Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Identity
When some people tackle the issue of sexuality in Iran, they go directly to the act of sex. They think that by talking openly about sex, they will break the taboos and therefore, they will lead to solving the problems of sexuality in Iran. I disagree with them. I think the act of sex (heterosexual, homosexual, or...) is universal. It is a biologic and instinctive act which has been practiced by all human beings (as other animals) for millions of years. In case poeple have problems with sex, they could go see a doctor or watch a TV show about it (if they are lucky to live abroad) or even study a book (which I have heard now a days are being published in Iran as well). What I find is the main issue about sexuality in Iran, is its attachement to power, gender discrimination, politics, dignity, namous, and all other meanings that comes with it and gives sexuality a whole new dimension. These meanings affect the sexual identity of people. Sexual identity is one of the most important things that every body either man or woman gains and develops throughout the time. If poeple don't have a right and clear idea about their sexual identity, they face with a lot of problems such as lack of self-confidence and self-esteem, and confusion about their role in the society. Iran is a changing society which has a very strict value system about the issue of sex and gender definition. This system is being challenged by the West. Not only Iran, but the Middle East is having the same problem. And this is part of the reason behind Islamism. I think we need to talk about this issue very openly and with a deep understanding of both sides. This is the only way to fully understand the problem and help through solving it.
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5 comments:
I think women's sexual identity is complicated.If we want to help them, first we should let them know that they need this help. Changing the situation is too hard whereas victims are not able to understand the situation.
Perhaps you should conduct this discussion in Farsi. Just a suggestion.
what confidence of sex are you talking?
Just jump and do it!!
Like maimoons
Dear anonymous:
I don't think it is so easy for every one to just jump in and do it. We are evolved from being monkies a long time ago.
the history of sexuality in Iran went through dramatic changes with the rise of modernization and in the Iran of the Islamic Republic, we see gender roles and regulations prescribed and codified and regimented. Iran's current heteromarital condition is part and parcel of the ideological underpinnings of a theocratic state. Sexuality is not permitted outside the confines of a heteronormative married framework. From this stems citizenship, divorce, personal status, family, and mobility laws, which, as you mentioned, implicate words like sharm, behaya, namus, etc. It is important to note that the contribution of so-called intellectuals like Ali Shariati helped in framing Iranian women in the 1960's and 1970's as "null" women - Western dolls - who were easily corruptable. Thus, Shariati offers Fatemeh as the only source for liberation for Iranian women - Fatemeh is the ideal. But ask yourself - what did fatemeh do? Is Fatemeh anything without her father, brother, and sons? Women's sexuality is feared and thus persecuted and controlled. This religious underpinnings of misogyny is not particular to Islam. However, when Islam is in power, we must negate these underpinnings - the meshing of religion and state in Iran calls for an analysis that considers the ideology of the state. Anything else is intellectually dishonest and deceiving.
BTW keep writing!!
samira.
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