Women Issues
(from my comment on Warblogging)
Look, I am not a (kick a$$) feminist. Nither am I a simpering idiot. I am proud to be a girl. I have no problem with my religion (Islam) for the fact that it doesn't stamp on my rights as a human being. The Prophet Muhammad did say that 'A woman is made, not his skull bone to lord over them, not their feet bones to be stepped on, but from a man's ribs, to be cherished and protected.' That is a direct Prophet quote. Now tell me, which female fearing men had twisted the religion to suit their need.
The first reason for Hijab, if you trace it to the beginning is to differenciate between the Prophet's wives and their slaves. It's a symbol of modesty not oppression. Do we have slaves anymore? Use your brain and think for yourself. Plus as a married woman, do you really want other man to lust after you? For what? These rules are just that rules. If you want to obey, good for you. If you don't, well, pay in the after life. Unless you believe that what you are doing is right.
Recently I went to an full day interview in an international company. There was 2 girls there. A quiet but very intelligent girl and myself (I find myself quiet only during meetings.) There was one Middle Eastern engineer. He proceeded to 'wow' us with his 'experience'. So I decided to ask quetions, discuss things. And you know what he said? He said that I was scary. Scary...? Just because I joined the discussions and am not afraid to disagree? Hearing that I couldn't decide to either laugh or pity him.
No, religion has nothing to do with it. It was the individual man that decides if they need to supress women due to their fear. I've met many Muslim/Christians/etc. men that enjoys an intelligent conversation. But I have also met the opposite. The type of men that need to be the better then any 'mere' woman. Regardless of the facts. And what do I do? I listen and give a very short and concise answer that mildly translates into, 'Look I am a woman with brains, deal with it.'
Rant
(Taken from Warblogging)
Athena wrote:
(kick a$$) feminist... the real axis of evil?
Not really. I am all for equal rights. But I don't go overboard with it. I don't feel the need to have as much 'ba11s' as a a tough guy. Male and females have their own complexities and their edge. So I take what I have and make it work. I especially feel good when I achive something, skirt or no skirt. Hey, I wear 3 inch heels at work. I don't feel the need to become the wallflowers. I work with mostly men and they respect me for my knowladge. I don't feel the need to dress like a man (although I wonder would it be more comfortable, maybe not with ties though).
I think ppl by now would know that I don't really care who you want to vote for, what religion you believe in or not at all, who you prefer to have sex with or what you want to do. As long as no one trample on another's rights. (Gosh, my friends and I discuss about the homophobia since I kinda couldn't figure out why such phobia exists.)
I merely suggest that we judge anyone base on their action rather then their faith/beliefs, religious or politics. I take people's views and their advocates with a pinch of salt, even if it's my father's POV. The point would be to think critically. Cause you know, in the end, its your life.
And as for religion. Bottomline for me is, 'Don't blame God for what humans do.' Don't use what humans do as an excuse to dismiss God. If you don't believe because of what God stands for, then that is just fine. But I find it offensive when people dismiss God because of human weakness. I sure can go on and on about this but I think I've made my point.
Meeting with foreign ppl
Today, I had a meeting with a foreign business contact. To say the least, it was refreshing. I found this person to be passionate about his work. Beside him, I look very normal. I guess that I have toned down quite a lot since high school. We were discussing work and the difference with the industry. Nice.... Did I mention that he gestured a lot? Is this just a French trait or is he out of the norm...? Bottomline.., LOL.
A long holiday starting tomorrow till Sunday. Yey!!!
Love,
Julie
I grew up trained to please people. I am taught by my parents to put myself last and other ahead of me. I had to think of other people's feelings and needs. Occasionally, I had to give up my rights upon somethings to do so. Now that I am older, I finally find myself in a dilemma. Between my need to protect people's feelings. Because they are my acquaintances/office mates/etc.
Only recently, I have noticed a trend. I give, people take and they don't give back. I am good at sharing, sure. I am not afraid to give credits where they are due. That's because I am self assured as to where I stand (at least workwise). But it pi$$es me off when people don't do the same. So now, I will practice Quid Pro Quo (sp).
Final note: I find that compassion is useles when it's given to the wrong person. Especially when they talk behind your back. So now I shut up, keep mum and merely watch. God I can be scary sometimes.
Later! I have a meeting this afternoon. Argh!!
Love,
Julie
Oh, it burns me. It really does. I wish I can kick ppl for asking me stupid qustions about my personal life. Take note that Personal life indicates just that PERSONAL. Aku malas betul la. *Angry*Angry*Angry* *hides in cubicle and pouts* I think if I grind my teeth anymore, there will be not tooth left. (Hey, that rhymes, not really but I am ranty and illogical right now.)
Yes, as you'd notice, a lot of my Malay friends, university friends (take note on the Malay part) are getting engaged and planning to marry next year. For Malays they typically get married at the age of 25 (God knows why, my theory is that they are hard up for some *there I'm bi*chy*.) For my family, our parents discourage us from marrying. They cite many reasons mainly the fact that choosing the wrong person might just ruin your life.
As far as I am concern, marriage, since it's a vow of forever, is something you don't just jump willy nilly into. You have to be committed. You have to plan. And most importantly you must find the right person. No point in marrying just for the sake of getting your rocks off. So I am very selective of my prospect. Sure, I date anyone, but that doesn't mean that I'd marry any of them or all of them.
Fine. Then since an office mate recently got a ring from the future in-law (no official engagement yet), the whole uproar started. People begin bugging me about getting a boyfriend before its too late and etc. ARGH!!!!!!! Get off my case, you @#$%%^&*! I don't want to get married for fun. I don't want to marry just because society tells me that I must. And I refuse to just marry any Tom, Dick or Harry that asks. I refuse, you hear!!
*screams* It's getting annoying. I am 24 this year. And am still chasing after my ambitions and studies. What in the world is wrong with you people? It that all what life is about? Procreating? Do you live like a robot going through the motions? Live, study, work, marry, die. It that all? There is a world out there to be explored. I want to travel to places. Meet people from different places and countries.
I am angry and am very unhappy with this whole, 'Let's pressure Julie into something, by making her feel less then a woman, just because she doesn't have a boyfriend and has no intention of getting one soon.' Grow up ppl. Do I harp about your personal life? Get out of my face.
And I had a nice post in mind for today. *screams* Never mind, I'm no good to anyone right now. Later..
Very Angry and Annoyed,
Julie.
