The above image, seen in a BBC article, is both humorous and mildly disturbing. It depicts a swimming European tourist juxtaposed to a Tunisian local. Clearly there is quite a difference between the two. It serves a blatant reminder of the stark cultural contrasts of the world as well as certain human and religious rights issues that are currently being deliberated. It is also responsible for signifying one side of a debate that many might not expect to be supported.
In Tunisia, after a long-standing secular administration recently gave way to a more religiously accepting one, many men and women have seen this as a great victory rather than a step backwards. It is common now across many regions of the globe, specifically in the West, to do just the opposite in terms of government. While others are moving away from religion, it is evident that some wish to return to it. They wish for more freedom of faith. Even more surprisingly, many women enjoy wearing traditional garbs like the hijab and niqab. "I feel like a princess when I walk down the street wearing this" one young woman claimed. From this side of society's point of view they see this change as one concerning religious freedom. Yet, others are looking at it from a completely different angle-- a human rights one. There is fear of reverting back even further which has subsequently led women to the streets in preemptive protest. There is now a line split right down the middle between individuals of the same culture and of all ages regarding their stance.
No comments:
Post a Comment