discussion of cultural differences

MayPB wrote: Zaman, You are certainly entitled to your opinion, in your posts you have used phrases which group people by ethnicity and class. "Low class vs. highly educated man with power job"

It was Nausheen, who brought that point. I assumed she is right withe her facts in her post. I didn't say "lower" class. I meant lower middle class on the basis of economic categorization.

There are several middle eastern muslim men, who go to the US for the temptation of "green card", the security of life and its luxury, traping western women im marriage. There are several cases of sisters reverted to islam  who are either dumped or tortured by their middle eastern muslim husbands.

Gah, I hate to make a statement when I'm going to lose access for a few weeks.  But, I'm also insulted by Zaman's statements.  I am a non-muslim western woman.  I am not a harlot, nor do I dress like one.  You can asked Jenni, as an endowed Mormon, you never see my knees nor do I wear low hanging collars.  I am often in long skirts, pants and shirts with 3/4 length sleeves.  I might not wear a hijab or cover ankle to wrist, but I certainly don't flaunt myself for others.  I am also committed and faithful to my husband.  As are my friends, we listen to our husband's consel, but sir, men are not always right.  Even the most brilliant man can be wrong.  I do not believe in premarital sex, abortion, homosexuality, smoking, drinking, lewd behavior.  I do not like sex and violence in my movies.  Nor do my friends.  There are many in the West who also do not like these things.  There are organizations trying to change those things and fight against them.  Just as there are those in India who fought against Sati and other such barbaric customs.  For a man to get respect from his wife, he must show respect.  It does not matter what culture he is from or she is from.  And if Southeast Asia is so wonderful, why is it the easiest place to find brothels filled with children?  Children and women are exploited by the thousands there.  The west has its problems, but so does the East. 

Oh, and not able to handle hardships?  You've never had to carry your 300lb husband up and down a flight of stairs ever few hours so that he can relieve himself.  My husband hurt his back at work and I had to take care of EVERYTHING for 6 months.  I dare you to have the strength to work 60 hours a week, rush home during your lunch breaks and see to your invalid spouses needs, rush back to work.  Come home, see to his/her needs again, cook dinner, do laundry, clean the house, help him/her shower and get into bed, get 4 hours of sleep a night and repeat for 6 months.  Not all hardship is poverty.  My grandmother had nothing and they were happy, and I mean no running water, had nothing.  Hardships are not income levels and to say that a lower income person is somehow less is not only arrogant but uncharitable.  You can really tell that YOU (ZamanH) grew up in a society with a Caste system.  And considering from what I've learned about Islam so far, everyone is equal before God.

Angie.....okay, just a little upset....

Bismillah,

To the original discussion:  I have known Jordanians, Palestinians and Kuwaities who went on family picnics in the forest and beach who walked, ran, played ball, and rode horses.

I prefer walking and hiking because running is difficult for me.  Swimming is nice if it is not crowded.  Even one single guy is a crowd to me, however!  I would ride horseback montlhly if I had the money.  Last time I rode was about three or four years ago with a group of female friends.

Sisters, I admire your patience in responding to Z.  If he doesn't benefit from your wise posts, someone else will!