It's Not Easy Being a Muslim Woman in the 21st Century

Obviously, I am not Muslim, but the women Mahmood describe in her book who visit mosques for teachings on the Qu'ran from other women must face some challenges. As Mahmood pointed out, post-9/11 Islamaphobia and now the Internet age in full swing, misconceptions about Islam and the rights of women are widespread. There is already a  tension between feminism and the feminine ideal propagated and exploited by popular culture that pits women against women. Add on top of this the extreme fear of fundamentalist Islam--Muslim women appear to be viewed as not in control of their lives because of the religion they have "chosen" (though whether this is viewed as a personal choice, or "positive freedom" as Mahmood defines, versus an obligation is debatable). One has to wonder how the role of Western media has influenced women's role in Muslim countries and what kinds of subversive practices they have taken up which would battle this image (perhaps not in a direct response to this image, but certainly in opposition).

I am embedding a video from a PBS documentary called "The Light in Her Eyes" about women in Muslim countries in the 21st century and the problems that they face within their own culture and against it. If it doesn't work, here's a link! Video Clip: The Biggest Challenge