How come its ok o enslave women but not people of color?

[James]

It wasn't too long ago that apatheid was a world evil in south Africa.

Americans all over the country were incensed that blacks were third class citizens and that there was a category where other people of color were also discriminated against by law.

The pressure grew so great that American companies began divesting from South Africa.

So how come no one complains, protests, or calls for divestment from so many muslim countries that practice discrimination against women on a level that makes South africa pale by comparison?

Women are forced to cloth themselves head to toe, have many restrictions that men don't have, sometimes face gential mutilations.

Is it because we inherently value women less? In south africa it wasn't only black women that suffered but black men also.

Or is it because its not ok to discriminate and hurt people using social theory, but it is ok to discriminate and hurt people using religious belifs?

I would think women all over the nation would be up in arms about this.

[swissmiss04]

James there are. Amnesty International is one of many organizations that attempt to bring justice to women in these countries (as well as many others).
If you notice the very same countries that are most strict about the types of abuse you listed (Saudi Arabia is a prime example) are the same countries with whom we continue to maintain diplomatic relationships. Saudi Arabia is home to more human rights violations (not only against women but against foreigners and domestic workers) than China ever had. Because of oil, we've stupidly maintained friendly relations. If they didn't have oil we would have already pulled an Iraq scale smackdown on them. I'm not saying we shouldn't. The house of Saud is the most corrupt and vile regime in power today. They finance terrorism. They finance Islamic groups only if they agree to further their sick brand of Islam (called Wahabbism). Not only does this cause misery and corruption, but it totally has destroyed and divided Muslims all over the world. Maybe we should pull out of Iraq....and nip these megalomaniacs in the bud.
In short, our moral values as Americans have been sold out to economic "necessity".

James,

I totally agree with you on this one. It is a trend all over the world to value women less than men. Shockingly to some of you and others, valuing women less happens in America as well. Who are the ones that usually stay at home with the kids, cleans the house, does the errands, does the laundry? Women are the ones that are in the majority when it comes to doing these things. Yes, it has to be done, but men are less likely and willing to do so. Women are still paid less than men and are expected to be the ones that stay at home and quit jobs or take time off when the kids are born. Men are still considered the breadwinners in America, and it doesn't matter the race. Housework and the sorts are considered work although it's not paid work and men tend to look down on the wives that stay home and tell their wives what to do if they're not working a paid job. Women are still, to an extent, expected to follow behind their husbands saying, "Yes, master. No, master. What is it you want or like?"

[Taualumna]

Originally posted by ztawinthropgirl
James,

I totally agree with you on this one. It is a trend all over the world to value women less than men. Shockingly to some of you and others, valuing women less happens in America as well. Who are the ones that usually stay at home with the kids, cleans the house, does the errands, does the laundry? Women are the ones that are in the majority when it comes to doing these things. Yes, it has to be done, but men are less likely and willing to do so. Women are still paid less than men and are expected to be the ones that stay at home and quit jobs or take time off when the kids are born. Men are still considered the breadwinners in America, and it doesn't matter the race. Housework and the sorts are considered work although it's not paid work and men tend to look down on the wives that stay home and tell their wives what to do if they're not working a paid job. Women are still, to an extent, expected to follow behind their husbands saying, "Yes, master. No, master. What is it you want or like?"

But at least in the west, we have a choice. I totally intend to give up my job when I have kids, and become a soccer mom. In fact, I might do it after I'm married.

[valkyrie]

Originally posted by ztawinthropgirl
Women are still, to an extent, expected to follow behind their husbands saying, "Yes, master. No, master. What is it you want or like?"

LOL, if I ever met a man who thought like that, I'd kick him to the curb so fast he wouldn't know what hit him. I see what you're saying, though, but there are those of us who wouldn't stand for it.

[TheEpitome1920]

I guess I'm confused by the title of this thread. Its wrong to enslave people period regardless of skin color, ethnicity, race, etc.

And why don't you think women all over the world aren't protesting these practices?

[Rudey]

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920
And why don't you think women all over the world aren't protesting these practices?

I don't think they are - definitely not on the level as South African apartheid.

-Rudey

[moe.ron]

Here are some anti-slavery organizations:

http://www.antislavery.org/
http://www.freetheslaves.net/
http://www.interpol.int/Public/THB/

Slavery is still prevelant in the world. There are approximately 25 million people involved in various form of slavery, from debt bondage to human traficking.

Sudan is the one country which needs more attention from the world. Beside the massacre in Dafur, the slavery situation there is perhaps one of the worst in the world.

I am not trying to sound facisious. I am just asking an honest question. Why do you want to stay at home with the kids? Is it because that's what you have seen for the majority of the time, women staying at home with the kids? Why not you work and your husband stay at home with the kids? I am not trying to flame or offend you or mock your decision. I just am wondering and very curious.

ETA: For everyone, women are usually looked down upon when they choose to work instead of stay home with the kids. It's kind of like they're shorting their kids if they choose to work outside the home. Whereas, if I man stays home with the kids, people view it as if he's a wimp because he "can't" find a job that pays more than his wife's or chose to "let his wife be the leader of the house". I feel that a marriage is 50/50 and no one is the leader of the home. I also feel that a man or a woman can stay at home with the kids. I would just like to see more men stay at home and women not looked down upon for working outside the home when she has kids. I also wish to see more women feel like they don't HAVE to have children or be married to be a functioning person in this country. Honestly, I don't want to have kids nor get married (that's of cours my own personal decision). I also would like to see more people not look down on people, especially women, that decide not to have kids or be married. I have heard "Oh, you'll be that old lady that's lonely, bitter, and has 100 cats." No, I won't be because #1 I am allergic to cats so that'd be hell on earth for me and my allergies. #2 What am I going to be bitter about? Not ever being married? No I won't because that's my own decision and I have very good reasons for it. #3 Lonely is only in the eyes of the beholder. I have maintained very good friendships and those friends will be with me for a good long while. I also have my family. Also, I might be married one day but I might not. I am not setting my life goals on being married.

[valkyrie]

Ztawinthropgirl, I like your attitude! I'm glad to see that there are young women who feel the way you do!

I notice that you're in South Carolina -- I think that it varies greatly by region whether women are looked down upon for working or for not having kids. I've lived most of my life in the Chicago area, and from what I've seen, I don't think that, in general, most people have a problem with women who have kids and work. I never got any slack for not wanting to have kids, nor did I ever feel any societal pressure to get married. Marriage and kids seem to be emphasized more in certain areas of the country.

The "you'll become lonely and bitter" thing makes me laugh. There's no guarantee that if you have kids, they'll want to have anything to do with you when you're older. I'd rather be alone than have anyone spending time with me because they feel obligated.

[Taualumna]

I want to stay home because I'm an old fashioned girl. I'm the kind of girl who will change my last name after marriage, and is perfectly happy if social invitations are addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Husband's Name. It was the way I was brought up (actually, not really...Chinese women tradtionally don't take their husband's name) and the way I intend to raise my kids. Therel'l be no "Ms." in my future, except if/when I'm working. I'm currently a "Miss", and I'm very glad that some institutions still have that honourific. I find it sad that many young women don't feel the same way.

[PM_Mama00]

I've always wanted to just get married, stay home, and take care of my husband and kids. That's just how I am and maybe it's the Italian culture in me.

However, coincidentally enough, Not Without My Daughter was on TV today and I watched it. I CANNOT BELIEVE that there is a whole country of males who treat women like that! I knew it was bad over there, but I didn't realize it was that bad. I could never ever put up with abuse-- emotionally or physically. It really made me cry to think that women are pretty much shit on a stick in some countries.

[swissmiss04]

Originally posted by PM_Mama00
I've always wanted to just get married, stay home, and take care of my husband and kids. That's just how I am and maybe it's the Italian culture in me.

However, coincidentally enough, Not Without My Daughter was on TV today and I watched it. I CANNOT BELIEVE that there is a whole country of males who treat women like that! I knew it was bad over there, but I didn't realize it was that bad. I could never ever put up with abuse-- emotionally or physically. It really made me cry to think that women are pretty much shit on a stick in some countries.

It's one of many countries that treat women like "shit on a stick". As I see it, very few countries in the world *don't* treat women like that. It's terribly tragic but unfortunately because so many people (men and women) have been raised to believe that this is how things should be, it will likely be a long while before we see any large-scale changes.
But back to topic...I really don't want to stay home. If I did have kids I would stay home for the first few years, or figure out a way that I could take them to work with me.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by PM_Mama00
I've always wanted to just get married, stay home, and take care of my husband and kids. That's just how I am and maybe it's the Italian culture in me.

However, coincidentally enough, Not Without My Daughter was on TV today and I watched it. I CANNOT BELIEVE that there is a whole country of males who treat women like that! I knew it was bad over there, but I didn't realize it was that bad. I could never ever put up with abuse-- emotionally or physically. It really made me cry to think that women are pretty much shit on a stick in some countries.

Iran used to be a country with much more liberties for women and other religions. When the Ayatollahs came they ripped the heart out of the country. An idiot named Jimmy Carter screwed over the Shah and a lot of stupid American idiot liberals (who should be shot) protested to have the shah removed because he wasnt' democratic enough - they all got their wish.

-Rudey

[swissmiss04]

Originally posted by Rudey
Iran used to be a country with much more liberties for women and other religions. When the Ayatollahs came they ripped the heart out of the country. An idiot named Jimmy Carter screwed over the Shah and a lot of stupid American idiot liberals (who should be shot) protested to have the shah removed because he wasnt' democratic enough - they all got their wish.

-Rudey

Hmmm...sounds like a really great guy...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohamma...ahlavi_of_Iran