The Burden Of Eve Analysis

The reading, The Burden of Eve, sheds light upon the mistreatment and inequality women especially in Israel are faced with, brought upon by religious standards and the influence of Judaism and the cultural following of Orthodox fundamentalism. Alice Shalvi notes that religious based cultural beliefs drive inequality onto the lives of women, creating standards of modesty and gender roles that must be explicitly followed, enforced by the common threat of violence by men. The religious driven inequality of women as noted by Shalvi, translates into women remaining in roles as homemakers, and therefore separated from opportunities that male counterparts may be granted. Shalvi also reports however, that modernization has created a push against common ultra-Orthodox viewpoints that reside in the currently extremely conservative state of

Israel.
The reading The War Against Feminism notes the influence of fundamental beliefs in the religion of Islam, and the inequality it can create to women whom reside specifically in the Middle East. Janet Afary describes the intense standards of modesty and gender segregation women are expected to follow, as well as the emphasis on women treated primarily as sexual objects and home makers. Afary notes the difficulty of creating a presence of the education of feminism in Muslim societies, due to objections and even threats of death to authors whom promote the spread of any works that contrast conservative Muslim beliefs. However, Janet Afary also notes the difficulties of the spreading of feminist promoting equality ideals are not contrasted only by men, but also by the very women who are oppressed by them. A reason Afary describes for the lack of resistance some women may have to a change to the cultural patriarchal system, is the fear imposed in women that economic ideals of safety and protection may be removed if women stray from households led solely by their husbands. Another reason noted in why women may gladly uphold the strict dress code of the hijab, may not primarily be through her own will, but from protection from men whom may feel the need to objectify or her harass her if she decides to not wear the hijab.
The two readings both analyze the pressing connection between the inequalities faced by women, and the religion based ideas that impose such inequalities. Just as is mentioned in both The War Against Feminism and The Burden of Eve, women are forced to follow religion based ideals and expectations or risk being outcast, or even be severely harassed or hurt. Both articles touch on the connection that in many of the states mentioned, there is hardly a separation between religion and government. The lack of separation between religion and government in a state in which women are constantly undermined as second class citizens, puts women at risk of abuse and lack of resources, therefore leaving women unable to find resources that may help their situation. Another notable aspect of such conservative and patriarchal influences on women’s roles, is the mere fact that women are forced to remain in these roles, for fear of facing being outcast, or for fear of not being able to support oneself alone in a culture that privileges male power and dominance.
These two articles were definitely upsetting.

It is difficult to realize the harsh standards and obligations imposed upon women of different cultures. It is especially disappointing to note that women whom may seek to relieve themselves of such discriminatory practices, face little to no government support in terms of fighting inequality. Such as distinguished in text The War Against Feminism, women of Algeria must fight against patriarchal and incredibly sexist political movements, such as the “Islamic Salvation Front,” which although was banned, had won an election and the promotion of their platform’s ideas despite their notions consisting of extreme patriarchal views and their actual assassinations of individuals not compliant with their beliefs. I also strongly agreed with the United Nations decision to aid individuals from fear of the Taliban, in their stating of refusing to continue aid to Afghanistan if intense cruel practices were to continue. The interference of other government agencies in helping to promote the end of cruelty, such as was occurring by the Taliban, act as great movement of defiance against

cruelty.
I very much appreciated Alice Shalvi’s considerations of the privilege many women are given, in the mere choice to promote dissatisfaction and rebellion towards patriarchal viewpoints. Although a grand number of cultures and societies may demonstrate patriarchal views and imposed inequalities, it must be noted that women in other cultures must be treated with empathy for their upholding and participation in the patriarchal system. As described in “The War Against Feminism,” many women do not have the choice to simply refuse to wear a hijab, do not have the choice to go to work and earn a livable income, and do not have the choice to simply leave their husbands. Women are not given the ability to choose whether or not to fight the patriarchal viewpoints imposed upon them, due to the fear of being outcast and unable to provide for themselves, or even worse, face the threat of cruel persecution and harm.
It may be difficult for women in certain states to free themselves of extreme biases and cruelty. I deem that a revolution to the cultural and religious beliefs of women under certain Muslim and Orthodox ideals may take generations to ensue. But I have also determined that a large component of inequality stems from the many government institutions in these states and countries that must be altered and reformed to promote at the very least a sense of security for its women citizens.