Light blogging on my part today, but you must read this:
Dr. Sanity analyzes A VICIOUS MISOGYNY
Many women hate or envy other women whose existence lowers their own status with men, i.e., other women who are more attractive than they are either in looks or accomplishment, depending on the culture expectations. For example, in one culture a woman might attract men because of her beauty; in another because of her purity or religious devotion. A corollary to this is that the aging woman will increasingly become aware of her diminishing attraction to men or usefulness to a society that only values her reproductive capability. This sets up a dynamic tension between old and young women. In all cultures where female genital mutilation occurs, while it is the male-dominated society that mandates it, the operation itself is perfermed by older women on younger women; and has the direct effect of decreasing the sexual capabilities/responsiveness of the younger–thus “leveling the playing field” by some accounts. Older–“useless” women–can become socetal heroes only by embracing the violence and rage of the sexually frutstrated and fearful men.
Needless to say, the family dynamics in viciously misogynic cultures like those dominated by Islamic extremists, create severely impaired girls and boys. It has been noted by many researchers and observers that children of both sexes are routinely physically and sexually abused by male relatives (indeed there are religious rules that designate under what circumstances babies may be used for sexual gratification by adults) . The boys are publicly circumcised and the girls clitoridectomized. Women’s behavior becomes the source of all shame and dishonor, and they must be ruthlessly controlled. The degree of control is proportional to the degree of sexual repression and frustration (and hence rage) that is mandated by the culture/religion.
Dr. Sanity goes on to discuss how the cultural debasement and humiliation of women has a profound impact on the children. This is a must-read.
Dr. Sanity’s post relates to Siggy’s post, Monsters From Within, Monsters From Without, on a subject he and I had been discussing last month
Children want to please their parents. What does it say about a society where a parent applauds a child’s bigotry, hate and violent tendencies? What does it say about a society where that bigotry, hate and violence are taught in schools? What does it say about a society where parents approve of such educational priorities, and then has those priorities reinforced by media and religious instruction? The tragedies of these dysfunctional societies cannot and will not be overcome easily.
On a not-unrelated topic, Betsy posts on What ingenuity can accomplish. She concludes with,
If Arab nations weren’t so dedicated to hating Israel, they too could devote themselves to benefiting their people using Israel’s know-how instead of blaming Israel for their own nations’ backwardness.
Read all three.
