10 Extreme Examples of Gender Inequality
Published on November 20, 2008 - 237 Comments
The human rights of women throughout the Middle East and North Africa are systematically denied by each of the countries in the region, despite the diversity of their political systems. Many governments routinely suppress civil society by restricting freedom of the press, expression, and assembly. These restrictions adversely affect both men and women; however, women are subject to a host of additional gender-specific human rights violations. For example, family, penal, and citizenship laws throughout the region relegate women to a subordinate status compared to their male counterparts. This legal discrimination undermines women’s full personhood and equal participation in society and puts women at an increased risk for violence.
Family matters in countries as diverse as Iran, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia are governed by religion-based personal status codes. Many of these laws treat women essentially as legal minors under the eternal guardianship of their male family members. Family decision-making is thought to be the exclusive domain of men, who enjoy by default the legal status of “head of household.” These notions are supported by family courts in the region that often reinforce the primacy of male decision-making power.
Here are ten of the most extreme examples of gender inequality you can find currently practiced, often state-sanctioned, in the world today.
In Saudi Arabia, women aren’t allowed to drive, or even ride bikes, and men aren’t allowed to drive women they’re not closely related to. The kingdom is currently dealing with the dilemma of how to get 367,000 girls to school on buses that can only be driven by men. The logical question at this point is this: If no men are allowed to come in contact with schoolgirls, and women aren’t allowed to drive, who will be driving the school buses? The Ministry of Education is currently recruiting “Al-Ameen” or trustworthy men for this initiative. It may be hard for some to take this term seriously considering the way Saudi Arabia’s religious police infamously broke the trust of 15 girls’ parents in 2002 when a girls’ school was on fire. The police forbade them from leaving the building, and in some cases beat them to keep them from leaving, because the girls’ heads weren’t properly veiled. The girls all died in the fire. One has to wonder how the Ministry of Education plans to handle school-bus breakdowns near similarly inclined men.
In 2001 a militant group called Lashkar-e-Jabar demanded that Muslim women in Kashmir wear burqas, head to toe garments that cover their clothes, or risk being attacked. Men threw acid in the faces of two women for not covering up in public. The group also demanded that Hindu and Sikh women dress so as to identify themselves: they said that Hindu women should wear a bindi (the traditional colored dot) on their foreheads, and Sikh women should cover their heads with saffron-colored cloth.
In many countries, while husbands can divorce their spouses easily (often instantaneously through oral repudiation), wives’ access to divorce is often extremely limited, and they frequently confront near insurmountable legal and financial obstacles. In Lebanon, battered women cannot file for divorce on the basis of abuse without the testimony of an eyewitness. A medical certificate from a doctor documenting physical abuse is simply not good enough. Although women in Egypt can now legally initiate a divorce without cause, they must agree not only to renounce all rights to the couple’s finances, but must also repay their dowries. Essentially, they have to buy their freedom. In Israel, a man must grant his wife a get, a Jewish divorce writ that can only be given by a man to his wife - never the other way around.
In many areas of Afghanistan, girls are often taken out of school when they hit puberty. Cultural factors related to the ‘correctness’ of sending girls to school, reluctance to send girls and boys to the same school after third grade, as well as the perceived and real security threats related to girls walking to school and attending classes all contribute to slowing down the enrollment of girls in schools. Likewise, the enormous lack of female teachers, who are fundamental in a country where girls cannot be taught by a man after a certain age, is having a negative impact on girls’ education. While progress has been made since the fall of the Taliban, women are still struggling to see their rights fulfilled. Literacy rates among young Afghan women are disturbingly low: only 18 per cent of women between 15 and 24 can read. While the total number of children enrolled in primary schools is increasing tremendously, the percentage of female students is not.
Husbands in Egypt and Bahrain can file an official complaint at the airport to forbid their wives from leaving the country for any reason. In Syria, a husband can prevent his wife from leaving the country. In Iraq, Libya, Jordan, Morocco, Oman and Yemen, married women must have their husband’s written permission to travel abroad, and they may be prevented from doing so for any reason. In Saudi Arabia, women must obtain written permission from their closest male relative to leave the country or travel on public transportation between different parts of the kingdom.
Women’s unequal legal rights increase their vulnerability to violence. In many countries in the region, no specific laws or provisions exist to penalize domestic violence, even though domestic violence is a widespread problem. Domestic violence is generally considered to be a private matter outside the state’s jurisdiction. Battered women are told to go home if they attempt to file a complaint with the police. Few shelters exist to protect women who fear for their lives. Spousal rape has not been criminalized; husbands have an absolute right to their wives’ bodies at all times. Penal codes in several countries in the region also contain provisions that authorize the police and judges to drop charges against a rapist if he agrees to marry his victim.
In Bahrain, where family law is not codified, judges have complete power to deny women custody of their children for the most arbitrary reasons. Bahraini women who have been courageous enough to expose and challenge these violations in 2003 were sued for slander by eleven family court judges.
Most countries in the region-with the exception of Iran, Tunisia, Israel, and to a limited extent Egypt-have permitted only fathers to pass citizenship on to their children. Women married to non-nationals are denied this fundamental right.
Many countries criminalize adult, consensual sex outside of marriage. In Morocco, women are much more likely to be charged with having violated penal code prohibitions on sexual relations outside of marriage than men. Unmarried pregnant women are particularly at risk of prosecution. The Moroccan penal code also considers the rape of a virgin as an aggravating circumstance of assault. The message is clear: the degree of punishment of the perpetrator is determined by the sexual experience of the victim.
China’s one child policy has heightened the disdain for female infants; abortion, neglect, abandonment, and infanticide have been known to occur to female infants. The result of such family planning has been the disparate ratio of 114 males for every 100 females among babies from birth through children four years of age. Normally, 105 males are naturally born for every 100 females.
Similarly, the number of girls born and surviving in India is significantly less compared with the number of boys, due to the disproportionate numbers of female fetuses being aborted and baby girls deliberately neglected and left to die. The normal ratio of births should be 950 girls for every 1000 boys, however in some regions the number is as low as 300.
Contributor: rushfan
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1. Reynan Retazo - November 21st, 2008 at 2:43 am
Im first, its a first
2. Devon - November 21st, 2008 at 2:45 am
Excellent list and quite brave of you too post it!! I see you have the wonderful brave lady, Ayaan Hirsh Ali….what a lady…and she has to live most discreetly as Islam has ordered a hit on her!!
Take note, that almost all of this list pertains exclusively to Islam…funny that…and yet we keep deluding ourselves in the West with Cultural and moral relativism that Islam is no different or worse then any other ideology or creed…
One you could have added is child marriage which is permitted in Islam since muhammed himself, the so called ‘prophet’ of islam married a 6 year old girl when he was in his mid fifties…..and sadly, since that is considered Sunnah, many childred to this day are married off to older men in the Islamic world…gross to be sure…
Great list
3. Pyderz - November 21st, 2008 at 2:45 am
Just back from site and Second
4. Pyderz - November 21st, 2008 at 2:46 am
3rd
5. astraya - November 21st, 2008 at 2:50 am
Rushfan: Your usual thoughtful, well-researched, well-written socially educational list, but something cheerful please!!!!
I’m a man. I can’t even start to go close to imagining what life must be like for these women. Connected with this is lack of women’s access to information about what life is like a) in general and b) for women, in other countries. Most of these women can’t even imagine life being different than it is.
Please let this not turn into a religious slanging-fest.
6. Denzell - November 21st, 2008 at 2:53 am
DAMN YOU! (I’m just saying that to those IDIOTIC dudes who think they can’t live without women. Even though I’m a guy…
Look at it this way. Who endured nine, painful months just to lead you to existence? What is that person’s gender?
7. Donna - November 21st, 2008 at 3:00 am
Wow! Really scary list.
Makes me happy to be where I am with the rights I have.
8. Denzell - November 21st, 2008 at 3:02 am
And, what will happen to the future of China once women are gone? Is it possible for men to impregnate themselves to continue the human life cycle?
9. Emar - November 21st, 2008 at 3:07 am
All these things happen in the name of religion.
10. Maxhuman - November 21st, 2008 at 3:10 am
Great list. The title was a little misleading though. It said gender inequality said only about female inequality. I dont know if its because there is no cases of male inequality or just because this was targeted for women. Im sure there are way more cases for inequality against women but isnt there 1 or 2 against men? Would be interesting to see
11. VikingBerserker - November 21st, 2008 at 3:16 am
No wonder these countries are so screwed up, they only use hslf of their brains.
12. sugen - November 21st, 2008 at 3:49 am
With respect to the right to divorce, I have my reservations. Women in most developed countries, especially America can kick the man out of the marital home if she files for divorce. Is this not an inequality issue? Some women have made a business out of this: Marry the rich man, follow him and when you catch him cheating file for divorce and take half of all his possessions. In fact what makes this funny is the way they fight this out in court especially the amount to be paid. It is really funny. If you want to remove inequality you don’t create another inequality.
To increase the number of female entering universities in Ghana, if a women gets aggregate 08 and a man gets 07 (which is better than the 08, the best is 06) the woman is admitted ahead of his male colleague. Is this not an inequality issue.
When it comes to inequality we only have to be careful of what we say and do. I give equal opportunity to everybody in life but I hate the specific individuals who go around trying to espouse women equality. In Ghana, these women are the well-to-do with housemaids (women househelps) in their homes, yet go about propagating the news of equality.
13. James - November 21st, 2008 at 3:52 am
I think this list sums up why the US and the UK bang on about “the free world” so much.
14. Foxy - November 21st, 2008 at 4:44 am
There is a single ground for which a fundamentalist regime will grant a woman the right to divorce her husband: if he is impotent! But you need solid proof! How to get it?
On another kind of note, I think it’s great that you mentioned the names of the countries where these violations happen, so that readers know it’s not a generalized phenomenon throughout the Muslim world, as there are such countries with lay governments and liberal politics.
It would be interesting to note that women’s rights are gravely violated in non-Muslim countries as well. Another list, maybe?
15. emu - November 21st, 2008 at 4:48 am
To sugen you counter argued your own argument by stating that the women follow thier husbands catch them cheating then file for divorce for the money. if your married you shouldn’t be cheating, therefore he is in the wrong. though i dont agree with women who marry just for money and who have their husbands followed its a minority.
I dont agree with putting someone ahead of others unless they are good enough. however men have been allowed to be ahead for centuries and women are still discrimnated against and not paid equally even in the western world so maybe they deserve a helping hand even if it means a man with slightly better qualifications is turned down. though to be honest in reality this i dont think this happens very often, though it may where you’re from.
16. Severus - November 21st, 2008 at 5:01 am
many of those information are not true
am from Jordan, and woman can travel were ever they want !!! withour the permission of anyone except their parents if they are minors
17. JK - November 21st, 2008 at 5:04 am
Nice list.
I am deeply shocked by this list. Cant believe this gender discrimination is so extreme in some parts, and mostly in Muslim countries.
These people bring shame to Islam.
18. JK - November 21st, 2008 at 5:05 am
Plus, this “women cant easily divorce thing” is very common. And its sad.
19. Atinna - November 21st, 2008 at 5:07 am
When I read this list I literally shocked,, I just curious what was in the back of these people who made this regulation,, and it is in a middle east countries (which have a moslem majority) and islam itself is a religion that respect women very much
20. Suskis - November 21st, 2008 at 5:15 am
Islam states that in front of the law, 2 women equal 1 man. This is enough to me. I am disgusted.
Until religions dominate countries, nothing fair can be expected.
21. Precision - November 21st, 2008 at 5:19 am
Excellent list, highlighting some very important issues. As a male I have to wonder if it is too much to hope that one day we will live in a world where the same rights are afforded to both genders.
Gender inequality also exists in western societies, although not in such extreme forms. Women are still paid less than men on average and the majority of top level management positions are filled by men. The situation is improving though, and hopefully in future the divide narrows further.
I sincerely hope that this list does not generate a torrent of racist comments. I am sure that was not rushfan’s intention in writing this list.
22. tim - November 21st, 2008 at 5:19 am
I agree with Devon that it is good to see that Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s picture made it into the list (#5). She has a great story, which wikipedia retells fairly well.
Also, I agree with Severus about Jordan. Just read this one excerpt from the CIA Factbook: “Municipal elections were held in July 2007 under a system in which 20% of seats in all municipal councils were reserved by quota for women.”
All in all, great work!
23. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 5:32 am
10. Maxhuman - Great list. The title was a little misleading though. It said gender inequality said only about female inequality. I dont know if its because there is no cases of male inequality or just because this was targeted for women. Im sure there are way more cases for inequality against women but isnt there 1 or 2 against men? Would be interesting to see
Thanks, that’s a good point. I hadn’t even thought of it. I guess I just kind of assumed it was a given which gender was most often victim of inequality.
sugen ~ Also good points. I would include affirmative action as racial inequality and your examples as gender affirmative action are quite relevent, also. Thanks for that.
Foxy ~ Yes, sadly the list could go on to include many other countries.
Severus ~ As you are from the country I have only read about, please inform me if I am incorrect. Here is where I read that info…
http://www.theprismgroup.org/a....._east.html
24. Eve - November 21st, 2008 at 5:39 am
This is sickening. The girls, who were left to die in the fire-how can human beings allow this to happen????
25. astraya - November 21st, 2008 at 5:44 am
Even in a relatively advanced country like South Korea, there is a famous ongoing case. A famous actress committed suicide about 2 months ago. Her husband had beaten her, even when she was heavily pregnant, and had been unfaithful. In a divorce, the automatic assumption is that the father will gain custody. She had to forgive a substantial debt and drop the assault charges against him in order to gain custody. After the divorce, he did not contribute financially to the raising of the children, or ever visit them. Despite this, he automatically gained control over her estate after her death, and the grandmother and aunt have no legal recourse. There are currently protests and petitions to change the law.
I am relying on my wife’s sometimes fallible ability in English in this. The details may be wrong, but the gist is correct.
I was wondering if there were any examples of gender inequality against men. If there are, they must be few and far between compared to those against women.
26. onwisconsn - November 21st, 2008 at 5:54 am
One thing that came to mind was genital mutilation. I recall seeing a 60 minutes story that talked about teenage girls have their…ah…parts…sewn shut by operation except for a small hole to pee. Once healed, the only way for a man to consumate his marriage was by tearing the woman back open. This caused many to bleed to death. Either I somehow missed it on the list or it was omitted.
27. onwisconsn - November 21st, 2008 at 6:00 am
Astraya, I agree with you that there must be some inequalities that involve men getting the short end, but the only ones I can think of are more of double standards and much less severe than those included. The one exception is the rights of passage that someAfrican tribes employ (or used to) concerning boys/young men. I don’t recall any comprable tests of womanhood, but I could be wrong.
28. faunadestia - November 21st, 2008 at 6:02 am
So sad..
#26.. that’s horrible
29. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 6:05 am
onwisconsn ~ please see my other list…
http://listverse.com/crime/7-t.....the-world/
30. MT - November 21st, 2008 at 6:13 am
An interesting but disturbing list. It shows how in some cases Religious beliefs can sometimes cause much more harm than good. But, although the atrocities mentioned do happen they are not as common place as it seems. Larger cities in the Middle East and Africa for example are more tolerant than the outlaying villages. However, it still shows why the U.S.A. and other westernized countries still offer the best opportunities for both genders.
31. Sana - November 21st, 2008 at 6:17 am
I am completly dissappointed at this list and how it shows Islam. Being an educated muslim woman i would like add my point of view. Islam is in no way cruel to woman. Infact, Islam came in a time when women had absolutely no rights at all but if u would like to know Islam introduced many of the female rights we have today the right to divorce, education, inheritance, mehr which is money or proprety that is given to her after marriage by her husband, and there are so many more infact our holy book the quran has an entire surah(part
) on women’s rights before islam men would inherit their father’s wives as if they were a piece of property and Islam put a stop to that. And Devon our prophet (peace be upon him) did marry a young girl aisha but if we look at history no less than a two hundred years ago girls were thought eligible to marry at age 13 or 12 and the prophet lived at the time of the romans and to add something you probably dont know the prophet’s first wife was over 15 years older than him and didnt marry again till after her death and all the other women he married were widows which he took in take care of them and introduced the right for women to remarry another right all us take for granted today and yes before compilling a list check if the information you print is true or legitimate deeply dissappointed listverse.
32. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 6:29 am
Sana ~ I appreciate your input and respect your viewpoint. You state “Islam is in no way cruel to woman.” I agree. It is not Islam that is being cruel to women, and no such claim was made. One has only took do a brief search to find supporting documentation of examples of female inequality in the underdeveloped world as well as countries run by religious extremists. I’m surprised in this day and age of global news coverage that anyone would even attempt to deny these inequalities exist.
33. LordCalvert - November 21st, 2008 at 6:30 am
Hey there #31. I find it so amusing at how some people try to defend that gutter cult and it’s child molester ‘prophet.’
Nothing you have stated changes a single thing on this list. Islam is a backwards outdated cult.
If that’s offensive to some people….GOOD!
34. angryfeet - November 21st, 2008 at 6:38 am
Sana, I agree that what you say is true, and I don’t dispute it. However, the things on this list are also true. Religion has been distorted and used by many people through history to oppress and cause pain. It was not so long ago in America that the Bible was used to justify slavery and racial oppression. This doesn’t make the Bible or Christianity bad, it makes the people who used it in such a way bad. In the same sense, this list is about the atrocities that people commit, not an attack on Islam.
35. Sana - November 21st, 2008 at 7:18 am
Thankyou rusfan i know that in some places muslim women are being mistreated being an afghan i know that but some people think that islam belittles us women n thats not true.
N mr.33 i have a name n i have no need to defend my prophet nearly 2 billion muslims all of whom respect n love him n whether islam is outdated in your view i dont care wat offends me is that you would reply me in such an undermining way just because im a muslim woman im not going take ur crap never have n never will. K
36. Ariela - November 21st, 2008 at 7:20 am
“In Israel, a man must grant his wife a get, a Jewish divorce writ that can only be given by a man to his wife - never the other way around.”
This is only the custom of the religious… Israel is NOT a theocracy and women ARE equal to men here (an easy example is having a woman prime minister before the USA).
37. ali hayat - November 21st, 2008 at 7:21 am
Yea, i have to agree that these things are commited in the name of religion (islam, mostly), but WE try to defend our religion, not the people who commit hideous crimes & Islam has to bear the brunt of criticism. Just to clarify, Ayesha (R.A) was NOT 6 years old, she was 9, 10 or 11 ( varying sources) & as said by sana, in those days it was normal to marry girls of around 10, 11… SO lordpervert, you better not call our prophet anything we dont like, you can bitch all day about your own religion, not others.
38. zubair kaka - November 21st, 2008 at 7:25 am
LordCalvert
wow lord calvert it seems that whatever sana had written failed to to be processed by your brain. Perhaps your “liberal” education has failed to widen the horizons or your ability to understand.
I agree that we need the west to give liberty to all these muslims. I mean how else will our muslim sisters and mothers EVER be able to show their breast on TV or at a madi gras in exchange for a string of beads? How will they ever be able to act in Pornography?
Thanks to the west who gave us an endless stream of child pornography, who occupied our muslim lands, killing the bread winners and forcing those who fled into prostitution. how we needed your help. we only survived 1400 years without any changes, but maybe with your help we will make another 1400.
This list is brilliantly researched. You managed to find a Muslim country where all these things were perpetrated. Skipping all the non-muslim country where these same crimes are being committed. you have reached your goal of smearing Islam. You must be so proud.
39. bry the creep - November 21st, 2008 at 7:34 am
Is that baby in the last picture sitting in a bowl of food? Looks like chili.
40. Philmont237 - November 21st, 2008 at 7:34 am
I was suprised that female genital mutilation wasn’t on here.
Also, I would have a lot more respect for Muhammad if he kept true to his original message. Once he started to preach that Muslims should pray towards Mecca and not toward Jerusalem, he took the focus of Islam off of Allah and put it more on him.
I will also quote Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus, “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”
41. ali hayat - November 21st, 2008 at 7:36 am
& so, some SOB forgot that when muslim women are told to cover themselves, islam is labelled a terrorist religion or a religion with inequality, but when christian nuns cover themselves, does anyone say christianity is discriminating ??? & then i thought you westeners were more intelligent
42. kiwiboi - November 21st, 2008 at 7:40 am
rushfan - great list!
43. ali hayat - November 21st, 2008 at 7:40 am
I hope someone understands… & changes thaie opinion about Islam.
44. kiwiboi - November 21st, 2008 at 7:42 am
when christian nuns cover themselves, does anyone say christianity is discriminating
ali hayat - but Christian nuns will not get abused or terrorised or have acid thrown in their faces if they don’t cover up…
45. Bob - November 21st, 2008 at 7:51 am
Islam invented women’s rights now? That’s absurd. The fact is Christians were the first to press for fair treatment of women.
46. Sana - November 21st, 2008 at 8:02 am
Bob islam n christianity r in some ways similar we both believe in Moses Abraham and all the other prophets but you have to agree christianity forbidded divorce in general n women had no right of inheritence i have seen the actual writings forbidding both.
47. zubair kaka - November 21st, 2008 at 8:03 am
Philmont237 is was not him who changed it It was Allah who changed the direction of prayer. If you have a problem with the Quraan thats another story.
Well done on quoting the Pope and spreading hate speech on Islam. Not only is your statement untrue, BUT why dont you mention how the west came to Africa and RAPED the people and land in the name of spreading Christianity.
Also Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologus lived about 700 years AFTER the prophet (peace be upon him) But i supposed the fact that he spent his entire life fighting against islam makes him an excellent candidate for hero or thinker for the west regardless of his expertise.
48. Simons - November 21st, 2008 at 8:06 am
Sana
I believe your stance that this list is all about bashing Islam is completely off topic. The list was showing the countries where outrageous human rights violations are being conducted towards Women. The list is not named “The horrors for an Islamic Woman” so chill the hell out.
#5 completely disgusted me, and it is reason alone that I thank God every day that I live in a place that these things are not allowed to happen. Sana can you even imagine getting raped by a sick twisted stranger, and then when you finally mustered the courage to go to the police and point him out, all he had to do was aggree to marry you (IE sign a paper and rape the crap out of you whenever he wanted, while nothing else changed for him) and he would be released as though nothing happened. Maybe instead of whining about Islam being smeared, you should be praying to your Allah to protect those woman this is happening to everyday.
49. JayArr - November 21st, 2008 at 8:10 am
Devon(2) Remember that there are a number of other societies in which girls are married off between the ages 8 and 12 - and they are not necessarily muslim.
James(13) Spot on!
Precision(21) Sweden is a wonderful place.
Astraya(25) In the U.S. there are only a few that I can think of; the ugliest of which is with custody of children - the general rule is for the mother to gain custody unless she either does not want it or is found to be unfit (definition varies here). Of friends and family I have known who went through custody proceedings, only 1 in 9 ended up with the father gaining custody, and 3 in 9 ended up with some form of joint custody.
50. psychosurfer - November 21st, 2008 at 8:11 am
Ready to rumble then!
Yeah people, keep on fighting for who´s right while all this girls and women suffer mutilations, rape, torture for whatever reasons some motherf$#% invented.
Come on guys, it´s not Islam or Jews or UFOS, its each one of us.
Which means we are all doomed.
Sorry, not my best day
51. JayArr - November 21st, 2008 at 8:17 am
Sana(31) You might already know the site I’m about to list, but it certainly opened my eyes about a few things regarding Mohammed’s marriages:
“http://www.muslimhope.com/WhyDidMohammedGetSoManyWives.htm”
52. copperdragon - November 21st, 2008 at 8:21 am
Great list! Very sobering and I’m glad I (and my sister, mom, ex-wife, daughter) don’t live in these countries.
It is true the most EXTREME examples of gender inequality pertain to women.
The most extreme example of gender inequality for MEN is the American divorce court system, where men are severely discriminated against and punished, especially if children are involved. (long live pre-nups!)
As unfortunate as this is, it is still less extreme than any example on this list.
53. sashley31 - November 21st, 2008 at 8:22 am
I agree with #40.. where is female genital mutilation? That is a major problem in nations in Africa. Perhaps to present a more global view of female inequities (and not just Islam) rushfan should have included that in addition to female infanticide in China & India.
Also, ali hayat - Christian women, even in centuries past, could either marry and have children or head up to a nunnery. This matter of choice, even if it wasn’t their own in the past, makes a difference from all Muslim women, who are required to cover themselves.
54. JayArr - November 21st, 2008 at 8:24 am
LordCalvert and Zubair Kaka, please take such mean-spirited and spiteful commentary elsewhere. It does not belong in this venue. I WAS having a great day up to this point. I will say no more, as my blood pressure is rising with every keystroke.
Peace to all; out here.
55. dave4248 - November 21st, 2008 at 8:38 am
The single greatest detriment to humankind can be summed up in one word….Religion. When we are rid of it, atrocities like these..not to mention many more, will be gone. The only problems religion helps with are ones that it was responsible for in the first place.
56. Cyn - November 21st, 2008 at 8:43 am
the thing to remember is that every religion has been used in perverse ways to further men’s exploitation, domination, abuse, tortue and murder of women (and children) ..it is a gender issue from the beginning. religion is only a contrived late player in the game. as is the case w/ so many other contrivances like politics, religion just proved an easy diversion from the truth, that being that men have historically subjagated women (and children). something that seems to always get lost in translation. and yeah, things have improved for women (and children) ..in some parts of the world but any review of WHO stats on the deplorable conditions for women (and children) in most of the world does not justify being optimistic that trend will continue, in my opinion. seems like every step forward there are 3 steps back. i’m just damned glad i was born in America and still live here, as bad as it gets here..it is nothing in comparsion to the utter hopelessness in some parts of the world. least here there is still hope.
after i’d proofed this list last nite, emailed J as usual that i’d done so, i commented that this was a depressing list. nothing against the author or J’s decision to post it and it is a subject that always needs airing…still rather bleak way to head into the weekend.
*sigh*
57. Brickhouse - November 21st, 2008 at 8:48 am
This was an excellent list. I do love lists that illicit feeling from me. This one was anger and hurt and a desire to change things, though I’m not sure how. I feel for everyone of those girls/women and imagine the mothers who have to kill their daughters in China, the hurt they must feel as well.
I was angered at the girls who had to burn to death because of their veils. That’s just beyond stupid. I tell my kids that if they need to get out of the house because of a fire, I don’t care if they’re naked, I just want them alive. These policemen didn’t even care enough about these girls to try covering them, if it was absolutely necessary.
And to have to marry the man that raped you because he agrees to it… Where is the justice in that?
ali hayat: Nuns choose their course in life and choose to dress with a head covering, but are not always required to wear a certain length skirt, etc. The Hindu and Sikh women mentioned here are not given the choice, as they are violently persecuted if they do not wear exactly what is required. (FYI: I am Agnostic, so my defense of the nuns is not personal, it’s factual to the best of my knowledge)
58. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 8:50 am
sashley31 ~ please see post 29
Cyn ~ Sorry to bring you down. I wrote & submitted this list some weeks ago and just kinda assumed maybe it was too depressing and wouldn’t be published. Like you, I am a mom of a daughter and when I was younger and first discovered Ms. Magazine I was overwhelmed by what I learned about women in other countries. I’ve just never gotten over it.
59. mawe - November 21st, 2008 at 8:53 am
JayArr you getting your info from a website which homepage states it wants us to turn to “christ the messiah” thats like going to get history of USA from Iran
60. Kelsi - November 21st, 2008 at 8:54 am
I don’t think female genital mutilation really qualifies as inequality since male genital mutilation is practiced much more widely than the female version. Granted, the female version is more horrific and painful, but still…
Also, it’s important to consider the other side of the issue here. Do you make an effort to understand the cultural reasons behind many of the cultural expectations attacked here? Woman’s rights have come a very long way in Egypt in the past decade. Egyptian women now have the option of dressing in the western fashion or in the more traditional dress. Many of the women choose the traditional garments for very personal reasons. While I do not agree at all with lack of legal rights or abuse of anyone for any reason, understanding where the traditions stem from is a vital part of any debate about them. I thought this list was well-done and carefully respectful, noting only legal facts. Not every country is or wants to be as progressive as the rest of the world in that area.
61. Sana - November 21st, 2008 at 9:00 am
hey every1 i just want to say i dont hate u guys (with the exception of lord wats his face) but it needs to be known religion is not to be blamed niether are innocent people to be blamed so when i thought my religion was being wrongly shown so i wrote abt it n i stand by my decision but there were a couple people who showed me n my religion respect that was nice to see after a long time thanks guys.
62. Cyn - November 21st, 2008 at 9:12 am
rushfan -
which are both always good things.
not to worry sweetie. its a good list. subject matter is definitely something that needs to be continually brought to our attention..until it is no longer an issue.
and its not like LV is always light entertainment.
and it did make me ‘count my blessings’ and hug my daugher..again.
63. smurff - November 21st, 2008 at 9:15 am
On Nov. the 2nd this year a 13 year old Somalia girl gets raped by 3 men and she gets stoned to death by Islamic militants who say that she committed adultery.
What God would require the public slaughtering of a rape victim ? Is this one of those ” she was asking for it ” situations ? How does a 13 year old end up dead in front of 1,000 witnesses as punishment ?
These subhuman zealots should have no place on our planet. Their self righteous atrocities must be considered unacceptable by humanity.
Nice list - but sad - Thanks.
64. ali hayat - November 21st, 2008 at 9:18 am
59 mawe: Absolutley!
& nuns too cover themselves, so it isnt much different in our religion except that (sometimes), the face is also covered. Throwing acid is one example, it isnt AT ALL widespread, though it is just plain wrong, it ISN’T connected to islam.
& morover, no. 2 is absolutely crap. THEIR IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN ISLAM STATING WHATEVER IS SAID IN NO. 2. IM INTRIGUED, HOW CAN U SAY THAT WHEN WE OURSELVES (MUSLIMS) HAVE JUST NO INFORMATION OF THAT?? We, about 2 billion muslims hav no problem with our religion whatsoever, i dont understand why you people have?? If Islam was so retarded, it wouldnt be the fastest growing religion(in your god damned america too) & its followers woudln’t be so fanatically in favour of its rules & regulations. I think that states perfectly my point.
65. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 9:22 am
Inspired by Warrrreagle and this list…Today is Bjork’s 43rd birhtday ~ born 21 November 1965 ~ “It’s incredible how nature sets females up to take care of people, and yet it is tricky for them to take care of themselves.”
66. MplsBrad - November 21st, 2008 at 9:23 am
How could you miss the blatant sexism of Catholicism? I have never understood why a single woman would remain in the Catholic church considering the treatment they receive. There is no reason at all why women cannot be priests (or for priests not to marry). The Catholic Church pisses and moans about the priest shortage when all they have to do is allow female priests and married priests. The priest shortage goes away along with most of the gay priests. Child molesting would go way down (though not away).
67. guy - November 21st, 2008 at 9:24 am
wow that was pretty upsetting. i know that these muslim men think they are in the right according to their religion but damn they are heartless towards women.
68. Cyn - November 21st, 2008 at 9:27 am
even as an atheist (i was raised Baptist in the Bible belt so its not like i don’t get it)..i would urge people to be respectful of people’s choice of religion (or in some cases, the religion they were born into) and understand the difference between Islam and those that would pervert it to their own agendas. and yes, not just Islam but any other religion you care to mention too. horrific atrocities are now being and have been committed in the name of God, by every religion. so let’s not single out Islam.
i just wish the ‘good followers’ got more press but apparently that doesn’t sell soap.
69. disco.x - November 21st, 2008 at 9:32 am
To be completely honest, i have no influence from religion with this matter. I am not religious and nor am I an atheist so I agree that the sooner everyone is treated equal the better
I am NOT saying that religion is to blame because it is not. It is what people believe and think is “right” that is the problem, none of this is. It’s wrong and there is nothing more to be said. I can confidently say that no arguement for it is worth listening to, and I always need to hear both sides before I make a judgement!
It is extremely sad about what is happening to the unforunate victims such as the one smurff was talking about (cool name btw :D)
And just as a sidenote, while reading this it was obvious that almost every other comment was going to blame religion, debates are fun!
however the subject is a big shame D:
70. Freshies - November 21st, 2008 at 9:55 am
These people are savages that do this to women. The countries that embrace these ways of lives are filled with men who are a bunch of brainwashed, scared, small-penis, losers. No wonder they hate the western culture so much, we threaten their whole way of life. They know that we will bring freedom to there women, and then they will be able to make their own decisions. You know that this pisses the shit out of the men, they won’t be able to force sex, or make their daughters marry who they want. What a messed up area, I can’t blame the U.S. and England for trying to change how messed up it is over there. Only if we knew that is the only reason they are there.
71. elartistamadridista - November 21st, 2008 at 9:57 am
While I think there are issues with “reverse” gender inequality in the Western countries, regarding divorce and child custody, I can´t help to think its a bit frivolous comparing them with the situations described here.
Number 1 is truly horrific, in certain regions in India they are trying to forbid ultrasound scans in pregnant women to avoid the widespread practice of aborting female fetus.
72. Maleficence - November 21st, 2008 at 9:58 am
It’s depressing how much of this is attributed towards Islam and not the people who supposedly follow it. What’s also depressing are the posters here who show such intolerance and ignorance similar to the type of hate and ignorance that influences the kinds of crimes and inequality which womenn in this list have had to endure.
73. segue - November 21st, 2008 at 10:20 am
Even though I knew most of this beforehand, having it all gathered together in one lump sum is overwhelmingly depressing.
I can’t even comment on the list.
74. Freshies - November 21st, 2008 at 10:20 am
Maleficence,
What’s ignorant is you, and not wondering how a human being can not stand up and voice there own opinions in the own country without getting killed or put in prison.
75. Ray Bees - November 21st, 2008 at 10:22 am
We’ve had corpses, war and now this.
I dread to think what’s coming tomorrow!
76. Valkyrie - November 21st, 2008 at 10:31 am
You forgot one big one: Female genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision. It’s horrific and denies the women any chance at pleasure so they’ll be faithful to their husbands and not want sex. This makes the vast majority of marital sex as good as rape.
There was also the woman who was recently stoned for adultery after reporting that she had been raped.
The list definitely covers quite a few. And for the people going over how it’s all about Islam and Muslim countries, what about India and China? And if these atrocities DO exist in Muslim countries in an inordinate amount, it merely points that ANY religion, but especially extremists factions, should not have such power to exert forceful laws. It subjugates women, minorities and those who are different.
77. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 10:33 am
does nobody read the comments? fgm was covered in terrible abuses against women list
http://listverse.com/crime/7-t…..the-world/
78. Crimanon - November 21st, 2008 at 10:34 am
Propaganda, and I don’t use that word often. This is the first time I thnk Iv’e ever used it to describe a list.
Rushfan: At least it’s well written.
79. Valkyrie - November 21st, 2008 at 10:41 am
Also, one thing to Ali Hayat about not being able to bitch about other’s religions: Yes, actually, they can. Saying that they are NOT allowed to shows that you are the intolerant one. Do they have the right to ban your ability to practice your religion? No. Do they have the right to exclude or punish you for your beliefs? No, and I would absolutely despise and fight against anyone who tried to so. But they have EVERY right to criticize what anyone believes, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, Buddhist, just as you have the right to criticize other religions, beliefs and ideas.
You don’t deserve special treatment because you believe in Allah and Mohammad. You have the same right to free speech as everyone else, so you also need to accept you’re open to criticism.
80. YogiBarrister - November 21st, 2008 at 10:47 am
Freshies #70, a tangental comment to add to yours. When Russia occupied Afghanistan, one silver lining to that cloud was the fact that women were allowed much more freedom under their rule. Then the US and Saudi Arabia, along with the ISI of Pakistan and Osama Bin Laden, gave them the boot, which in turn led to the Taliban, who brutally repressed women. Then the Saudis, the ISI, the Taliban, and Osama Bin Laden get together and attack the US. In 2002, the most liberated women in the Middle-East were Iraqi, so what does the US do? I’m not sure where the hell I’m going with this comment, other than it sure seems like hell to me.
81. Blogball - November 21st, 2008 at 10:48 am
Great thought provoking list rushfan. I liked VikingBerserker (11) comment about countries using half of their brains.
Just think of the waste it is for all of the women in these countries for centuries not to use (or not allowed to use) their minds to full potential. Think of the what might have been discovered, painted, written, built, accomplished etc.
What a waste of humanity.
Crimanon, just wondering why you think this list is propaganda?
rushfan, forget about trying to figure out why people don’t read the comments before they post for you own sanity’s sake.
82. Valkyrie - November 21st, 2008 at 10:50 am
Rushfan: I only read some of them, sorry. Thanks for the link.
83. YogiBarrister - November 21st, 2008 at 10:53 am
“If Islam was so retarded, it wouldnt be the fastest growing religion(in your god damned america too)” Ali Hayat #64
And malignant tumors are the fastest growing cells in cancer patients.
84. Cyn - November 21st, 2008 at 11:01 am
rushfan -
) the cults in Texas of late in the news w/ the supposed ‘child brides’. get this out of 3rd world and/or non-Christian and into what is happening in our own backyard w/ all these ‘god-fearing good Christians.’ not only for balance but to show that even so-called ‘good Christians’ in the West have some wacky if not outright abusive ideas and practices re: women (and children).
if you’ve the time, i’d be interested in your taking a look specifically at American and/or Christian examples. i’m thinking of the ‘purity balls’ (weird word combo, eh?
85. Cyn - November 21st, 2008 at 11:03 am
and yeah, wouldn’t it be nice if people actually read the FAQ. actually read preceding comments.
be even nicer if people kept things respectful.
86. Joey11y - November 21st, 2008 at 11:05 am
ali hayat:
Yes nuns have the option to cover themselves, but it is their choice to decide on how much they want to cover themselves. I just recently graduated from a catholic university, and many of the professors were current and former nuns. Contrary to the stereotype they did not wear the black gowns and head pieces. They wore what any professor would wear, conservative skirts and dresses. Aside from professors, nuns lived on campus and they wore whatever they felt like wearing. Please, please don’t level to assumptions. I can tell from your writing that you are angry and it is seriously showing in your posts. Anger leads to assumptions, name calling, and accusations. I’d like to think positive and say that you are better than that.
On a side note Rushfan: I really liked your list, it was interesting and provoked thought on both sides of this debate. Well done
87. Cyn - November 21st, 2008 at 11:10 am
rushfan-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purity_Ball
“When you sign a pledge to your father to preserve your virginity, your sexuality is basically being taken away from you until you sign yet another contract, a marital one…It makes you feel like you’re the least important person in the whole equation. It makes you feel invisible.” quote taken off that page.
i could be confusing this w/ some crime show on TV but wasn’t there a criminal case in this country ..something about the father killing someone or something? anyway…this practice and other American Christian practices of dominating females ‘in the name of Christ’…might make for another interesting list.
88. Doll - November 21st, 2008 at 11:18 am
LOL no.10 :-p
“If no men are allowed to come in contact with schoolgirls, and women aren’t allowed to drive, who will be driving the school buses?”
yea it makes sense :-p
89. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 11:19 am
Crimanon ~ care to elaborate?
Cyn ~ I’ll be sure to do that. I’ve been giving it a lot of thought lately actually because I watch that new show 17 Kids and Counting. What I don’t get is why the girls can’t wear pants. On the last episode I watched, they actually played paintball in floor-length skirts! WTF? Did Jesus decree thou shant wear pants?
90. downhighway61 - November 21st, 2008 at 11:25 am
Rushfan, maybe it’s a modesty thing. Aren’t they LDS?
91. maximuz04 - November 21st, 2008 at 11:29 am
I think… and im gonna get crap for this… that religion, as a whole, is an idea way past its time. Sure it was important back then when we couldnt explain anything but now? it only serves purely as a method of control (i guess back then too).
Religion I predict, will die within 100 yrs. Its the root of all hate, along with territorial boundaries. I also predict nationalism will end within 150 yrs…….. and TV will be done for in about 60….
92. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 11:30 am
dh ~ From what I gather, it is indeed a modesty thing. They even wear special “modest swimsuits” but I don’t see how pants aren’t still relatively modest. I don’t think they’re LDS, they seem to be just conservative christians who have chosen to home school and encourage their kids to go thru courtship instead of dating and stick to pretty traditional gender identities. I actually have quite a bit of respect for the way they are so very organized and happy. They totally lost me, tho, on the episode where they visited the “creation museum.”
93. Blitzen - November 21st, 2008 at 11:30 am
I agree that this list unfairly targets Muslim countries. Hindu-dominated India is one of the worst offenders:
Child marriage, while officially illegal, is common in some rural areas.
Widows have an extremely low social status and are often driven to begging because their family will not support them.
Suttee (the practice of burning a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre) is officially illegal, but in some areas voluntary or forced suttee occurs.
Sex selection of babies and abortion of female fetuses is a huge industry, even accomodating clients from other countries.
I have nothing against Hindus either, just wanted to point out that subjugation of women is not exclusive to Muslim countries.
94. Cyn - November 21st, 2008 at 11:34 am
rushfan-
just google ‘wives cleave unto husbands’ and get tons of crap about women submitting to their husbands. actually think there was a rape case based off that. some Christian sects have some truly bizarre notions about ‘woman’s place’ heh..
oh! and the preacher in the news lately…telling his congregration to have sex every day for so many days…even if the wives didn’t want to, basically giving permission to rape their wives. some sad and scary stuff right here in the good old God fearing Christian USA. heh…
95. Seanithan - November 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
This is a good list.
I’d like the next one to be focused on the subtle gender inequalities in the Western world. It goes both ways.
96. Theduke - November 21st, 2008 at 11:43 am
This list is a great list that shows the many injustices seen around the world but one misconception that the commentators seem to have is that they think these laws are Islamic when in fact it is mostly the countries themselves that have taken Islamic teachings and contorted it to their own likings. These countries are very extreme and their laws should not be mistaken as Islamic.
Yes the Quran says the women should be scarved but it was always an option for the women and was never forced.
Also Islam has always preached equality between women and men as in the quran: “O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever and All-Watcher over you.” (Al-Nisa 4:1)
Also as far as education the Prophet Muhammad had always preached : “To seek knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim.”
and that both men and women should seek knowledge.
Also many of the rulings of Islam on adulterers or fornicators are the same for men and women. Yes there are many rights that a man has over his wife but what people dont know is that there are many rights that women have over their own husbands.
Like I said i think the list is great in the fact that it never brought religion up but at the same time i just wanted to point out the misconceptions about Islam and what separates it from the laws of countries that sadly believe they are associated with it.
97. The Dude - November 21st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
id have to say, most of these are just prime examples of religion at work.
98. Tiny - November 21st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
For #8, I’m defending the Jewish part- While that ancient law is still observed, if the man does not let the woman divorce him, he will be excommunicated.
99. YogiBarrister - November 21st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Theduke #96, excellent post. The greatest gift the creators of the US Constitution gave to my fellow countrymen, is the separation of church and state.
100. bigski - November 21st, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Look at picture #6 and tell me it aint creepy !
101. Paulb - November 21st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
what about the fact that in the U.S men are required by law to sign up for the selective service, and women aren’t
102. guy - November 21st, 2008 at 1:29 pm
i really guess that when it comes down to how women are treated in the middle east it is what my history teacher used to say “custom is king” or something. completely barbaric to me but normal to them and stuff. i just do not get it. if there was something about christianity that told me to do stuff like that against my common sense of what is right and wrong, i would really hope that i would be smart enough to reject it and not be christian anymore. i am very sorry but the more stuff i read about islam and the middle east the more it upsets me.
103. Nikki - November 21st, 2008 at 1:38 pm
64. ali hayat - ‘If Islam was so retarded, it wouldnt be the fastest growing religion’
Ahhh a commonly quoted fact. Shame it is wrong. Christianity is growing far faster than Islam. The main reason Islam is growing at its current rate is because of the high birth rates in Islamic countries.
Please think (or do some research) before you speak.
104. Crimanon - November 21st, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Rushfan, Blogball: Intentionally or no, this list just more of a reason it incite a prejudice against Islam. Eighty percent of this list names Directly countries whose main religious practices are based in Muslim faith.
The fear of Iran Nuking one of it’s neighbors. Al’Qaeda threatening to “Destroy the Infidel” and succeeding nicely in at least Scaring the crap out of the world. Saying “Jihad” on the New York subway can get you arrested or beaten to death. The last thing we need is more fear.
Why add to number four custody rights in america being grossly swayed to favor the mother.
Domestic Abuse of men and how it doesn’t go punished. I’ve had friends get arrested because they were defending themselves from their partners. When witnesses have attested to Him no being at fault.
Mormon churches making the women sit in the back of the temple during functions.
No women Shriners.
No female Presidents elected in the US, there still hasn’t been a female Vice.
Male rights of passage in African tribes.
Female subjugation in Mexican culture.
This list just felt One-sided. Well written but biased.
105. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Crimanon ~ Your original use of the word propaganda implied you saw this list as factually inaccurate to misinform. I admit it is limited to a particular region of the world, but that does not make it inaccurate. How do you suggest well-intentioned people are to discuss issues like these that deserve to be discussed do so without people like you calling us fear-mongering or biased? Also, the issues you raise are indeed legit, but how do they compare to systemic, institutionalized gender discrimination that permeates all areas of these women’s lives?
106. guy - November 21st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Ok can someone who is really smart tell me if islam IS in fact the fastest growing religion in the world or if it is just because of the birthrate in islamic countries like what Nikki said in # 103.
im just really curios and do not know.
107. guy - November 21st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
i spelled curious wrong
108. Crimanon - November 21st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
THe Evil wiki: Propaganda is the dissemination of information aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people.
I’m not saying Don’t say it but please give it a more rounded Worldly approach.
If I’m not mistaken the list is “Gender Inequality”, Am I quoting you right? Why didn’t you call it “Ten Extreme Examples of Female Subjugation” It’s a little more accurate for this list.
Gender = Female and Male. Not just female. Is it too much to ask for equality in a list that could relate to both sexes?
109. Brianne - November 21st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Sugen, you’re picking extremely petty points to try to argue that men have it as bad as women. Do you honestly believe any of the examples you cited are anywhere on the same level as not being able to drive or leave the country, not being able to attend school, having ACID THROWN IN YOUR FACE if you refuse to wear a veil, female babies being killed, violence against women, etc. etc.?
Even if your examples are minor instances of inequality, it’s like saying, “But affirmative action kept me from getting accepted to college this one time, because I’m white!!” on a list about slavery.
110. Brianne - November 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Crimanon, similarly, while those are (mostly petty) examples of inequality, none are nearly as serious as the ones on the list. The fact that the bulk of them occur in Islamic nations should be a wake-up call, not a call to defend and produce excuses for horrible cruelty, violence, and injustice.
111. Reyairia - November 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
@Crimanon: This list is called EXTREME examples of gender inequality. Sure, you did list examples of gender inequality in the west, and good ones too; but at least the women aren’t getting killed for being a woman at the wrong time and place.
Also, if you’re gonna call Islam a cult, guess what? Christianity is just as much of a cult as Islam is; I mean, come on; “I’m the son of god, everything I say is right, and you should drop your belongings and sacrifice everything for me” screams CULT to me. At least Muhammed didn’t call himself God.
I’m an atheist, and I do have a big problem against organized religion (I’m fine when it’s not organized though). Islam by itself is not any more or less than a cult than Christianity is. The difference is that in very poor countries, people are more likely to pick up radical and extreme ideas (religious extremism and totalitarian states are the most common examples). As such, there is a difference between how western Christians behave, and how middle-eastern Muslims or Hindus behave. If you look at how western muslims behave, or those that have higher standards of living, they’re just like any Christians.
And honestly, guys, the sexism against men is INCOMPARABLE to the sexism against women. Even in western countries; really, all this stupid sex advertisements in the U.S. are disgusting at how they make women - no, young girls - feel worthless just because they’re not 100% attractive to the opposite gender; It’s getting worse, they’re selling thongs to 12 year old girls. Look at the disney princess movies and what they say; women’s unhappiness will go 100% away when they get married, and that should pretty much be their goal in life. Look at the women that were successful, and see how they’re not taken seriously pretty much because they’re women (Clinton, Palin). Hear how my ex-boyfriend felt upset that I wouldn’t allow him to bring a second women to our bed, but promptly shut up when I mentioned me bringing a second guy into bed. What on earth gave him that idea that it’d be different? Why do teenage girls wear those short, short miniskirts?
Yes, feminists should be concerned first when it comes with these women on the list, but the fact is that we still have long, LONG ways to go - and it’s getting worse in this era of capitalism.
112. Crimanon - November 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
This list is about INEQUALITY, right there in the title. And I didn’t say men had it worse, I know for a fact that they don’t, it’s easier when you’re testiclier.
What I’m saying is that I expected to see a little of both sides, not how much men suck.
113. Crimanon - November 21st, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Reyairia: Cult? Your words not mine. I could care less what a person believes unless it gets in my way. If you want to discuss this further I recommend …http://listverse.com/crime/7-terrible-abuses-suffered-by-women-around-the-world/.
Pretty good info on how to fight back against “What those pigs are doing to us.”
114. Crimanon - November 21st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
See my point Rush, It’s nothing personal. But this is just a hammed up revisit of an old list.
115. rushfan - November 21st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
You’re a little late on that, Crimanon. I’ve been giving links to my other list all day. I’d say it’s more of a Part II than a “hammed up revisit” if you ask me. And, no. I don’t see your point. I would think you’d much prefer the other list as it is more multi-national, as seems to be your standard for good list-writing.
116. Reyairia - November 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I was referring to the “cult” part to anyone to referred to Islam as a cult, a cruel religion of some sort, or anything related to those two.
117. DirtyRottenScounrel - November 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Before Islam there probably were some pagan religions and Jews in Arabia. Pagan religions are more gender equal, They in fact pray to mother goddesses (nature as mother). Given that I think women probably were happier then.
Now comes Islam with male dominated system and consequently womens rights are oppressed. It is plain as day. Whoever says otherwise is brainwashed or else living in denial. Good luck!
111. Reyaria - I agree with you that Christianity is as much a cult as Islam, but currently a Christian would not be killed or burned for saying what he feels wrong about Christianity or simply denouncing it. Islam as a culture has not made that progress.
118. 2sm1th2 - November 21st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
After reading most of the comments I asked myself why is there no mention in the defense of Islam(maybe I missed it) that the people really responsible for propagandizing Islam are those whose exploit its definitiveness to abuse fellow humans and uproot the very morals Islam stands for in the first place. While the list may seem slanted it points to fact and law, for the most part, and why these laws exist in the name of Islam is the blasphemy and should call for the louder cry.
119. Crimanon - November 21st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Male circumcision Jews love that! Genital mutilation (male). How many girls do you see celebrating their Bris? not much foreskin to remove.
Castration for the purpose of entertainment (Castrato). Little girls don’t need their ovaries removed to make their voices higher.
I guess not too many people care to read your earlier works.
120. Reyairia - November 21st, 2008 at 3:09 pm
“Before Islam there probably were some pagan religions and Jews in Arabia. Pagan religions are more gender equal, They in fact pray to mother goddesses (nature as mother). Given that I think women probably were happier then.”
You could say the same about Europe before Christianity was introduced - or, more accurately, forced. (Non-christians were persecuted) Christianity is also a male dominated system, also as plain as day for reasons already explained.
Islam did have more rights for women earlier in the millenium (in contrast to Christianity earlier in the millenium). Earlier it was the Ottomans (muslims) who had come to Europe and called it poor, uneducated, and unequal. Now simply the reverse has happened. Yes, it is true that there is much more gender inequality in dominantly Islamic countries than in Christian dominated ones HOWEVER it is because of the people’s current INTERPRETATION of their religion, not the religion itself.
121. Danica - November 21st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I haven’t read every comment, but I’ve seen several people blame religion for these atrocities. I have a feeling the discrimination is so ingrained in the culture that if there was no religion, people would base these legislations on something else.
122. astraya - November 21st, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Theduke 96 quotes the Koran in the same way that many Jews and Christians do the same story: God created Adam from whom he created Eve.
There are two creation stories in Genesis. God > Adam > Eve is in the second version. The first version has God creating man/men/woman/women co-equally together.
The two versions, taken literally, are mutually irreconcilable, which is a fact that most biblical fundamentalists ignore most of the time.
Don’t blame religion for everything. I have no doubt that the same sorts of things happened in cave-dwelling societies and in head-hunting tribes of Brazil and Borneo.
123. Joni - November 21st, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Great list rushfan.
I do not understand why there’s so much hate for this list. The title is “10 Extreme Examples of Gender Inequality”, not “10 Extreme Examples of Why Islam Sucks”. Grow up, there’s no mention of Islam in the list, only from a few commentors.
Though it is true that the list should at least be renamed, if not have 2 examples where men are treated inequally. A random one off the top of my head is being forced to serve in the military when a certain age is reached. But I do see that it is difficult to compare/find injustices towards males that are on the same level as the ones mentioned in the list. It is not like any person can share with us the experience of both circumcision and having err parts sewn together.
124. jahblum - November 21st, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I’m from Papua New Guinea, most of our traditional culture is pretty much male domminated. womens rights are slowly being recognized. It’s not always religion, it’s how mentally fucked a society is.
125. goof_ball - November 21st, 2008 at 5:07 pm
thats sad =[
126. Brianne - November 21st, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Crimanon: “What I’m saying is that I expected to see a little of both sides, not how much men suck.”
This is not about giving equal blame to both sexes. This is not about you blaming a few women so you don’t feel like as much of a jerk. This is about putting a spotlight on extreme examples of gender inequality — exactly what it says in the title.
Go find a modern, extreme example of men being oppressed — as in, a society where all men have their rights stripped away and their lives in danger. There’s no affirmative action for victims, I’m afraid.
127. DirtyRottenScounrel - November 21st, 2008 at 5:23 pm
The inequality in male-2-female ratio gives rise to many other social injustices like Polyandry, Import(smuggling) of women from other cultures to name a few and increased crime rate. What will an average man do without some one to love ? porn, prostitutes, fights, then it is tailspin.
Any culture that lives in strife and struggle, ends up mistreating their women. My friend’s happy marriage fell flat because of his “war rages” after he returned from duty.
Love and Peace everyone, God bless,
128. Shade - November 21st, 2008 at 5:43 pm
And I quote,
“60. Kelsi: I don’t think female genital mutilation really qualifies as inequality since male genital mutilation is practiced much more widely than the female version. Granted, the female version is more horrific and painful, but still…”
Give me a fucking break man. Acid in women’s faces, needless pain, religious extremism? Think of your mother for God’s sake. Think of basic human decency. And don’t get into the culture clash, regardless of culture or religion there is the concept of human decency, isn’t there? If not, then the hell to you and your semantics.
129. Teapixie - November 21st, 2008 at 5:45 pm
I might just go outside and kiss my great Aussie backyard and be forever thankful for being born in this great country. If we have any inequality in this country, we should all be grateful we have the right and responsibility to do something about it.
130. me - November 21st, 2008 at 6:17 pm
which country gives women the most rights? the united states. which country is suffering through a depression? the united states. coincidence?…
131. xXTurkinatorXx - November 21st, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I find it hilarious that the first related list is 10 Images of Irony, that is great. . .
132. Victoria - November 21st, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Crimanon.
I don’t usually feel the need to respond to these lists, but your comments have called to me.
Propaganda: While this list is biased towards a certain geographical area, you do have to admit that they are extreme(as stated in the title) examples of inequality and are simply pointing out where the extremists are.
Fear: I think this inspires less fear and more anger for most people. This inspires anger. This is a list that shows the world what the hell is going on out there. Informing people of the things that happen, and while I do think that this list should be carried on in looking at other inequalities you have to admit that it is a good thing to show the world the horrific things that go on.
American Custody Rights: Yes they are a problem. Obviously. People are biased towards the mother because they assume that with her maternal instinct and love she will protect and care for the child to a greater degree. Sometimes it’s true. Sometimes it’s gravely not.
Domestic Abuse Of Men: Again. Another problem. But the truth is that the amount of abuse towards men is much much smaller that abuse towards women and children. And I do know a girl who’s boyfriend attacked her because she broke up with him. She hit him in the head with a lamp to get away. He claimed that she abused him.
Mormon Churches: Religious extremism. It’s everywhere. Christianity, Hindu, Islam.
I can’t comment on the Shriners. It is new to me.
No female presidents or VPs: Women have been running for office in the Unites States before they could legally vote. The main problem is that women have not run in the two main parties. All women Presidential and VP canidates have been running in independent parties. A woman hasn’t been voted into the position yet, just as many men haven’t as well. Also, women in America are still dealing with sexism today. They usually are not physically destroyed by it though.
“What I’m saying is that I expected to see a little of both sides, not how much men suck.”
The problem with that statement is while there are parts about how much men suck in it, there is also the fact that Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who’s photo appears in the Victims of Violence section had her lady bits sewn up at the command of her grandmother. It is not only men who push this, but extremist women as well.
Male circumcision: Began as a rite into adulthood, a way to increase pleasure, and as an aid to basic cleanliness in places where bathing all the time wasn’t really an option.
Castrato: Was outlawed. The last castrato died in the beginning of the 20th century. It was a creepy thing that some crazy catholics or what have you came up with. The point is, people realized that chopping little boys balls off isn’t the nicest thing to do. Just like sewing a little girl up so she’ll bleed more when she first has sex isn’t particularly the nicest thing to do.
Also, Crimanon, one thing that I find most disturbing about all that you have talked about on this board is your complete lack of horror at these going ons.
There is only your talk about how you don’t think the list was written correctly and that is it skewed.
Where is your compassion for your fellow human being?
133. sdggrant - November 21st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I doubt its a coincidence that nearly all of these happen exclusively in the middle east.
134. Shade - November 21st, 2008 at 7:38 pm
YES, Victoria!
“Where is your compassion for your fellow human being?”
Crimanon, please respond to this question directly. Don’t take side roads, answer this question for all of us who are trying to understand, “acid in women’s faces”, etc. I would love to hear your rationalization.
135. P.J. - November 21st, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Goddamn, me (#130)! What brilliant logic you’ve got going there! Are you an edumacated man?
136. Vera Lynn - November 21st, 2008 at 8:03 pm
me (130) What does one have to do with the other? That’s like saying more ice cream is sold in July and more people drown in July. Therefore ice cream causes people to drown. It makes no sense.
137. tookyb - November 21st, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Apologies if this has already been mentioned, I didn’t have time to read all of the comments. In some South American countries, a women under 40 can only be employed if she has had a hysterectomy, presumably so the employer will not have to worry about lost time for maternity leave. This is an example of gross inequality which occurs outside a Muslim country.
I also noticed some comments about the inequality of, for instance, women being promoted ahead of women. There is such a thing as ‘positive discrimination’ which allows such things to happen. It could mean promoting women ahead of men or indigenous instead of non-indigenous etc, it is perfectly legal (at least in Australia) and an acknowledged way of trying to remove the glass ceiling.
138. Vera Lynn - November 21st, 2008 at 8:22 pm
PJ (135) No he’s just retarted. (And if no one remembers this joke, Im the one who looks retarted!!)
139. Crimanon - November 21st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
“Where is your compassion for your fellow human being?”, eh, just call me Jaded. A human rights violation is an everyday thing in my world.
When I can actually place my hands on it, then it’s my problem. Screaming at a corrupt government to stop just isn’t as effective as shooting up the place after your sister is openly violated in a holding cell by an officer.
“There is only your talk about how you don’t think the list was written correctly and that is it skewed”; Actually it’s very well written, just not properly titled.
I’ll continue this after I read what has just been posted……
140. astraya - November 21st, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Vera Lynn: I remember. I think it’s LU folklore by now.
A little while ago, some regular asked “In what discussion was the word ‘retarted’ first used?” I don’t think anyone actually answered that. Does a