No Woman No Drive? Do Muslim Women Need Saving?

Religion can often be a polarizing subject. Discussing Islam can take the debate to a whole new level. Toss gender into the mix and get ready for a firestorm of opinions. Events of this past week have opened the door for such a discussion.

This past Saturday Saudi women protested a ban on female drivers by getting behind the wheel and posting their drives on YouTube. It was a young man, however, that stole the show. Hisham Fageeh’s satirical video (above) has more than eight million views this week! Some were likely offended by the use of satire regarding such a serious social injustice. Others were likely offended at the suggestion that a Saudi woman not driving be considered a social injustice.  Nevertheless, this political satirist has people talking.

Anthropologist, Lila Abu-Lughod is certainly a significant voice concerning Muslim women. Her article in Time magazine, “Do Muslim Women Need Saving?” is a worthwhile read and brings a much needed perspective.  Her primary concern is that the Western portrayal of Muslim women perpetuates a simplistic stereotype. I think this cartoon pretty much sums up her argument. 

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So, what do you think? Do Muslim women need saving?

Caster, Trevor pic 2013

Trevor Castor is assistant director of the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies at CIU.