It's so easy to criticize other religions when one's own persuasion is similar as to intent regarding extremist behavior against women in a paternalistic world. It was biblical Paul of Tarsus from Asia Minor (now Turkey) who said that women must cover their hair or have it shaven, as some authors write against "strangled, twisted hair" to keep the devil out.
Dear Ones,
The three Semitic related religions of the Middle East that base their faith on the Hebrew Bible have for centuries held women in low esteem, even though their mothers are the ones who went through labor to give them birth.
During the US Civil War, no women were permitted to join the military. Over four hundred women disguised themselves as men and marched along with their husbands into combat. However, female spies were in abundance.
Even in recent years, compared to ancient times, my aunt had to sign a contract that any money she eared as a teacher and later a principal, must be turned over to her husband or brother. In addition, she could not get married as long as she held that position.
So as we condemn others for unequal rights between the genders, we must remember our own histories as women have always lived in a world dominated by men. My grandmother couldn't vote and my mother just made it under the line to cast her ballot.
Mame.
helenesmith1.blog spot.com author of Poetry Written Before and After the Iraq Attack
