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"Honor Killing" Comes To America
First tribal Arabia. Then Africa. Next, South Asia. After that, Europe. Last year, Canada. Now, America. "Honor crimes" have arrived in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
On the outskirts of Atlanta, a South Asian man has been charged with killing his daughter. She reportedly wanted to leave her arranged marriage. But under the code of "honor" -- an ancient cultural tradition by which hundreds of millions of contemporary Asians, Africans and Arabs live -- divorcing your husband means shaming your entire family. That's an act of "dishonor." And that's a crime worthy of severe punishment, including death.
The catchy phrase for it is "honor killing." When CNN's Situation Roombroadcast the story earlier today, anchor Suzanne Malveaux cut through the semantics. "In this country," she said, "it's called murder." Amen, sister.
If the perverse phenomenon of honor crimes is new to you, I urge you to learn more about it. Let me be your guide.
To demystify the tradition of "honor," I've blogged about the case of a Saudi gang-rape victim here and here.
If anyone tells you that these indignities don't happen in the West, check out my TV interview about Aqsa Parvez, the Muslim-Canadian teenager whose father has confessed to strangling her for the sake of his family's reputation. In all but name, that's an honor killing.
I've also blogged about how progressive non-Muslims contribute to such injustices. In the name of showing cultural "sensitivity," they often tolerate the intolerable. Read this commentary.
For more analysis of why we should challenge power abuses, even when they take place in societies other than our own, click here and here.
Finally, what can you do to help end honor killings? Three ideas:
1. Support legislation introduced last year by Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas). Get more information here.
2. Join the International Campaign Against Honor Killings. They're doing terrific work.
3. Stay tuned to this blog. That's because an organization with which I'm a scholar -- the European Foundation for Democracy -- will soon be launching an effort to raise awareness about honor crimes. We also aim to change public policies, foreign and domestic, to promote human rights for all. I'll say more about that effort in the coming weeks.
Later this month, I'm heading to Washington, DC to speak at the annual conference of the National Organization of Women. Right-wing media love to ask, "When it comes to denouncing the oppression of Muslim women, where are feminists?" Here we are.
Now that I've answered their question, allow me to ask mine: Will neo-cons ditch the crass politicking and help feminists get the word out that honor killings must stop?
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For those who say its a middleeastern Islamic thing should note that honor killings were practices in Italy (Sicily ) until recently.
Sadly there is a lot of knee-jerking going on in this thread.
Honor Killing is done in a larger scale in the Hindu Community and the sikh Community too , as well as among Christian indians (mostly nothing to do with religion but traditions ) But irshad Manji wont talk about them , she is obsessed about islam that she pretends to be part of .
Tribalist dogmas have no place in a modern society. To tolerate them as a condition of "multiculturalism" is wholly unwise and can only have a negative effect on our society.
I'm curious why this murder was seen as fit to receive coverage here at HuffPo, while the double murder of Amina and Sarah Said, sisters 17 and 18, in Texas last year by their father Yaser, for being "Too Western" and having American boyfriends, went unnoticed?
'Right-wing media love to ask, "When it comes to denouncing the oppression of Muslim women, where are feminists?" Here we are.'
The 'royal 'we,'" eh? Anyway, I didn't see any evidence that you're denouncing the oppression--only the murders.
'Now that I've answered their question, allow me to ask mine:
You didn't answer their question, but go for it.
'Will neo-cons ditch the crass politicking and help feminists get the word out that honor killings must stop?'
Your snooty little attack shows that they have gotten the word out without waiting for you. Do you really want someone to believe they "love to ask" about your absence without explaining why they're asking? How freakin' silly. Far short of scholarly, that's for sure.
Squelch your odium reflex. It isn't helpful.
You were doing fine before your 'gratuitous-sneer-at-righty" tic took over and trivialized you. That was a "high crass" move.
If the shoe fits etc etc ...
"...where are feminists?" Here we are. "
Finally.
"Now that I've answered their question, allow me to ask mine: Will neo-cons ditch the crass politicking and help feminists get the word out that honor killings must stop?"
Conservatives have always opposed murder, its called support for the rule of law.
Good reason in 2008 America.
Except when the people being killed are Vietnamese or Iraqis, of course.
This is not a religion problem, but a cultural one. It is not limited to Muslims, it occurs in Hindu and Sikh families too. Western societies are predicated on the rights of the individual; Middle Eastern and some Asian cultures are "Honour and Shame" societies. It is the family which is important, not the individual. Status comes from increasing the honour of the family. To shame the family causes it to lose honour, and that is the worst sin. Hence the use of rape-it is considered a way of inflicting shame. To shame a rival family helps to increase one's own honour. Women bear the responsibility of protecting the family honour: if they do violate it, then her death mitigates the shame. This is a grim indicator of how brutal non-rights-based cultures can be. It is hard for us here cultures to grasp this.
To understand this, we need to look at it from an evolutionary perspective. In the desert cultures of the Middle East resources were scarce. A man could not afford to care for children not his own. Hence the segregation and enforced modesty of women: to guard illegitimate children. It was also customary among some tribes castrate strangers for the same reason
Im going to repeat myself for those who are ignorant of Islamic law:
Divorce is permitted in Islamic law. It is permitted while being abhorred. In the allegorical Arabic of the Quran (Shakespeare vs modern English) the act of divorce is such that the mountains crumble when a couple split up. But it is allowed.
In Surah Nisa (Ist Chapter) of the Quran there is an entire section dedicated to divorce, the rights of the husband and wife, the children, etc etc. (Anyone interested would do well to read a copy of the English translation by Y Ali)
The concept of 'honour killings' is entirely a cultural concept, as is the construct of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and many other practices which have nothing to do with Islam and pre-date Islam in both Arabia, Africa and other areas.
Forgive the double post. It seems some people just post w/out reading preceding posts.
Ms. Manji,
As a Classical Liberal often taken fro a "neo-con" I answer "yes." The next time someone makes the argument, which has some truth by the way, that feminists in the west are more concerned with towing a multicultural party line than adressing true wrongs, I will link this fine article. But to be fair, the criticism is made of middle and upper middle classed white women, not of women-of-color who have been at the forefront of this issue.
Gemmao8, with respect, you are deluding yourself if you think that the lesser legal status of women in terms of testimony in the Sharia as well as the aquisition and treatment of wives, not to mention the age of acquisition as implied by Sunnah contribute to an atmosphere where this type of thing is more likely, you are btoh deluded and not aware of the actual statistics, is there a passage where woman can beat a husband even with a twig? Do women take more than one husband in Islam? What of what a woman possesses in her right hand? No, No and nothing.
I have no doubt that Islam raised the local standards of the Arabian desert. Now Islam lives in a modern world which has had an Enlightenment, and in that light, it is Islam and other religions that are outmoded.
..and Gemmao8, I cannot let it pass that the relevant issue on divorice would be here if a woman can initiate divorice as a man in Islam can by simply stating three times his intentions. A woman under Sharia may initiate discussions if her husband is toopoor to care for her. So that divorice is allowed in Islam, meaning a man may dispose of his wife, is nto even relevant to the issue that the Sharia concieves of women as suboridnate to men and in charge only of the home sphere that her husband completely controls. A husband also may serve as all four witnesses needed to condemn a wife for adultery, meaning he can accuse her simply because he wants to. Again, I have no doubt that the due process elements of this make it superior to what Islam replaced in Arabia, but hardly a model for the world today for anyone who believe that men and women are equal. Women in Islam by law and tradition move from their father`s homes to their husband`s, not as independent agents. In this tragic case, the accused father has already said he "did nothing wrong" and he wants halal food in jail meaning 1) though he admitted the killing in his eyes it was not wrong and 2) he sees himself as a pious Muslim. How on earth could he believe such a thing and not as a lone nut but as part of an ongoing trend?
Well put, hear hear.
I beg your pardon. My experience with Muslims exceeds your perceived 'intellect' on the subject.
When you refer to 'lesser legal status in terms of testimony'... two women as support for each other emotionally. It has little to do with a woman's testimony being less than that of a man and more today with the more emotional sensibilities of women. Is it patriarchal? Perhaps. But as a woman, I AM more emotional outwardly than most men. And when the crap hits the fan, I need my girlfriends around me. Isnt that part of what made the show 'Sex and the City' so successful? In the West we talk about Girl Power. Islam acknowledged Girl Power before it was cool to do so.
I dont get your point wrt to beating. It is clear from the text that a woman can be verbally admonished. And physically with a handkerchief. Which is to say, it is not permissible to raise your hand to a woman. In the West we have become inured to spousal abuse, its so common. Most homicides against women are committed by their 'loved' ones.
Women do not take more than one husband. It has to do with establishing paternity. If a woman had more than one husband which one would support the child/ren? (No DNA testing 1500 yrs ago.)
Dont get the right hand reference.
The modern world is not compatible with the modern world.
If it quacks like a duck.
I'm obviously completely opposed to the notion of "honor killings," but what exactly is the point of new legislation against them? Like so-called "hate crime" laws, this would simply condemn something that is already illegal in this country– namely, first degree murder.
It's not like there's some loophole in American law that lets you off the hook for killing your daughter just because she didn't want to marry the guy you picked.
Kinda what I was thinking Brainspore. Just like hate crimes committed against Blacks, Asians, Arabs, Gays, or Whites simply because they are who they are,... the key word is "CRIME".
If somebody commits a premeditated murder against their wife/son/husband/daughter,.... (ect.) the key words are "Premeditated Murder". We got laws on the books already for that one.
All you so-called religious people haven't got a clue about human right or wrong. If your religion says something, then it must be true and fair. I am talking about ALL of those stupid FAITHS: Islam, Jewish, and also Christian. All of the so called Holy Books have more hate, injustice, war crimes, sin against other humans. and so much more. Want to hear a couple other ridiculous words that have no honest credibility? Creationism, Intelligent design, the Word of God, Reincarnation, resurrection, heaven, hell, the recoming of christ, etc. Can any intelligent religious a**hole prove any of these funny word is true? .......I didnt think so.
I have not read this article, but I have strong feelings about this type of criminal act. This country needs to make very clear to the people of the Muslim religion that this type of thing will not be tolerated in this land. Strong prison sentences and even the death penalty should be given to anyone that does such a despicable thing. While living in Vancouver, B.C. a similar case happened. It sickened my stomach when the facts of the young lady's murder came out in the press. Just because she did not married who her family wanted her to, she was murdered and dumped in an alley way like common trash. I was outraged. What's more the falsely courageous killer (a family member) fled to his native country to avoid prosecution (I seem to remember it was her uncle). Stop these people by tagging their asses with long prison terms or death sentences. My true feeling is if this is how they wish to live an apply their religious beliefs, they need to go home and stay home! What an outrage!
First of all, it's National Organization "for" Women, not "of" women. I agree with most of the posters, Islam is a horribly hateful and dangerous religion for women. And so is the Catholic Church. I can understand why men would belong to a patriarchal religious organization (they get to be superior, by definition), but why would a woman belong? Come on women, wake up. There's an old saying "men are the enemy, but women are the problem."
I'm a male American, but I couldn't agree more. Thank you candomath. I wish, at the age of 67, my math was better.
In England Pakistani fathers are arrainging marriages with their daughters and men in Pakistan. When their daughters are of age they ship them away and no one stops them even though they are British citizens. They are probably doing it here too. What the world needs right now is a safe haven for these women and girls to run to where they will be protected.
Im going to repeat myself for those who are ignorant of Islamic law:
Divorce is permitted in Islamic law. It is permitted while being abhorred. In the allegorical Arabic of the Quran (Shakespeare vs modern English) the act of divorce is such that the mountains crumble when a couple split up. But it is allowed.
In Surah Nisa (Ist Chapter) of the Quran there is an entire section dedicated to divorce, the rights of the husband and wife, the children, etc etc. (Anyone interested would do well to read a copy of the English translation by Y Ali)
The concept of 'honour killings' is entirely a cultural concept, as is the construct of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and many other practices which have nothing to do with Islam and pre-date Islam in both Arabia, Africa and other areas.
See how long the contempt for and suppression of women has gone on?
I thought divorce was OK in Islamic law IF it was the husband who did it, not the beneath contempt woman whose only value is to provide SONS for the society?
Somewhere I read that all the husband has to to is say "I divorce thee" three time sand the deed is done.
Correct me if I'm wrong.......
I agree. Women have long been the emotional/physical and mental punching bag.
You are correct. It is permissible for a man to divorce his wife by uttering those words before witnesses. But if he acts on impulse or out of anger, he can withdraw the divorce.
Once a man divorces his wife, he can not remarry her unless she marries and lives with another man. And it cannot be a marriage of convenience. This is to ensure a man thinks seriously before divorcing his wife.
A woman can annul her marriage.
It is the man and his family's responsibility to care for the children after a divorce.
If a man divorces his wife he has to keep her in the style she was accustomed to during their marriage. Everything that was acquired in the marriage belongs to her.
This does not always happen in reality. Which again proves the weakness of human beings. and the way the actual law has been manipulated and subverted in patriarchal societies.
The dowry in Arab countries is given to the bride in gold (usually jewellery), so that in the event of a divorce, she will always have that, even if the husband manages to defraud her of what would otherwise rightfully be hers.
Divorce law in Islam favours the rights of the woman. Sadly women are often ignorant of their rights due to being kept uneducated in patriarchal societies that undermine Islamic law.
But Gem, are these people listening? Obviously not. Anyone who knows a shred about Islam knows these "honor" killings are against both the Koran and Sharia. But the question remains how do we break the back of this cultural practice within these borders? Just prosecution seems to be inefective. Just look at the expression of these people at trial. They are recalcitrant.
Education, my friend.
Muslim women in the West are more aware of their rights and have more freedoms. But even the West is patriarchal.
The way women are treated is not just a problem in Muslim societies/countries... its a global problem.
So its important that we all speak out... men and women.
In S Africa we have a HUGE problem with women and child abuse. We have some of the worst stats in the world. In SA a woman is raped every 30 seconds. Yes. THIRTY SECONDS.
To hell with religious law. She is a human being for CHRISTSAKE! GODDAMN RELIGIOUS LAW!
Exactly my point. Honour killings are not part of Islamic law.
When one is found guilty of an honor killing crime the punishment should be a public dishonor of the criminal. Some form of public nakedness or other humiliation worse than the "crime" which led to the killing.That way doing the honor killing would lead to greater dishonor to the family.I.E.Fight dishonor with dishonor.
Agreed.
Oh yes, let's punish murder with public nakedness. That will surely show them! Perhaps it's time to put down the crack pipe.
So, for these marriages, arranged marriages, what's the purpose? What is the benefit to the family of the bride, besides getting rid of their daughter?
It is embedded in the culture of these people. It has been going on for thousands of years. The answer- Send a clear message to these communities. Start deporting those involved in these "honor" killings. Deport the entire families- all of them- back to Pakistan and India. I gaurantee that after a few of them it will stop in this country at least.
And where are you going to deport fundamentalist, literalist "christians" who would seek to have the Bible injected into our laws?
Why take it out on the women?
Deport them... I agree.
As for the women, if they are of the same mind that it's okay for the father or uncle or anyone to kill their daughter, they either need to be reprogrammed or sent with the men.
As far as I am concerned Honor killing are nothing more than 1st degree murder and should be treated as the same. >Life without parole or the death penalty should apply and I am not one who favors death but if the shoe fits so be it
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