Together with members of your group and students in other sections, you’ll be reading The Bookseller of Kabul over the next several weeks. Although you're not required to take notes while you read, it would be wise to keep track of important events and characters for your own clarification. You are, however, expected to participate regularly and thoughtfully in an online discussion of seven essential questions.
Here's how it works:
Divide your book into two roughly equal halves. You need to have read and blogged about your book by the due dates below.
- There are two kinds of posts in this discussion: responses and comments.
- Post at least SIX responses altogether: at least THREE for the 1st half of reading and at least THREE for the 2nd half.
- You must respond to at least five essential questions over the course of your reading.
- You may respond to only two questions more than once.
- One of your six responses can be a "free response" post.
- Post at at least TEN comments altogether: at least FIVE for the 1st half of reading and at least FIVE for the 2nd half.
- In addition, you will post at least ONE response to the essential question about The Whipping Man (production at the Portland Stage Company on March 4) and ONE comment on someone else's response by March 4. [Note: If you do not attend this production, you will need to post an additional comment and response to the book questions.]
Due dates:
- Post your response to the essential question about The Whipping Man and your comment on someone else's response by TUESDAY, MARCH 10.
- Post your first three responses to the book and five comments by THURSDAY, MARCH 12.
- Post your final three responses to the book and five comments by THURSDAY, MARCH 26.
- How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
- Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
- How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
- How is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
- How does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
- How do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
- Should there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
Essential Question for The Whipping Man:
Why might a play like The Whipping Man be important and relevant for contemporary society? What current issues in politics, ethics, and international relations are paralleled or echoed by events and themes in The Whipping Man?
Assessment: To earn maximum credit, post thoughtful responses that are at least a short paragraph in length—and carefully proofread! Do not misspell characters' or authors’ names! Also, be sure to include specific references to the text (either details or short quotations).
I believe “The Whipping Man” is important to current day society because the play reminds us that despite how far we have come for equality in our society, like how in the play slaves where given independent freedom, but racism and inequality inside our society is still present. Today our society still includes many people with racist views and stereotypes about African-Americans. In the play, despite given the rights to be free, John and Simon still felt some responsibility to Caleb, keeping him alive and healthy. While at the beginning of the play, Caleb still thought of himself as a superior to John and Simon, and John even had to tell Caleb that Caleb was not his master anymore. So the tensions between the races were still there despite the attempt at equality.
ReplyDeleteUnequal rights and racism are current issues that were paralleled in the play. Slavery in the play is definitely a focal point because the slaves have just been set free. The tensions between the three characters is clearly shown at times based on their ethnicity. Many of their intense conversations were because of their skin color and how John and Simon were treated because of their skin color. Even in society today, black people are treated differently. Take Michael Brown, the black man who was killed in Missouri for an example. He did steal from a convenient store but any other man would have been arrested and put to trial for his actions. Instead, Brown was killed from multiple gunshot wounds by a policeman. If he did try to resist arrest then the policeman has the right to defend himself but this did not seem the likely case as Brown was killed by many bullets. Many people say that the unfairness towards this man was likely because of his skin color and if that is true then we have gone a very long time since slaves or blacks who were injured for little reason to only hurt them continuously up until now. This cruelness was reflected in the play when we found out that both Simon and John had been whipped many times, Simon with the lash scars and John with his recollection of being whipped by Caleb because Caleb wanted to. This proves that the unequal right and racism of back then is still going in our time.
Nice connection with the Brown Case. It shows that there is still some racism with the legal system. What you considered important to contemporary society is correct in my opinion, and the play did illustrate racism, and slavery.
DeleteI agree with you and Mark when it comes to connecting this racism with the Michael Brown case. One key sentence that stuck out was "He did steal from a convenient store but any other man would have been arrested and put to trial for his actions". This truly hints that there is still racism around us and we must get rid of it. It implies that had this person been white, or even female, that they wouldn't have been shot.
Delete“The Whipping Man” is important and relevant for contemporary society because it brings forth remembrance. “The Whipping Man” was our bitter herb, like the one in the Jewish Holiday dinner in the play, that has reminded us of a couple things. Most obviously, it showed us the cruelty and confusion that slaves endured before and after the abolition of slavery. It reminded us of the hardships and adversity that black people were confronted with. The other thing that it has reminded us of, and it may just be me, is that you don’t just have family that is of blood. Simon was an example of this in the play. Even though Caleb had a father of his own, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Caleb thought of Simon as a fatherly figure. In addition, Simon said that Caleb and John were like “two peas in a pod.” They were like brothers, and ironically in the end it turned out that they were. The preponderancy of family was also illustrated at the end of the play when Caleb told Simon about his father selling Simon’s family. Simon became obsessed about going out and finding his family, for it is the most important thing to him. The importance of this play was addressing the peccancy of slavery, and the divulgence of the importance of family.
ReplyDeleteCurrent issues in politics, ethics, and even international relations is racism and inequality. In the play Caleb liked to think of himself as superior to his two former slaves. This racism and inequality is paralleled, if not echoed, in society by the black arrest rates. There tends to be more suspicion and injustice toward blacks in the legal system. Ethically this is wrong, because this country is striving for equality, and sometimes even claims that it does, but until a citizen is proven guilt through evidence, not race, we have not reached this goal.
I like how you took a different approach and looked deeper into the play instead of just going with the elephant in the room and only talking about slavery. It wasn't just you, I saw the family feeling between the characters too but I like how you referred to it in your reflection. You also used some good evidence of how racism and inequality was paralleled with the black arrest rates.
DeleteI like your use of vocabulary to go into detail about the play and how you felt about it. I agree as well with the feelings between the characters and how racism, equality, and family all seem to be important themes to the play. Your connections to prove your evidence really gives readers a clear view of what you're saying and I like the phrases you used such as the "bitter herb" part.
DeleteI, too, like that metaphor of the "bitter herb." The legacy of slavery is bitter for every American, white and black, as demonstrated in the play. The characters all struggle to come to terms with the past and the changing present. We're still doing this in 2015, as evident in flare-ups of racial tension all over the country.
DeleteThe Whipping Man play is important to contemporary society because it makes us look at ourselves as people. I believe The Whipping Man really makes the audience look into their conscience and observe what they have done to hurt others. Slavery was a very hard time for our nation and it is not something we are proud of. This play reminds us of the terrible time and shows us how some families and slaves really came together. I can't help but think that Simon realized how he was more lucky than some slaves. Simon knew that he could have been out in the field breaking his back and picking cotton. But he was't. I believe this a major point in the play. The Whipping Man is trying to show the inner struggle of slaves and what went on in slaves houses rather than the cliché picture of slaves working in the fields. I, personally, found the play to be quite striking in the use of language, song, and the elements. It was very powerful to me to see the three characters have a disagreement, than there be song. I believe this is trying to show that all things will turn out o and to trust in yourself and others. Sadly, Caleb and John were not truthful to Simon. In society today, we could use some trust in ourselves and in others.
ReplyDeleteOn the point of the title, everyone today has their own whipping man. In the play we saw the physical aspect of the whipping man, but also the emotional. I believe the whipping man was not only a person but also something, personal, that is holding back each and everyone of us. Every person in society has a whipping man. Whether it be a fear, disorder, discomfort, or emotional struggle. The whipping man scarred Simon physically, but also mentally. Simon remembered the beating he received and vowed never to take it again. John never overcame the whipping man, he might has beat him physically, but he was always in his mind. Even though John won the fight, the whipping man won the psychological battle.
A current event that can directly relate to the Whipping man is the continuous struggles we have with police brutality. In many ways, the police have become a feared organization that is dying to be tested, much like the whipping man himself. Most of the police officers out there bravely serve their country in the right way and willingly put their life on the line. Unfortunately, there are also police officers that let power get to their head. The actual whipping man believed that he could never be contested and would always have power. John showed him that this was wrong. Sadly, the police officers who act like this are setting themselves up to be in situations that could result in themselves being harmed, the thought of racism, and police brutality. Racism in this play can be directly paralleled to the recent affects of police brutality. Unfortunately, if you look at the victims, they are all African American. This shows me that even though we have overcome slavery and segregation, we are still far away from achieving our gaol of complete equality.
I believe "The Whipping Man" is important and relevant to today's society because man nationalities, races, or genders all face some of the same problems or took on some of the same roles that Caleb, John, and Simon faced. “The Whipping Man” shows that everyone is under subjection to someone or something. The Whipping Man is what the people are under subjection to, whether it is drugs, alcohol, family members, or partners, nobody is ever 100% free. But even though people are under subjection, the whippings become easier. Just like in society way back when many different kinds of people were persecuted or enslaved based upon things such as religion and race. Nowadays minority religions and races physically are treated as equal towards the dominant religion or race, but they are still looked down upon to a certain extent. So this shows that people in a contemporary society are still under subjection to a superiority, but life has dramatically improved from what it use to be. “The Whipping Man” is also important for a contemporary society because it reminds us to a certain extent of all the downfalls out slavery. Even though we abolished slavery once contemporary society needs it to be reiterated that slavery was a nasty, cruel thing, and that we can never ever go back to that. If we aren’t constantly reminded of all the dramatic effects of slavery than history will end up repeating itself, just like it has done with the persecutions of people with the jewish faith. There are many current issues that are echoed by events and themes in “The Whipping Man” that are occurring right now in today’s society. One event that really echo’s “The Whipping Man” is ISIS and their ways. All slavery was used for back in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century was to make money. The slaves would perform all the tedious, backbreaking labor, just so the owners could profit off of it. ISIS, which is a terrorist group is attempting the same kind of thing, but instead of the slaves doing work for money they have to be bought back for money or be killed. But if ISIS continues to echo the theme of slavery in “The Whipping Man” then just like in the play it will eventually become abolished and diminished. This shows that some groups do very unjust things today just to earn money.
ReplyDeleteI like how you connected the Whipping Man to material obsessions such as drugs. It was also interesting how you pointed that the whippings become easier and easier. This can be connected how obsessions become easier to do but harder to get rid of. The connection you made to ISIS was very interested and powerful
DeleteJacob, I like how you brought ISIS into your connection with the Whipping Man. " ISIS, which is a terrorist group is attempting the same kind of thing, but instead of the slaves doing work for money they have to be bought back for money or be killed" Your connection is very strong, it shows that in modern day times, ISIS is kidnapping Americans and instead of putting them to work, they are taking out their anger with our government on these innocent people. Well done!
DeleteI believe "The Whipping Man" is important to modern society because it really shows people how inequality, racism, and family all all major themes in that time period and even now. The time period is post Civil War so slavery was now abolished, but the tension from the play is from before the war ended. John has resentment towards Caleb because Caleb whipped John after growing up as basically brothers. John feels like he was betrayed by his "brother." Caleb has resentment towards Simon and John, because he thinks they don't understand how terrible war was while he was going days without nutrition, whereas they were able to sit home and read. Simon and John feel the resentment towards Caleb, because white men felt ownership of African Americans and women, so when Caleb claimed to be in love with Simon's daughter, Simon didn't feel that Caleb knows the true love Sara deserves. Racism dictates how people lived and especially with women. In the end, Simon felt resentment towards both John and Caleb for not telling him that his family, which is actually their family too, were sold and no where to be found. Family is really thought about in the end, because both Caleb and John think about what they've done.
ReplyDeleteIn ethnic, political, and international relations racism and inequality still play a role. In most songs today, people mention the "N" word by both African Americans and White people as if it's a great thing to say. Jokes toward African Americans about stealing, assaults, etc. all are mentioned today in society. We've come along way with racism, I mean look we experienced the first African American president, our nation is no longer divided by color, but we still make mean and offensive words and phrases. "The Whipping Man" echoes these relations with when John was called the "N" word and white people felt they had an upper status over African Americans.
I like the way you incorporate the importance of selective language in the play and how it connects to society today. You are right, people do throw around the N word like its a regular part of our vocabulary. But, The Whipping Man reminds that this used to have much more meaning and power to it.
DeleteThe Whipping Man applies to racism in modern times. Even though slavery was abolished a long time ago there is still a distinct line drawn between races. The title and meaning of the Whipping Man applies to every persons life. We all have a Whipping Man, whether it be ourselves or someone else. We all have some one who punishes us for our mistakes or for doing something they didn’t like. Our whipping man could be a bully or our own inner voice. Sometimes our whipping man does leave us scarred like Simon, but we need to keep in mind what types of things could happen when we let our scars control our lives. An example of when John killed the whipping man, retaliating and accidentally killing him. John did not turn the other cheek.
ReplyDeleteThe most relevant current issue would be the violence between whites and blacks in Ferguson and other cases. I think whites need to understand that black people are not all thieves, drug dealers, or just lower class. Black people also need to understand that not all whites are racist towards other races. We as a culture still continue to view black people and their crimes or the crimes committed against them as joke worthy, we need to remember that it's not funny to make of of crime, of anyone's crimes. I frequently hear jokes on other races too, like asian races and latinos.
I think the play The Whipping Man connects to current day society because it has to do with people facing the consequences of their actions. There will never be a time where people can make decisions and not have to answer for those actions. I think the play does a good job showing this in multiple ways. One way they show this is by using multiple perspectives and showing how the decisions they made affected them and it will affect them no matter there rank, race, or age. Another way the play did a good job of showing this is by using John and Caleb as an example and showing that no matter how long you put it off they will have to own up and answer for the actions they took and the decisions they made.
ReplyDeleteThe Whipping Man is related to current events like those of Ferguson, Missouri where the police officer shot and killed Michael Brown. This was a big topic because some people believed it was based off racist actions because the officer was white and Michael Brown was black. Because of this violent protest erupted. When I think of this event it brings me back to when Simon tells Caleb that he had whipped John because he is his superior and took advantage of his power by taking this action. The problem with the ferguson case is that if this action was taken with racist intent then it is as if the officer is Caleb and Michael is John. The officer took advantage of his power by shooting this man because he has a gun and the ability to do so.
I'm loving your analysis lil guy. Keep up the good work, you are doing great. Next time I see you, you will probably be all big and grown up. I'll make sure to bring presents when I come up this summer. Keep taking the smart classes. You probably get the smarts from me. Love you! <3
Delete- Uncle Sted
Jacob, I'm intrigued by your emphasis on abusing others simply because we have the power to do so. It reminds me of the line in the play: "You whipped him because you could" (or something to that effect). We've heard that power corrupts, and the play demonstrates that. I trouble over that notion: It's human nature to whip those weaker than ourselves, merely because we can.
DeleteHow does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a headscarf) in other countries?
ReplyDeleteOur generation hears mostly bad things about Islam and Muslims. We associate the headscarf with Islam and the repression of women in these cultures. In the BookSeller of Kabul the headscarf seemed not to bother the women who wore them too horribly much. The rules on when the head coverings should be worn are less strict than I thought they would be. Such as when Shakila buys the blanket and the vendor gives her lipstick as well. She then lifts up the flap of the burkha to try on the lipstick. “She thanks him sweetly and lifts the veil to test the lipstick.” (92) Before reading this I had never even really thought about when Muslim women take off their head coverings. I definitely never expected a Muslim women to show her face to anyone in public, especially a man.
I thought it was very odd that she did this too, as I thought that women were supposed to keep the veil over their face at all times in public.
DeleteI agree, it is unfortunate that the veil has become a symbol of radical Islam and the women's misfortunes. I was also surprised when when Shakila was allowed to show her face in public.
DeleteI found it strange that women became so accustomed to the practice of veiling, but still would uncover their face in a public area. Do you think later on in the book, women will start to take a stand and become more revealing as a way to show their importance and deserved rights?
DeleteI agree with what you said about Shakila lifting up her veil. In this society that is a big "no no" and it is hard to understand why she would do this, especially in public and in front of a man!
DeleteHow are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteThe women of this society seemed to be very affected by any sort of political change. At first in Kabul women wore the burka, then Prince Daoud encouraged women, in the fifties and sixties, to not wear the burka. In the seventies women in Kabul dressed in western clothing. Then the Taliban came and enforced the use of the burka. The burkas seem cumbersome and hot. Shakila and her sisters expressed great relief when they were allowed to take the burkas off. “They flap into the cool apartment, pull the burkas off over their heads, hang them up on nails, and heave a sigh of relief.” (93) Also, girls were no longer allowed to got to school, and women were not allowed to work.
Men also could not live under the Taliban without consequence. When the Taliban gain control Sultan is forced to hide his books and any books of his that were found to be contraband by the Taliban were burned. Sultan took his business out of Kabul to Pakistan.
I agree, when the Taliban ruled, men were often going to be punished because they would not meet the Taliban's regulations, and women were forced to wear clothing they were uncomfortable with.
DeleteWell said. Women had to adjust to every little political change and when they were finally comfortable it seemed like the Taliban swooped in and forced them to once again wear the burka.
DeleteHow is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
ReplyDeleteThe women, though not overly fond of the burka, seemed to respect their husband’s and the Taliban’s wishes for them to wear it. The women seemed mostly satisfied being under men, which I find respectable seeing as to how that is all they have ever known. I like that they just accept what life has given them, instead of fighting against their traditions and their culture.
The men in this book do view women as a kind of property, but I found it surprising how fond they are of the women at the same time. “One story follows another. Sultan and Sharifa lie on the floor, like two little children, roaring with laughter.” (51) I like to see this part of the men. I appreciate how this book shows that not all Muslim men are tyrants of their families, horrible people who beat and rape their wives. It is very unfortunate, however, that some women in these cultures find themselves with a husband that is a tyrant, there is very little they could do to help themselves.
I find how classes do not intermarry much in this culture. Such as how Saliqa was not allowed to marry Nadim. Marriage in this culture is very odd compared to the American way of marriage. I pity Jamila, I do not think she deserved to die for her adulterous crime, but for a family member to kill her. Yet again how women were little more than property.
I like how you approached the question. I wasn't really sure how to answer it but you hit it spot on. You did a good job of explaining how men thought of women as property but also how they were fond of women.
DeleteMadysyn, you raise some interesting ideas in this response. One aspect that I particularly liked you drawing some attention to is that not all Muslim men are tyrants. Sometimes it is too easy to stereotype people because of our lack of knowledge. I'm encouraged by the ways in which this book has opened some people's eyes to the misunderstandings of a culture while simultaneously drawing attention to some of the inequalities faced by multiple members and groups within the society.
DeleteHow are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteThe characters were deeply affected by the changes in society. The Taliban had a major influence on how characters acted. For example, Sultan had to make modifications to his business when the Taliban were under control, hiding his books so they would not be burned and covering up the pictures with his card so he would not have to permanently cover the pictures in his books. At one point Sultan even had to take his books to Pakistan. Clothing, especially for the female characters as they had to where burkas while the Taliban ruled which they did not want, as they wanted to tighter western clothing. Males also had to follow the rules of facial hair, making their beards at least the length of an enclosed fist. While the Taliban ruled, if any males got caught breaking regulation then they were harshly punished, and if a female did not follow regulation then the male responsible for them faced consequence. So the characters were forced to abide to the Taliban’s rules.
I like how you pointed out that the male always seem to be punished for the actions of others. If his family did a wrong-doing, he took the downfall. I the society they live in, the male is responsible for his wife. Like you said, if a wife is breaking a rule, the male is the one "responsible" and is punished. And unfortunately, the consequences for breaking these rules were usually extremely severe and light altering.
DeleteThe women were often punished by their families though, so even if the men took the dishonor and the official punishment the women often suffer too.
DeleteI liked how you gave the issues with men as well instead of just women to show that both genders had different roles in society.
DeleteHow do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
ReplyDeleteThe personal story of the girl (excuse me for forgetting her name) who was caught in the park with a boy who was not very smart or have much money but was with him for feelings of love helps me to understand how strict their culture was to marrying for money to benefit the family and that women can not pick someone to love, they have to be approached. The personal story of Sultan and how his books were burned because the Taliban saw pictures in them so they burned them because they are only legible enough to distinguish from pictures and not the writing to know if the book violates their code helps me to understand how unforgiving the Taliban are. They burned the books because their was a hint in the pictures that they were against Islam, and multiple religions in the nation was against the Taliban rule. The personal story of Sharifa and how she felt about being replaced by a stupid but pretty young girl as Sultan’s main wife helped me to understand how much of a struggle it must have been for man women that were married to a husband with more than one wives. Although Sharifa’s situation was much more hurtful because Sultan went behind his family’s back to court Sonya, but if multiple women share a husband then those women will feel deprived of the caring from their husband, maybe somewhat replaced, and the older wives will probably have to do more work for the other wives. Not to mention that a woman can’t really get a divorce if they have been replaced without bringing dishonor to their family.
I believe the first girls name was Saliqa, but I'm not sure. Any way, I feel really bad for Sharifa and I think these insights into their lives helps me get a better understanding of their society.
DeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteCharacters assert their individuality by going after what they want and feel confident in. Sultan went into the book selling business when he became interesting in the readings he found and saw that he could make a profit. But unlike any other bookseller, Sultan sells illegal books by Taliban rule because he finds them more interesting. Other characters like kids who are growing up show their individuality by going against the repressive culture that males must approach women for a hand in marriage on the terms of money and family stature. Instead these characters meet each other for feelings of love and have to do so secretly because they would be going against tradition and what their family wants and probably get punished for it like that girl (sorry I forgot her name) who was the main topic of conversation in Sharifa’s neighborhood.
I like the way you talked about the the children expression their individuality also, not only Sultan. And you are right, she is going against the status quo of the male coming to ask for the female's hand in marriage. Nice connection!
DeleteI agree with Joe I think it was a good touch talking about how the children expressed there individuality rather then talking about only Sultan which was the obvious choice for individuality.
DeleteSultan, the patriarch and father of the family expresses his individuality through selling books. It is interesting to see Sultan’s express his happiness and joy while in his bookstore. In his store he has full control over what books he sells, how much he sells them for, and where he stacks these books. In most of Sultan’s books, their are pictures and when the Taliban came to power, pictures were not allowed. Thus, to preserve these photos, Sultan pasted his business card over them. This protected the books from being burnt, protected Sultan from prosecution, and also advertised Sultan’s business at the same time. Sultan also entered this business because of his love of books. In this way, he is showing his individuality. Besides selling books with pictures, Sultan also quietly fights the Taliban by selling illegal books.
ReplyDeletePersonally I love how Sultan is rebelling through books, not through force or spoken word. I enjoy how this shows his more thoughtful personality.
DeleteI agree, even though some of the books were illegal, he continued doing what he loves.
DeleteI really like how you mention that he quietly fights the Taliban by defying them. Do you think there is any other effective ways to fight the Taliban?
DeleteI agree with how Sultan stood with what he believes in, even though it was illegal. It shows how not all citizens go along with what others say, which in this case is the Taliban. Do you think Sultan will make his stand to the Taliban later on in the book?
DeleteI enjoyed what you said about Sultan having full control over his bookstore, because when it really comes down to it, it seems that the Taliban are the ones with full control. Then you mention that Sultan protects his books by using his business card and we see once again that he is in control of his bookstore.
DeleteShould there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteAs of right now, I believe that instead of worrying about gender equality throughout the world, we need to worry about the US. In Afghanistan, the gender inequality is not so much the government but the Muslim religion and tradition. When the Taliban came to power they discriminated the women and did not treat them justly at all. I do believe that their should be gender equality in the world, but at this point, sadly, it seems unreasonable or impossible. As seen in the book, there is no gender equality in Afghanistan or in the Islamic religion. Women are ostracized and severely mistreated. They are treated like second hands when their husband has more than one wife.
On another note, gender equality is still not present in the US today. Sadly, it has been statically proven that some women get payed less than men for doing the same exact job. Although women have all the same rights as men, they are still not always treated like them. It has also been statistically proven that when a man and women apply for the same job with the same qualifications, the man will get the job more than 70% of the time. To me, this shows that we still have a long way to go with gender equality here at home.
I agree. It does seem a bit hypocritical to be saying that other countries should be completely equal with both genders when our own society is not.
DeleteI agree, but that didn't address the question. But nice job explaining your reasoning.
DeleteI agree that gender should not be the major importance, but I didn't have a clear view of what your answer is to the question. I'm guessing it's no due to your reasoning that really made your point get across.
DeleteHow does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
ReplyDeleteIn the culture and society we live in today, it is perceived that women are equal to men and deserve to be treated as such. In the Western Hemisphere, many people see the practice of veiling inappropriate and detrimental towards women. But this is all relative because in the Middle East where they practice veiling, they probably see our women as disgraceful. Sometimes when we witness women veiling in the US, we have melancholy thoughts because of past history and it is not natural to us. As seen in the book, it is very dangerous for women to go outside without covering their faces and veiling. To the women of Afghanistan they do not find this disrespectful but a way of prefacing themselves form harm. If a women were wearing a veil in the US and openly walking the streets, they could be subjected to racist comments or uncalled for stereotypes such as the thought of terrorism. But in contrast, if a women were to go outside in Afghanistan without a veil, they could be severely punished or their family shamed.
I can't help but feel respect for women who openly wear the veil in our society because they know they will be judged. It's part of Muslim tradition to wear the veil, not a burka, but more of a hijab type veil. The burka is a bit... extreme.
DeleteI don't necessarily think that they thought woman was disgraceful, as much as they wanted to keep woman pure. They wanted woman not to reveal any of themselves, so men couldn't look lustfully upon them. They did this to ensure a more probable chance of suitors who are successful if they knew they were pure and untainted by dirty actions.
DeleteIn all honesty is it perceived that women are equal to me? Statistics show that women get paid less for the same job that a man could do instead. There is definitely lots of sexism nowadays still. But women still get the same rights as us.
DeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteMany of the female characters in this book are treated extremely poorly, and the men try to take every right away from them. They don’t even allow for the women to show their body. But some of the women though still pursue beauty even though no one can see it. In the chapter, "Billowing, Fluttering, Winding” Shalika defies the repressive society and still chooses to show over her beauty. First off Shalika removes her face covering in front her her husband before marriage, which is a big no no. She being a feminist doesn’t care what will happen to her, but chooses to stand up for what she believes in by allowing women to flaunt their beauty. Also Shalika chooses to wear simple toenail polish and use lipstick, which proves how strong of a feminist she is against this repressive society by doing things that she knows could get her in trouble, but she is doing it because she believes she has the right to. Shalika is one of the few true feminists that defy the repressive society.
I agree that woman's rights are limited, but do you really think that the men are trying to take every right from woman? I also agree with your statement of Shalika being a feminists. She did go against a repressive society.
DeleteI agree with what your saying about Shalika and her being a true feminist and I think the evidence you chose to use helps support your argument nicely.
DeleteShould there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteAll throughout the world women are perceived and treated differently. I personally believe that there should not be one standard for gender equality all throughout the world. Religion came into affect when people had nothing they needed something to look up to. Religion has been around for so many years, and in some countries religions triumphs government. I do believe that women in these countries and areas should be treated with more respect and granted more rights, but in the end it comes down to what works best for the country. Certain rules have to be established for a country to be able to succeed and for everyone to be happy. So there can’t be too much restrictions or in the opposite sense there can’t be too much leisure. Social Darwinism is very true theory in the aspect that only the fit will survive. So to succeed as a strong country certain rules have to be established to get the country to function at its best performance. But women still deserve to be treated with an adequate amount of respect. So I guess all in all it depends on what works best for the country, by treating women too well or not treating them well enough. If they can succeed as a country then they must be doing something right.
I like how you included your personal opinions into your response, and how you referenced Social Darwinism from our AP Euro studies.
DeleteI agree with Cole, incorporating your own opinion was insightful, instead of just talking about what happened in the book.
DeleteSome things that I have been noticing in all of the blogs are the wonderful connections people have been making to other books, classes, ideas, etc.
DeleteSted, I think that you make an interesting point that the country has to do what is best for them, but if groups of people continue to be oppressed in one form or another, what good does that do for the country? For the group of people? For the individual? I think is important that we not take for granted that we live in a society in which we can voice our ideas without being scared of the consequences. How fortunate are we?
Where do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
ReplyDeleteEveryone is alive for one reason or another. Anyone can opt out at anytime and take their own life, which is a very sad fact, but it’s true. Everyone is inspired or motivated because of someone or something to stay alive. Even women in this region found reasons to stay alive. One of their big inspirations is to get a man. This is because a man does all the work in this area and pays for everything, so once she has a husband she is supposed to be financially stable. Also with a man she can have children and pass on her family traits. This is why I think Sonya chose to marry Sultan, because one she will be financially stable and two she can pass on her family traits. Also living in an area where no one loves you to begin with if you are a women, it poses to her mind as a chance at true love, but I suspect Sultan truly wants her for the intercourse because she is a very young woman. Sultan also finds inspiration out of the books he publishes and sells. He realizes that they are so powerful and can contain so much information that he lives to spread the wealth of information to others. Everyone no matter what the situation is finds inspiration out of their lives.
You did a nice job of uncovering the truth of the story and writing your response really clearly so others can easily understand what you are talking about.
DeleteI agree with what you said about Sultan finding inspiration in literature and that he strives to help others gain information and knowledge through books. I also agree that knowledge is power.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHow are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteIn Kabul there was major event that affected everyone. This event was the Taliban. The Taliban prohibited dancing, music, picture books, and woman reveling their faces. Sultan was affected by the Taliban by the way they burned and took books that had pictures, or went against the muslim culture. The book explains how he used to put business cards on top of the books to hid the pictures, and how he also hid books in the attics around the city to prevent having all of his books confiscated. Another character that was affected was Shalika, who's wedding was allowed to have music and dancing since the Taliban left. The book explains how elaborate their dancing was, and how much fun they had, so the Taliban leaving affected the female character in the way of the wedding ceremony. The absence of the Taliban also increased the rights of woman, like not being forced to wear their headdresses. This is illustrated by the student that visits Sultan’s son, and he asks her to remove her headdress. Normally this is not allowed, and even illegal, but due to the Taliban leaving, it was less strict. That is how the Taliban affected the characters.
This is very true that the Taliban had a big impact on Sultan. This is why he is posing for a strong stable government, instead of a terrorist organization leading a country. Sultan wants his books and everything he works for like the the importance of knowledge to still be around after he's gone, or when people try to take away his stuff. So Sultan really presses for a stable government.
DeleteThe practice of veiling reflects cultural attitudes toward gender roles due to orthodox Catholicism. This part of the culture supplements the attitude of male superiority, and the veil is way that men could control their wives. The veil only reveals the eyes, and this is on purpose for two reasons. One to prevent other men looking upon woman lustfully, and for men to know where they are looking. This restriction affects the female characters by the fact that they have to walk around, looking through a slit in the fabric large enough for eyes. Personally, I think the veil only affects woman in a physical sense, and not emotional or socially, because they respect the husbands or male wishes of wearing the veil.
ReplyDeleteGranted they do like to wear the veils to please their husbands, don't you think it emotionally takes a toll on them wearing that long veil all day outside when it's already extremely hot. Do you think there should be a little leisure in the amount covering there should be?
DeleteI understand where you're coming from Jacob with how it's an emotionally tolling experience wearing the headdress all day in extreme hot air, but I believe people wore layers like they do now in Afghanistan to protect themselves against terrible sunburns. I do agree that the women only wore the attire to suit their husbands and society.
DeleteWhile i certainly agree that the veils and burkas reflect a clear attitude of male superiority, i do not beileve that this outlook came from orthodox Catholicism, but rather the Quran, which explicitly states that
Delete'Wives have the same rights as the husbands have on them in accordance with the generally known principles. Of course, men are a degree above them in status.'
ReplyDeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
Sultan is a prime example of a character that asserts his individuality in a repressed society. He likes books, but even more than that, he loves to sell them. When the Taliban was in Kabul, they would burn and take any books that went against their religion or ethics. Instead of just giving up his dream, he kept selling the books, illegally as it may, but he never gave up his dream. He went to jail a couple of times, but he never gave up his dream.
Mark do you believe that persistence is the key to accomplish the task at hand? Even though he is sometimes doing illegal activities with the books and the textbooks, do you think Sultan should keep selling books?
DeleteHow do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
ReplyDeleteThe one character that really speaks for my understanding of everyone’s personal living is Sultan Khan due to the fact that he is a rare in the Taliban society to had been secretly selling books and pictures to people that were interested. The beginning of the book really showed how men were known to be the leaders of society. Men had control on the women by having them wear clothes that went from head to toe, had wives stay loyal but the men were able to find new wives if the other was getting older, and had a say in society. Sultan’s wife was nearing fifty and it was time for him to marry a much younger woman. Beliefs in the society kept people marrying others in their own clan, which is basically distant relatives. Sultan married his second wife who is only sixteen and afraid but knows that she has to be married to get somewhere in life. Women and marriage is like business instead of love during the time period because of how young girls were to be forced to marry their older cousins in order to provide for their family and uphold a status. I found that Sultan’s beginning story helped me understand the society more.
How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteSultan Khan reflects an individual of someone who does not stop doing what he loves due to the Taliban. The Taliban burnt his books (Ray Bradbury would not be proud), went against any other cultural and religious beliefs, but Sultan still continued his illegal stance. Sultan came off as a leader to me with how he did not back down, but instead kept doing what he believed in and it really shows how other countries do not have the rights our nation has. Sultan went to jail for his beliefs and did not stop to take a break before getting back up to sell the valuables he believes in.
I agree with what you said about Sultan Khan being a leader. With his continuous stance against the Taliban, I think it shows the people that they have a chance and should stand up for their rights. Although going to jail, at least he had his stash of illegal books and shared with others, as a true leader would do.
DeleteHow are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteWomen are particularly affected by political and social changes in society. When the Taliban became an outbreak, women lived in even more strict lifestyles. Women were to wear headdresses and all clothes were to cover all skin except for their eyes. Being able to dance to music, read books, value pictures, and skin exposure were all banned and only the Islam culture were to be known instead of Muslim. Women had slightly more freedom when the Taliban were not around, meaning celebrations such as weddings occurred and headdresses were not worn to give them a break from the corrupted society. People such as Sultan Khan were also affected by the Taliban by getting caught with the risky and dangerous business he’s always wanted and has been interested in since he was young, which is selling books about history, pictures, and cultural stories. It is illegal to be a bookseller in the time period due to the changes in society, and Sultan’s secret was released.
How do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteThe characters show their individuality through the few things that are not controlled in their life. One example of this is with Sultan who has a passion for books and reading. He enjoys finding new books and adding to his collection. His book store was where he had the most freedom and power. He found the books that were illegal for him to have the most interesting and he often hid them in the many hiding places he has and some times lent them out to people. Sultan used his book store as his place of freedom and where his escape from all the bad in the society around him. Women seem to have much higher standards that they have to meet when it comes to how much they are allowed to reveal of themselves. This makes it very difficult for women to express their individuality. Some ways that women do express their individuality however are by their use of nail polish or little amounts of makeup and possibly the color of their clothes.
You're right: it is much harder for Afghani women to express their individuality. Seierstad underscores this point by referring to robed women simply as "burquas." One burqua is just like another. Inside and underneath, of course, is a different story.
DeleteHow are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteThe changes in society impacted everyone’s lives in the book. The abundance of restrictions that were put on the people by the Taliban was so widespread that it affected everyone from the children flying kites to the hairstyles they could have. The Taliban controlled almost every aspect of their lives and made it so that the characters had to change the way they lived their lives just in order to not be thrown in jail or punished. For instance when they banned pictures, other forms of art, and many books. Sultan had to rearrange his shop and hide all the books that were not allowed for people to posses. Also that women were not allowed to leave the house unless they met certain requirements.
How does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
ReplyDeleteI think our cultural background greatly affects our perception of women and the practice of veiling. Because we are from completely different cultures we believe that women are equal to men and that they should have all the same rights as men. Because of this we enjoy the freedom we have and cherish it. Seeing women be being controlled and told what they can wear and where they can go seems absurd. Of course there are some women that wear the veils because they want to but making it so that women get punished for not following these restrictions is unfair.
How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteThe characters are affected by the change that is the Taliban. These characters aren't the only people who are affected by the Taliban, because eventually other countries are affected by them. I searched "who are the Taliban" and it turns out that the "Students of Islamic Knowledge Movement". If you ask me, the Taliban are the "Students of Islamic Terror Movement". These men use brute force and violence to change how the characters live their lives. They burn Sultan Khan's books for instance. They do so because they believe that the books are going against islam and should be illegal.
I agree with what you said about the Taliban using brute force and violence along with fear to get the characters to live life the way the Taliban feels is right.
DeleteWhy do you think the Taliban is so threatened by both books and women?
DeleteHow does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
ReplyDeleteIn the United States, there are no rules that force women to wear headscarves or anything religious. There are laws protecting those that do, though. If a muslim women wants to wear a headscarf then she has the right to do so. Our cultural background definitely shapes how we perceive the rights of women to veil themselves. In the United States we believe women have the same rights as men, but in Afghanistan women had to be veiled otherwise they would be punished.
I like how you compared that there are rules protecting women who wear head scarfs in the U.S. but that there are rules forcing women to wear head scarfs in Afghanistan.
DeleteI think you'd find Muslim women would wear the headscarf willingly as long as it wasn't Burka just Hijab without the face grill.
DeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteDifferent characters assert their individuality by striving to follow whatever it is that they believe in, mostly in terms of their own rights. For example, Sultan Khan decides to continuously keep these hidden illegal books that are banished by the Taliban. The Taliban even go as far as to burn his books yet he feels that they are worth the risk to keep in his store. Shakila does something even more astonishing as she removes her veil in public and even worse, in the presence of a man.
5. America today is, (despite what many third wave feminists may say,) a largely equal playing field for both men and women, where women and men are based on their merits, not on their genders. My generation has been fortunate, growing up in a society where men and women are treated equally. Tragically there are some societies that are not nearly as enlightened, primarily in the middle east. In many places where the Islamic religion is prevalent, women are oppressed, forced to where sweltering burkas, and head scarfs, because if men see women’s hair, they may lust after them, an absolutely absurd notion that, unsurprisingly comes from a similarly absurd book, the Koran. Americans naturally loo down upon these utterly backwards laws and ideas, and for good reason. The prevalent religion in the United States is Christianity, which, in all honesty is just as backwards, but the difference is that in America we don’t take our holy book as seriously as muslims take theirs. I mean, the bible forbids the eating of shellfish, but how many christians abide by that passage? While many christians are still utterly ignorant when it comes to gay rights, we don’t murder them for being gay. America is by no means even near being perfect, but we are still far better than the middle east.
ReplyDeleteJack McGrath
Forgive me, and this is nothing against your opinions, and I am not a feminist so don't you think that for a second, but the US has one of the highest separations between the pay wages of men and women, and women in the US are 40% less likely to be hired on a job than a man even though women are more likely to do well in college as examples. Any how, the Koran is often taken to the extreme and misinterpreted in Islamic societies. The book itself is not absurd, I believe that is an entirely inaccurate thing to say. Also modern day christians do not practice the old testament meaning almost all laws on food were made obsolete. Acts 10:11-15 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” 14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” 15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Not only was this passage meant to allow people to eat food that was considered unclean, it is translated by many christian authorities to mean that christians should accept all people, because God loves and made all people in his image (clean)
DeleteAll of the nit picky rules made in the old testament like the sacrificing of animals or the very specific way people should dress were no longer needing to be followed when the new testament was made. (I am not religious, but I have been raised in a christian home and have some knowledge about the bible)
DeleteYou state that the old testament is largely irrelevant after the new testament, however that does not seem to be completely accurate seeing as how a large amount of christians are vehemently against gay marriage because of a line in the old testament, also, you state that, 'the Koran is often taken to the extreme and misinterpreted in Islamic societies.' i would tend to disagree, the Koran preaches violence against ''infidels,'' or nonbelievers, many times, for example, in 8:12, 'I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them." that is just one example, i am of the opinion that terrorist groups such as ISIS are far more true to the Koran than the majority of muslims, who are moderates.
Delete4. The idea of gender roles is without a doubt backwards and foolish, and for the most part the United States has left such outdated notions behind, which is more than can be said for many middle eastern, Islamic countries, in which women are seen as little more then baby producers, and whose minds are seen as inferior, and are not allowed to show beauty, wearing smothering burkas, and why? Because seeing their bodies might make men horny. They don’t even pick who they wish to spend their lives with, men arranging their marriages. Due to this systematic oppression of women in not only Kabul, but many countries, primarily in the middle east, the vast majority of woman , with few exemptions have come to accept this horrific state of life, as it is sadly all they have ever known.
ReplyDeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteI look to Mansur when I see this immediately. In all honesty I think out of all the important people in the book Mansur is by far the worst and as a man in that society has the right to treat Leila and Sharifa the way he does. He shows his individuality by doing whatever his dad wouldn’t let him do when he is not around. Actions such as smoking, and though not drinking himself, joining his friends while they were drinking. He is very rebellious at heart and shows that in how he disobeys his father and insults his mother.
I also see individuality in other ways. As when the women discuss clothes and shoes. The women seem to take great pride in their clothing. I believe this because their clothing is one of they only ways in which women get to express themselves. “When she rarely buys clothes it is usually for a wedding or engagement party and then she always chooses the glitziest she can find.” (276) Also when Tajmir describes Khadija, “She has black wavy hair, parted on one side, cut straight across from the shoulders, and white powdered skin and she always wears black eye makeup and red lipstick." (251)
Sharp observations, Madysyn! I share your feeling about Mansur, by the way, but like Sultan, he's hard to completely dismiss as a lout since he does show some sympathy for Jalaluddin, though not enough to resist his dad's demands.
DeleteWhere do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
ReplyDeleteThis is the hardest question to answer for me. At first I thought that do they really get a whole lot of inspiration? Then yes, yes they do, and it’s obvious really. Duty to the family is the biggest inspiration in most of the characters lives. The families do not seem loving and a lot of them are not, but I see how loyal Sharifa is. She lives to serve and care for Sultan to best her ability even if she is unhappy with him at times. Leila though not happy, pushes through her hardship, she doesn’t fight back. Leila accepts that her fate is doomed to her families wishes, she continues her life and I respect that immensely.
The men well loyal to their families, many of them have other ways to inspire themselves such as education or a job. Sultan finds his inspiration in books and works hard to sustain his business, his job. There are some women as well who find inspiration in their studies, like Shakila. “Shakila completed her studies and became a math and biology teacher.” (71) Shakila would not marry anyone who would not allow her to work.
I agree, I struggled with this question too but it does seem that most the character's duty to their families is the biggest inspirations in their lives. You explained well how it was hard to see how they felt about each other, but it was evident that they were loyal to each other.
DeleteHow do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
ReplyDeleteThe story of Sharifa I constantly think about. I respect her duty to her family and so I pity her being left out by Sultan when her married Sonya. She loved Sultan so much and yet after his marriage to Sonya, he hardly paid her another glance. I understand that Sultan had every right to take another wife, but I still wish Sharifa could have stayed the apple of his eye. I also respect how Sharifa didn’t stay resentful towards Sonya and eventually grew to accept her as a member of the family.
The stories of characters like Jamila and Saliqa are terrifying and show us the side of Afganistan’s culture I am most familiar with. I look then at stories like Tajmir and Khadija. Tajmir treated Khadija with the utmost of respect and love. He spoiled her in a sense, showered her with gifts and wasn’t at all upset that his wife birthed him a girl and not a boy. I see Sultan’s family as an in between the two sides of the spectrum. Sultan rules with an iron fist, but he isn’t cruel and his punishment generally fair.
What do you think about his response to Jalaluddin's crime of stealing the art postcards? Iron-fisted indeed, but fair? Yes, perhaps according to Islamic law but Seierstad suggests he's overstepping another, more transcendent value, that of mercy and human compassion.
DeleteHow do the characters assert their individuality within a repressive society?
ReplyDeleteAlthough this may not fall under the category of asserting individuality in society, I did find the exchange about the criminal between Sultan and Mansur interesting. When Sultan's store was robbed and the culprit identified, the decision making start to occur. When this happened Sultan was not in town and Mansur, as the oldest male, had the decision making power. Sultan pushed for this man to be thrown and prison for his behavior, but Mansur got to see first hand why he did it. Mansur for inner conflict when he had to decide whether to disobey his father and be disowned by him or to take pity on this poor starving family. Although Mansur did not end up making the decision he wanted too, he exposed his father and expressed his own decision making power and individuality.
I really see Mansur being a perfect example for this question, though I don't care for Mansur very much he did seem to at least pity the carpenter.
DeleteDoes anyone think that Sultan should have showed mercy to "the carpenter?" For if he had shown mercy, there might have been future people who would steal from him. But on the other hand, Sultan thought that he stole around seven thousand post cards.
DeleteYeah I found it interesting too. Why do you think Sultun was being very selfish in this part?
DeleteAn interesting question to discuss. It strikes at the dualism of Sultan, by half enlightened and admirable, by half vengeful and cold-hearted. The value of human compassion, as I mentioned above, counts less to him than staunch adherence to civil law.
DeleteWhere do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
ReplyDeleteThis question raised to problems for me, because at first I didn't see much inspiration or will to continue on. But then I thought deeper into the lives of the citizens in this novel, and saw that inspiration was what kept them going each day. One of the most important inspiration for characters in this book is their family. Either providing for their children now, or hoping they live a better life than their parents. And I also believe that characters find sources of inspiration through their Islamic beliefs. They understand their duty to Allah and strive to be the best Muslims they can be. I think a major inspiration for Mansur was completing his pilgrimage through Afghanistan. He strongly believed in the Islamic beliefs and attempted to apply them in his everyday life. Even though his father may have been hard on him, and he had some tough decisions to make, Mansur could always turn to his religion as a source of inspiration and drive to keep him going every day.
I agree with how there wasn't much hope to go on, but that was motivation in the book's society for people to continue on for their families and duty of Allah.
DeleteJoe I LIKED HOW YOU LOKED DEEPER INTO THEIR LIVES TO TRY TO FIND THEIR INSPIRATIONS. I didn't mean to caps that.
DeleteHow is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
ReplyDeleteThe practice of veiling as a culture shows the different expectations of society. Women are required to wear the veil in order to not provoke men that are not their husbands. Not wearing the veil is considered disrespecting your husband. The use of veiling for only women is unfair if all women are expected to dress a certain way in order to please society then everyone should be expected to do it. Otherwise putting restrictions on one gender is not necessary. This affects characters lives because as women in “The Bookseller of Kabul” they are in a way hidden from society behind these veils and especially with the burka which covers so much of the women it seems extreme and unnecessary.
Does anyone else think that there might little reform in this society towards women because women are so hidden?
DeleteI not sure if their would be little reform for women because they are hidden, as much as they are used to being suppressed by men. I feel that reforms will happen when the woman are ready for fight for their rights. Once they are ready to stand up for themselves, that is when change will begin.
DeleteIt's difficult for women to fight for their rights though when they are so oppressed by cultural and religious expectations in their society. So I'm not sure if it is because they're not ready to stand up for their rights or because the fight seems unrealistic and unsafe.
DeleteHow do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
ReplyDeleteThe characters’ personal stories expand our knowledge of the societies they live in by giving us prime examples of what is going on in their communities. The stories they give act as evidence to the claims made about the society they live in. These stories are also used to help emphasis the aspects of the society that for some people are considered extreme. For example the story that was told about Jamila and how she was caught cheating on her husband. After she was proven guilty for this by the brother of her husband she was kicked out from the home, and killed by her own family for shaming their name. Of course what she did was not right but the actions taken by the rest of the community were very extreme and make us realize that the loyalty of women and the actions they make are a focal point of the society and women are expected to act a certain way.
Jacob how did you enjoy reading their personal stories? I actually really enjoyed it.
DeleteShould there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI personally believe it would be very difficult to create one standard for gender equality throughout the world. I think it’s right that women be treated equal to men and that they are capable of anything a man can do and should be treated that way but not everybody feels the same. There are lots of people out there that feel that men are superior to women and that women deserve to be treated as a lesser to men. Because of this I feel it would be nearly impossible to have one standard for gender equality. People have their own opinions on this and they have a right to their opinion, therefor it would not be okay for us to enforce one standard of gender equality as there will always be people who disagree and feel the standard is wrong.
I agree that people would think that the standard, no matter what it is, would be wrong.
DeleteI agree because having one standard of gender equality does oppose some peoples opinions on the topic and those people will feel the standard is wrong like you said.
DeleteI agree that people would think that, but those people will think that it is wrong, just like you said
DeleteHow does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling (or wearing a head scarf) in other countries?
ReplyDeleteBeing born and raised in America I have always grown up to believe in equality for all. This is not the case with many adolescents in many countries today. Many countries despise women and don’t allow women to express themselves freely, whether it’s what they can wear, what they can do, or even what they can say. But being born and raised in America we feel as if it is very wrong for women to be treated this horribly in these developing countries. We want women to have the rights to be able to wear whatever they want and for them to be able to express their beliefs to the fullest. Sadly it is not our decision t whether or not women get rights in other countries. We don’t frown down upon the women because we realize it isn’t their fault, but we frown upon the men of these cultures for forcing the women to do this.
I agree with your standpoint on woman equality. I find it interesting how you attribute being born in the US to your respect for woman. Like you said, it is sad that other countries do share the same values as we do.
DeleteI don't necessarily think that men despise the woman, as much as want to control them, and protect them against society. For father wanted to protect their daughter's purity so they can sell her off at a good price as a good wife.
DeleteThey kind of treat the women like livestock. They like them, but they are also worried about their price.
DeleteI do believe the men wanted to control the women because if they didn't, then they would give them respect and rights like they have.
DeleteHow is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
ReplyDeleteRestrictions on dress show many views and idealogical perceptions of the people within the culture. For the culture to impose a certain restriction they must have a probable cause to do it. So if cultures make women wear veils, or just restrictions of their clothes in general, then they definitely look down upon women. If they let women wear whatever they wanted to then it would seem as if they thought of women as equals, which they obviously don’t. So the more restrictions on the clothing the more restrictions in general that women or any group that is prohibited to wear certain clothing faces. These attitudes really affect these women’s lives in a negative way. Since women don’t have the right to be able to do certain things, they can’t accomplish all their goals and ambitions. Like during the book Leila wants to be an English teacher, but to do this she needs to have a paper from the ministry of education, but she has no male escort to get her cross country and there. If this was America she would be alright and could go get it, but in Afghanistan she needs protection of a male escort to help her cross the country. So it just constantly affects the characters lives in a bad way because the women like Leila just don’t have the freedom to do anything.
You did a good job of connecting clothing restrictions to women's attitudes and how women were thought of and you used some great vocabulary there Sted. :)
DeleteI second what Cole said.
DeleteHow do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
ReplyDeleteAll the main characters and higher up secondary characters throughout this book, showed in a third-person sense a portion of their life. Whether it was from an older experience or just modern day life, they all portrayed a certain instance of their lifetime. Many of the stories gave you different perspectives of a bunch of different characters, whether they were females or males or young or old, it seemed as if you were able to grasp the broad picture of each person’s life. They all really showed you how each different kind of person. The one overall connection with everyone is that they all face troublesomes within their life, but when trouble occurs onto them they seem to pass it off on to others. Like a very hypocritical thing that Sultan does is not allowing his children to enroll in school. The whole point of Sultan’s bookshop is to share and expand people’s knowledges, but this can’t occur when he won’t even let his own kids go to school, because some of the books are illegal. So he places the burden of being troubled for having illegal books onto his kids because he is doing the same exact thing of the government and is controlling their knowledge. So overall all the characters show how bad the society is right now and how much work needs to be put in to these developing countries if they want to rise to power and sustain on their own.
I agree that Sultan should allow his children to enroll in school. Sultan's defense against this was the best teacher was experience, and the experience was in the bookshop. So in sense I agree with both, for both a provide education, and a experience are importance. I think it depends on what the person wants to pursue, either business with their father, or another career.
DeleteI also saw that the stories gave the reader many different perspectives of a bunch of different characters, which helped me understand each persons individual life. I like how you were able to connect all the characters to one thing in their lives.
DeleteI personally think that their should be gender equality throughout the world, because women and men have proved to be equally capable at an assignment. Whether it is in the government, job, decision making, or even running a household. In the United States, we have one of the most progressed gender equality identification in the world. We have very capable woman in our government, who are making a difference in a positive manner. But in Afghanistan, woman are capable, but they are suppressed by their husbands, and male superiority.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that gender equality should be a worldwide value. I like how you clearly state that women ARE capable. Its not that they can't do the jobs the men do, it's just they have haven't the chance.
DeleteA passage/quote that I find significant is on page 180; “A new day that smells and taste like every other day: dust.” This quote take on a literal sense of just the repetitiveness of a woman’s life. How she has to clean every day, and doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary. But I also feel like the dust represents woman’s dreams and hopes that have never come to pass. They collect around them, and they have to deal with them every day. The dust covers them, but they just brush them off because nothing can come out of them pursuing their hopes and dreams if the men do not agree with them.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very good metaphorical explanation for the dust in women's lives, I never really thought of it that way.
DeleteI also liked your thoughts on the quote meaning women's dreams being dust and never coming true, I didn't catch that when reading, but now I can make that connection.
DeleteI agree with you and cole. That metaphorical explanation wasn't in my mind when reading but now that you connected the dots, I too understand
DeleteHere, here! The fact that it appears at the end of Leila's story seems to lend added significance to the metaphor.
DeleteThe characters’ personal stories expand my understand of Afghani culture; both inside of the family and outside. For inside, it explains how the eldest son of the grandfather is in charge of the household (If grandfather is died), then it proceeds to his eldest son, then the following sons. The men have the authority in the home, but the food chain continue with the grandmother, then wife, (possible) second wife, then eldest daughters, following daughter, and finally, the bottom of the food chain, the youngest daughter. The short stories have also illuminated how marriages are arranged. How a woman of the proposing family has to go the other family and ask for the daughter that he wants. This was shown with Karim, at the end of the book asking his sister to go to the Khan family and see the kind of family they are, and see if he and Leila are a good match. Outside of the family, it explains how people are able to move up in society. You have to know someone, and this is shown when Karim asks for a meeting with the Minister to help Leila become a teacher. Also, outside of the family, the family image is important. To be recognized as honorable, and be respected. This is shown in “the carpenter’s” family, when he steals the post cards, he father beats him and complains about the dishonor he has caused his family, and the stain his has put on their name.
ReplyDeleteI loved to hear the stories about what happens inside the families. I really liked to see the different life styles among classes too.
DeleteThat is a very good point Mark. I like how you are really expressing your thoughts and opinions.
DeleteVery good examples of stories and how they helped expand not only yours but my understanding in Afghani culture. Couldn't have said it better myself!
DeleteWhere do the characters find sources of inspiration in their lives?
ReplyDeleteMany of the characters in the book kept on going through their lives because of their inspirations. Like Mansur when he followed his inspiration to go on that pilgrimage with his friends. Others like Leila felt an inspiration to take care of her family until she became a teacher and got married. Mansur and many others used their religion as an inspiration going through life and making tough decisions.
I never thought of Leila feeling inspired to take care of her family. But, you have a good explanation for your thought. Good job
DeleteShould there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI believe that since some people have the view that women are just as capable of men and should be treated as equals while others disagree, that there will not be one standard of gender equality throughout the world. I believe their should be one standard for gender equality that everyone is treated as equals, but there won’t be because there will always be someone with a different opinion.
That is really the problem with society today. People are not willing to hear other opinions. For instance gender equality, the Middle East looks at the US women disgracefully. But, we look at the Middle East women confusingly. I like how you acknowledge the barriers that have to be crossed to gain gender equality.
DeleteI like how you gave the aspect of reality in your answer, because there are various viewpoints and some people will go against gender equality. Good job.
DeleteHow is the practice of veiling (or restrictions on dress in general) reflective of cultural attitudes toward gender roles? How do these attitudes affect characters’ lives?
ReplyDeleteRestrictions on dress is reflective of cultural attitudes towards gender roles because forced veiling for women shows how men look down on women. It shows that men do not think of women as their equals because women aren’t able to wear whatever they want. These attitudes negatively affect women characters’ lives. These attitudes that men were superior to women puts limits to what women can do, they didn’t have the freedom to do as they wished. Like how Leila couldn’t go to get a paper form the ministry of education in order to become an English teacher because she didn’t have a male escort to help her get to where she needed to.
I never thought of veiling being a way of men looking down on woman, but understand your point. I also believe that the practice of veiling is probably quite demoralizing for women. I agree in your thought, if women believed they were equal to men they could be just as successful.
DeleteWhose job is it then to ensure that women believe they are equal to men?
DeleteHow are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest changes of society described in this book is the rise of the Taliban. As it was shown throughout the novel the Taliban had major affects of the society of Afghanistan. The women were very much segregated and mistreated and there were harsh punishments for being out in public alone. Also, when the Taliban rose to power many freedoms of citizens. For instance, Sultan had a lit of certain books he could not sell and pictures were banned. Obviously this would have hurt Sultan's business.
I agree with your thoughts on the Taliban creating huge changes in society with how they mistreated the people and took their rights away.
DeleteYou're right, the Taliban rising to power stole the rights of civilians such as Sultan carrying the books that he wanted.
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ReplyDeleteHow does our cultural background shape our perception of women and the practice of veiling in other countries?
America has different concepts on our perception of women with allowing them to have jobs they want, wear what they’d like, and do as they please with their lives. Unfortunately, America has no control on how other countries such as Afghanistan, with women being able to do what they want. Women are fully dominated by a male made society in the book. They are to not reveal anything but their eyes with headdreses, do all duties their husbands have ordered them to do, and are to be a mother so that the family grows bigger. Women do not have a choice and in America, they do. Our country is not used to how terrible other countries are on their perception on women is with “ordering them around”. We don’t agree with the treatment going on in other countries, but can’t fix it right away. America does look down upon how men treat women in other countries.
Should there be gender equality throughout the world?
ReplyDeleteI believe that there should be gender equality throughout the world, because women can do what men can, if they have the right motivation. Examples such as jobs and government play a role in women’s lives now. In America, we have very powerful women such as Michelle Obama, news reporters, and military all travel worldwide and are capable of their duties. Women are making a powerful and positive difference in society, but in other countries such as Afghanistan, they’re under male dominance. Women have to cover themselves completely and get permission to do anything from the men apart of their “clan”.
I agree with what you said about women in the military because they are just as important and just as helpful as men. It's a shame that gender equality isn't bigger in other countries such as Afghanistan.
DeleteA passage/quote that is found to be significant from the book.
ReplyDelete“In Afghanistan a woman’s longing for love is taboo. It is forbidden by the tribes’ notion of honor and by the mullahs. Young people have no right to meet, to love, or to choose. Love has little to do with romance; on the contrary, love can be interpreted as committing a serious crime, punishable by death.” (p. 37)
The quote shows how women and society are controlled by such rules. Marriage is business, a subject to make a couple have wealth and power, but with no love at all. Love is known to be a horrible feeling to obtain and means that one is not focused on finding a good partner who will take care of them and dominate them. To men in the book, such as Sultan Khan, finding a young girl in their clan is a good way to control another woman in society. Husbands in other countries look at their wives as objects to uphold and control in their society. Women have very few rights and can never choose their path in life as well, unless their husband or family give permission.
I like how you mentioned that marriage is a business; I couldn't have said it better myself. The love of the marriage doesn't matter its the image, the money and the power that comes with it!
DeleteShould there be one standard for gender equality throughout the world? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI do think there should be one standard for gender equality throughout the world. There are so many different standards as of right now, and it isn't fair to women. Women are just as capable as men and have proven that through different jobs. There are more men in the military than women but there are still women who join the military and are just as brave as the men. Sure things aren't as bad as they were in the past, when women couldn't vote and men were clearly dominant but times have changed and I think will continue to change until women are 100% equal with men. Personally I think there already is gender equality in the US(or at least in Topsham Maine) but there are others who don't see it that way.
How are the characters affected by events/changes in society?
ReplyDeleteThe biggest change in this society would have to be the Taliban showing up and conquering. When they established themselves as leaders, women were automatically affected. They had to cover up in burkas, and if they chose not to, they would be punished. Their rights were stripped from them. Women couldn't leave their homes without being accompanied by a male relative. They couldn't work outside of their homes, besides the exception of a few doctors or nurses at hospitals. The Taliban greatly affected the lives of women in Afghanistan.
How do the characters’ personal stories expand your understanding of the societies in which they live?
ReplyDeleteThese stories basically show us everything we need to know about life in Afghanistan. When reading about the Khan families Apartment block, we see just how rough life can be. There's hardly enough water to reach the second floor, electricity is rationed at uneven proportions and nobody can ever be sure if it's going to work. The walls are lined with bullet holes and shells which to me gives their home an eery vibe. One story that stood out to me was with Jamila cheating on her husband. This is already a huge dishonor to her family and she is kicked out immediately. Since men are already above women in this society, to cheat on ones husband is a terrible thing to do. These stories explain the little things about life that we in America do not understand. Like how to rise up the ranks in a family business, how to hide things from the Taliban so you're not punished but can still impose your specific interests on society (Sultan and his books). After reading these personal stories I think it is easier to see how tough the lives are of these people.