Two Extremes: No Good Options
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This informative news story provides a look into the reality of religious oppression. The story is presented factually, and includes context, statistics, and opinions from multiple sources. Oppressive, sexist practices such as honor killings are still performed in some areas, in the name of religion. The young girl in this news story is wronged both by her family and by Iranian laws derived from sharia (Islamic law). While conjecture could be made that perhaps the girl did not believe in the Islamic religion herself, the fact remains that she was oppressed and lost her life due to religious motivation.
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This article demonstrates another side of religious oppression - oppression from religion. France’s ban of the hijab for girls under the age of 18 prevents these women from choosing to participate fully in their faith. The belief that Muslim teachings are contradicted with “Western” or “French” values is extremely damaging as well. Not allowing a person to participate in their chosen religion removes their free will. By including quotes and social media posts from Muslim women, this article is able to authentically present their voices. As one woman states, “Forcing a woman to wear a hijab is wrong. Just like forcing her to take it off is wrong. It’s HER choice” (Zebian). Removing a woman’s option to participate in religion is oppressive, and does not help “liberate” anyone. These women would not be so enraged if they were being pulled out of a religion which oppresses them. Instead, they are forced out of a religion that they enjoy, because of falsely negative portrayals of their beliefs.