudence created by different people” (Badran, 2004). They believe that readings of Quran are important in their faith and governmental rules do not relate to their religious beliefs. On the other hand, feminists recognize sexism within the Quran, such as in the reading of Sura 81, which states “And when the one buried alive is asked for what sin she was killed” (VOX, 2006). A female Muslim states that “The reference here is to the burying alive of daughters, a practice common among the pre-Islamic Arabs who… buried alive their female children” (VOX, 2006). Islamic feminists argue that the aforementioned Quran reading demonstrates inequalities between men and women and female inferiority during this particular period. However, this circumstance remains present in modern society, as most males are recognized as possessing superiority over females. The general public views male liberal expression of sexual desires as ordinary, while the society views women as inappropriate and scandalous individuals if they express similar sexual desires. Due to religious beliefs being based upon specific principles of behaviour, artists of Croatia and Lebanon abuse religion in order to defend their position as females in society. A widely famous Croatian singer, Severina, abuses religion through blasphemous behaviour in order to demonstrate that society should accept women’s expression of desire, just as society accepts men’s expression of sexual desire. She sparks controversy within her country as a result of the release of her new album, //Zdravo Marijo//, which translates to //Hail Mary//. The song is also a tremendously popular single throughout the country. Severina conveys a message that she, too, is capable of incorporating religion with sexual desires, just as men are permitted, as she states within her song “ you´re a worthy guy to amuse me. God, give us more men than years. Hallelujah” and “Hail Mary, let it be your will, that I won’t be an old girl, without adventures” (allthelyrics, 2008). She demonstrates that if men do not encounter problems in expressing sexual desires through music and religion, women should receive similar treatment in expressing their desires in this way, as well. The lyrics of the song //Hail Mary// are exceedingly disagreeable for a Catholic culture. However, if one looks into her intentions in composing this album, she raises a valuable point, remarking that “the album is called //Hail Mary//, because the album, in its entirety, is feminine, it contains women’s themes. Unfortunately, a woman is still not at the same level as a man. However, if a man is allowed to be humorous in using God to give them many girls, then women should do the same” (Pink, 2008). Despite the popularity, Croatian citizens view her as extremely inappropriate, as a result of Severina’s blasphemous attire for the song //Hail Mary//, which includes a picture of Holy Mary on her shirt and a rosary hanging around her neck. A member of YouTube commented on one of her performance videos, stating it’s “a shame!” (spiroh24, 2008). Indubitably, her appearance and lyrics demonstrate extreme sacrilegious behaviour; however, she illustrates that a woman is capable of defending her position in society and that she is able to reach the same level of liberty as men. The entire album counters religious beliefs to demonstrate who she is as a person, and that she, as a woman, can do this, as well. During most of her performances, Severina covers herself and is especially composed when performing songs that involve feminine themes, including //Scoundrel// (SeveFanClub, 2008). In this way, she supports female humbleness and protection of her own body. Through her music, she enables the audience to become knowledgeable of inequalities that still exist between men and women in modern society. On the other hand, a widely famous Lebanese artist, Haifa Wehbe, does not use religion to define herself as a liberal woman. Instead, she counters views of the Lebanese society, which expects women to dress conservatively. Through her revealing attire, Haifa Wehbe reveals that women should be able to possess equal rights as men and that they have the right to behave the same as men. Haifa Wehbe abuses religion by not following conservative attire, which includes concealment of the body. Through her physical appearance, she enables the country to alter its image as a more liberal country. Western feminist view asserts that concealment of the body relates to suppression of women, as it bears resemblance to inferiority. With changing of the culture comes greater controversy and more issues arising within the country. A number of Muslim women “say that their veils don’t protect against harassment…but fuel it. (Knickmeyer, 2008). In this way, Muslim women argue that men degrade their position within society. Another man states that “The woman herself is the one who makes men harass her” (Knickmeyer, 2004). Therefore, according to this specific male, the woman seems to be the reason why she’s harassed. This is extremely degrading as it shows that men are not to blame for sexual harassments that they perform on women. Instead, women seem to be required to be suppressed and shunned from society in order to avoid being labelled as a provocative, scandalous individual. Thus, Haifa Wehbe breaks religious views that the government imposes on its society. Similar to Severina, Haifa Wehbe attains immense popularity throughout Lebanon. However, many individuals recognize her as being a disgrace to the country. For instance, a Yahoo blogger states that “Haifa is an embarrassment and shouldn’t even be considered a muslim” (Rasha,2008). Moreover, the government of Bahrain disallowed Haifa Wehbe to perform, because “the pop superstar's performance would be sexually provocative, violating Islamic conventions” (Harrison, 2008). Through this, Haifa enables Lebanon to become Westernized and demonstrates that women are capable of being males’ equals. Within her book, //Promiscuities//, Naomi Wolf, a feminist, states that “women must reclaim the legitimacy of their own sexuality by shattering the polarization of women between virgin and whore” (Wolf, 1997). Thus, Wolf describes women as sexual beings, similar to men in their expression of desire. I personally spoke with a //Luna// driving instructor in Mississauga who is Lebanese. He states that “Haifa Wehbe is a prostitute. A disgrace to [Lebanon].” He also explains that Lebanon possesses highly conservative values, and their society is “in shock when a new, unaccepted image is introduced to them.” As Habib Battah, editor of the Middle East Broadcasting Journal, states, “Right now that's what's happening with music in the Middle East - it's being used as a way to connect young people” (Usher, 2007). Through this connection of young individuals, Haifa Wehbi allows her audience to recognize the liberty that women should have, when expressing their individuality. Feminist theologists demonstrate the major issues that Catholic and Islamic societies have within their cultures. Throughout history, women have been recognized as inferior individuals within societies. Women attempt to defend their position in society with their religion being based upon specific principles of behaviour. Thus, gender inequality remains present within modern society. Works Cited Badran, Margot. "Islamic feminism means justice to women." __The Milli Gazette__. 31 Jan. 2004. 3 Feb. 2009 . Harrison, Frances. "Lebanese singer causes Gulf storm." __BBC__. 30 Apr. 2008. 28 Jan. 2009 . Knickmeyer, Ellen. "In Egypt, Some Women Say That Veils Increase Harassment." __Washington Post__. 17 Aug. 2008. 3 Feb. 2009 . MayGoLoco. Weblog comment. __All the lyrics__. May 2008. 3 Feb. 2009 . Megan. "On Feminism and Islam: Qur'an (42:49-50)." Weblog comment. __VOX__. 12 Feb. 2006. 3 Feb. 2009 . __Muskarcu samo treba Kurva__. Dir. Sevefanclub. Perf. Severina. __YouTube__. 15 Sept. 2008. 2 Feb. 2009 . Rasha. Weblog comment. __Yahoo!Answers__. 2008. 3 Feb. 2009 . Rhodes, Ron. "The Debate Over Feminist Theology." __Reasoning from Scripture Ministries__. 1991. 5 Feb. 2009 . Usher, Sebastian. "Arab youth revel in pop revolution." __BBC__. 21 May 2007. 28 Jan. 2009 . __Zdravo Marijo (Ami G Show '08 - TV Pink)__. Perf. Severina. __YouTube__. 28 Sept. 2008. 2 Feb. 2009 . __Zdravo Marijo__. Dir. Pink. Perf. Severina. __YouTube__. 16 June 2008. 2 Feb. 2009 . Wolf, Naomi. //Promiscuities//. New York: Balantine Publishing Group, 1997.