April 13, 2007

"my face, which is my identity"

It seems that Islamists are trying to get women broadcasters off Saudi television --- or at least, women's faces. It's ok if they look like black tents on the screen.

Westerners cannot understand what kind of courage it takes to stand up to a lifetime of daily oppression, but a young Saudi woman, TV newscaster Buthayna Nasser, is stating her case without apology. In a face-to-face debate with Islamofascist Nasser Al-Huneini she states: (From MEMRITV.ORG)

"Sir, when I appear on TV, and when I claim my right to play a role in this professional field, I demand that my face, which constitutes my identity, be seen. Under no circumstances am I prepared to allow my identity to be obliterated."

Just think about this woman's courage. She is risking physical and psychological abuse for her honesty. But she doesn't hesitate:

"Who are these people who wish to decide for me how I should behave? Why do you treat me as less qualified just because I am a woman? Why is there always a male voice deciding how I should behave? The Lord created me equal to you in my duties, punishment, and reward."

Are we listening? Are Western feminists paying attention? Hello, Nancy Pelosi?

"From the age of six or seven, from elementary school until high school, when we reach the age of 18, and even later, when we go to university - we memorize, memorize, and memorize. Whoever dares to argue or to question anything is called upon to ask for Allah's forgiveness. He is told that this will get him into Hell. You, who frighten people with Hell, have brought them a hell upon earth. ...Yes sir, we are being brainwashed on a daily basis ... ."

Maybe the Royal Navy can show this video to its new recruits, to remind them what real courage looks like? Maybe it should be required viewing throughout Western schools and colleges, where we manage to forget how many acts of daily heroism it required to let us live fat, dumb and happy lives.

Let liberty ring throughout the land. Yes, even in the Middle East.

James Lewis blogs at http://www.dangeroustimes.wordpress.com/