tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4072269525970452782.post7064063839267669969..comments2023-06-21T06:57:54.536-05:00Comments on Consider It Said: Why Do They Hate Us: Culture NOT ReligionShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11510467818979375149noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4072269525970452782.post-42251593618337417922012-04-24T08:26:14.688-05:002012-04-24T08:26:14.688-05:00Thanks James. I think separating cultural practice...Thanks James. I think separating cultural practices from religious beliefs is particularly difficult with Muslims in the Middle East (though I would include a few other countries as well). So much of what people practice is "handed down" that the distinction becomes lost in the mix. <br /><br />But I wholeheartedly believe that the two ARE and SHOULD be separated. France has French culture and norms that French people across all religions accept and take part in. So does America. <br /><br />I think the treatment of women is a learned practice in the Middle East rather than a religiously-mandated one. Muslims in Bosnia, Turkey and Indonesia - the largest Muslim country in the world - have completely different practices and attitudes toward women.Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11510467818979375149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4072269525970452782.post-26393080682127886812012-04-24T01:40:01.268-05:002012-04-24T01:40:01.268-05:00Excellent post, Samira. Let me raise this point: ...Excellent post, Samira. Let me raise this point: would you agree or disagree with the statement that religion and culture are virtually interchangeable and inexorably intertwined? That is to say, the *culture* of chauvinism and misogyny is a consequence of religious belief?<br /><br />The counter to this is that for centuries, Christianity was equally oppressive to women, yet most "Christian" nations have made tremendous progress in women's rights. Likewise, most (really all) of my Muslim friends are hardly oppressive toward women, yet I do not question the sincerity of their beliefs.<br /><br />At any rate, is it even possible in most Arab countries to separate religion and culture, at least in the minds of those who live there?JJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00264454792646731758noreply@blogger.com