Women and Ethics in Iran
Henry Bamford Parks, in his book "Gods and Men" (chapter of Axial Period) introduces the Iranian people as a moral and ethical nation historically. This characteristic, for instance, is reflected in ancient Iranian religion, Zoroastrianism, in the form of belief in challenging between good and evil powers all over the world. About our morality, there is so much to speak of. I do not wish to deal with the role of ethics in our every day life, and our thought, and even; our political behavior. I propose just to make a few points in this regard.
Recently, our outlandish president, Ahmadinejad, who has astonished not only others but also ourselves, has declared that women are allowed to enter the stadium in order to watch football! Certainly, it is very interesting for people from other countries to learn that Iranian women indeed have not been allowed to enter the stadiums yet! It is unfortunately true. In fact, there is no law against entering the stadium for women, but practically they have been hindered until now because of what is called immoral conditions in stadiums: women ought not to be in any immoral milieu/environment. Proponents of women's rights – which I esteem myself one of them – made an attempt, but it was of no avail. After enacting a law in parliament in order to limit women's freedom in dressing, Ahmadinejad wanted to redress its bad feedback in public opinion. Then, he charged respective authorities in order that women would be allowed to watch football at close range hereafter.
However, it cost him dear! Religious authorities – whom we call AYATOLLAH, which means the signs of God – protested to this order! They say that watching the naked legs of male players is sinful for women! Their protest stopped the president's order!
All of us, and especially our regime, claim that we are a moral nation. Our stadiums, however, are not safe ethically for our women and the naked legs of our men tempt our women! Is this not an obvious paradox? The more ridiculous thing is religious authorities' reaction. Instead of asking why, they deprive women of their undeniable right in using public services! They are responsible for the moral situation of the society. So, first, they must answer such questions as why we are such a bad people, such a sexual people in a way our women cannot take part in public gatherings! But, they make no attempt to ask these questions; instead they deprive women of their rights more and more!
By saying such things, we are in fact proving ourselves to be impure people. We are confessing that at least many of us are very bad persons in terms of moral criteria. I think a strong emphasis on ethical principles (or generally on formalities) often results in the complete reverse effect on some part of society. Just as you would find in England Lords – who are very demure and courteous persons – beside strapped people, in Iran you can see very pure people beside rotten people! Sometimes even these two paradoxical characters gather with each other in one person!
We must learn to be open with every thing such as ethics. But, religious authorities cannot train us about this. It is one of the interesting facts in our culture that sometimes we must rebel against the clergy for the sake of making progress in morality! For this reason in the past some branches of Sufism (Malamati) acted to contravene ethical principles publicly. They wanted to break formalities. It was a moral treatment by them.
The photo you are watching is from Azadi stadium where most of the important plays have been held. Azadi means freedom. But, half of people – who are female – are banned to enter it! Isn't that funny?
Recently, our outlandish president, Ahmadinejad, who has astonished not only others but also ourselves, has declared that women are allowed to enter the stadium in order to watch football! Certainly, it is very interesting for people from other countries to learn that Iranian women indeed have not been allowed to enter the stadiums yet! It is unfortunately true. In fact, there is no law against entering the stadium for women, but practically they have been hindered until now because of what is called immoral conditions in stadiums: women ought not to be in any immoral milieu/environment. Proponents of women's rights – which I esteem myself one of them – made an attempt, but it was of no avail. After enacting a law in parliament in order to limit women's freedom in dressing, Ahmadinejad wanted to redress its bad feedback in public opinion. Then, he charged respective authorities in order that women would be allowed to watch football at close range hereafter.
However, it cost him dear! Religious authorities – whom we call AYATOLLAH, which means the signs of God – protested to this order! They say that watching the naked legs of male players is sinful for women! Their protest stopped the president's order!
All of us, and especially our regime, claim that we are a moral nation. Our stadiums, however, are not safe ethically for our women and the naked legs of our men tempt our women! Is this not an obvious paradox? The more ridiculous thing is religious authorities' reaction. Instead of asking why, they deprive women of their undeniable right in using public services! They are responsible for the moral situation of the society. So, first, they must answer such questions as why we are such a bad people, such a sexual people in a way our women cannot take part in public gatherings! But, they make no attempt to ask these questions; instead they deprive women of their rights more and more!
By saying such things, we are in fact proving ourselves to be impure people. We are confessing that at least many of us are very bad persons in terms of moral criteria. I think a strong emphasis on ethical principles (or generally on formalities) often results in the complete reverse effect on some part of society. Just as you would find in England Lords – who are very demure and courteous persons – beside strapped people, in Iran you can see very pure people beside rotten people! Sometimes even these two paradoxical characters gather with each other in one person!
We must learn to be open with every thing such as ethics. But, religious authorities cannot train us about this. It is one of the interesting facts in our culture that sometimes we must rebel against the clergy for the sake of making progress in morality! For this reason in the past some branches of Sufism (Malamati) acted to contravene ethical principles publicly. They wanted to break formalities. It was a moral treatment by them.
The photo you are watching is from Azadi stadium where most of the important plays have been held. Azadi means freedom. But, half of people – who are female – are banned to enter it! Isn't that funny?
Labels: Women and Ethics in Iran
posted by Nima @ 12:02 PM
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