The Plight of Ayhaan Hirsi Ali

The plight of Ayaan Hirsi Ali Ms. Hirsi Ali was named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” of 2005, one of Glamour Magazine’s Heroes of 2005, and she received the Prix Simone de Beauvoir in 2008. She has published a collection of essays entitled The Caged Virgin and a best-selling memoir Infidel. Does Islam condone and institutionalize the oppression of women? Or does it liberate and elevate them? Ayaan Hirsi Ali came to international fame following the shocking murder of Theo Van Gogh in Holland. She grew up in a devout Muslim family, but when she fled to Holland, she became increasingly disillusioned with Islam's treatment of women. As a member of the Dutch parliament, she fought for the rights of Muslim women. "Each and every time, after the 11th of September when I got engaged in these debates and I would say, 'please let's look at our own faith, let's reflect on it, let's change it,' my fellow Muslims would call me an infidel. And I thought it’s just high time to accept that as a title." -- Ayaan Hirsi Ali Click on the "play" arrow below and listen to Ayaan Hirsi Ali speak for herself. Have your notepad handy to jot down the words and impressions that you have along the way. Then, Asma Barlas, Professor of Politics at Ithaca College, (who you remember as our featured speaker in Lessons Two and Three) will be heard as a respondant to Ms. Ali. Get comfortable and listen (earphone?). Women and Islam [Click on "play" arrow. It takes 20 sec. to load. If it fails to play, then click here: http://www.mgshow.com/archives07.html#May07 When the new page opens, search for "Women and Islam." Then click on the play arrow. If this fails, then you need to download a free Basic Real Player 11 by going to http://uk.real.com/player/win/  If nothing works, then click here to read a dozen pages from Infidel.] Reflective Questions 7.17.1a As you listen to Hirsi Ali tell her personal story, what words or mood comes through to you? Is her escape an act of defiance, an act of courage, or what? 7.1b What might you have done differently? Why so?7.1c Are you satisfied with the reflections of Asma Barlas? If you had been asked to comment, what might you have said that was not said? What might you have left unsaid?