The 2008 Olympics opened in Beijing with much fanfare and an incredible opening ceremony. I found myself glued to my seat from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the teams from all 204 participating nations enter proudly, holding their flags, waving their flags, taking their own photos, talking on their cell phones, never forgetting the feeling of pride knowing the world is watching on as they were the chosen ones to represent their country.
The all-male Saudi delegation entered looking very Royal and carrying the flag proudly and high. And yes, you read that right — all-male. Now come on…did anyone reading this post really expect that Saudi would have a female Olympic contender as part of their team…yet? Don’t forget, physical education is not even part of the regular program (if at all) for female students in the Kingdom.
Which does make one wonder….how many Saudi females would like to have the chance to compete as an Olympian? What kind of sports would they likely pursue that would still be viewed as acceptable in that a muslim woman can compete while maintaining her modesty?
So what about the rest of the Arab world competing in the Olympics? Did they have women on their teams? Yes; they did and usually had a woman athlete carrying the flag proudly as well. It was a pleasure seeing the Arab athletes from Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt and elsewhere. Iran also had women as part of its Olympic team as did even conservative Afghanistan!
So I’ll close this impromptu post in wishing the Saudi team well and hope that the lack of female contenders on the Saudi team will at least help open the eyes to initiating athletic programs for women in the school systems here…as a start.
And I ask for those especially who are Saudi and reading this post to share your views and thoughts about whether Saudi women should be given the opportunity to participate in future Olympics for the Kingdom.
Filed under: gender, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs
Carol,
I posted this explanation from a Saudi prospective on another blog, but I will repeat it here since you asked:
It is not the fault of Saudi Arabia that the Olympics committee insists on refusing all recommendations made for Muttwaa approved women sports. Here are some of the requests which have been rejected recently:
- Abbya endurance event: involves women wearing black abbyas while trying to maneuver through an obstacle course in 100 degree temperature. This endurance test would have been even more interesting to watch in China’s smog.
- MahramThon: Tests the women spousal obedience skills in 3 categories: Cooking, House Cleaning and Childcare (including husband of course)
- Salfi Gymnastics: Measures artistic and flexibility skills. Involves women forming geometric shapes while covered in an Afghani style Burgahs.
In my opinion, it is a conspiracy to block Saudi from winning its first gold medal.
Thanks Saudi in US. And I’m sure if we all put our heads together we can come up with even more challenging Muttawa approved Olympic events…
Funny enough I just posted on my blog about how my daughters were never allowed to be physical and just PLAY while out in public when they were small….how all physical activity associated with females is narrowed down to her vagina…whatever she is doing her vagina is doing it too…which calls attention to it…which catches the male gaze and “forces” it to fall upon the female and makes him think of her sexual bits…what else would he be thinking about after all…her enthusiam…her physical abilities…her strength and agility etc? for sure not…and so its up to her to “tame” her vagina and keep all attention from it…thus no physical activity allowed while out in public.
Saudi women will never be on the Olympic team unless the muttawa ever come to realize females are more than just a vagina with legs….sigh.
coolred38.blogspot.com….sorry to pimp my blog but would like some comments if anyone cares to stop by.
Coolred….Yes, you know…..imagine a woman running about and getting ‘warm’ all over her body. God forbid a man would witness this event…I’m sure he wouldn’t be able to control himself in this part of the world! he he he
Saudi in US, … You can find plenty of top abayya competitors in Orlando at Disney World….including gloves and socks as well as a niqab (face covering) while the ‘open-minded’ husband is sporting shorts and a t-shirt nearby enjoying the view of all the ‘naked’ women.
Ugh! They are starting a cooking school here too as well as marital classes (which actually I think are highly needed)…so there you go. Actually, I’ve met so many up and coming bright Saudi women here. I think that they will be the ones going to work, while their husbands stay home and take care of the kids.
Carol…… I liked the opening ceremonies, but I agree with you. Don’t you think KSA could have at least included at least one woman….perhaps a Saudia hostess in their in uniform carrying the flag? I mean, we all know that the stewardesses are not ‘real’ Saudis, but no one else would be the wiser and the religious guys wouldn’t have thought twice about it because it’s not one of ‘their’ women. ; )
Or how about the woman who is a Saudi pilot? How come she couldn’t be there to show the world that Saudi women are beautiful, they’re working, and smart too!
American2Saudi, as you remarked during our earlier conversation, why couldn’t a Saudi woman participate in archery? She could wear a modest and Islamically approved outfit with hijjab… and I like the idea of Saudi women in the martial arts…watch out men! But men staying home and taking care of the kids…nah….
The comment about abayya competitors in Orlando also reminded me of one of my last trips to Dubai which was about the same… men, boys and young girls dressed for the climate and hot hot weather, enjoying themselves at the pool and then there was the Saudi woman in complete abaya, hijjab and niqab in the direct sun. I’m sure she had to be feeling miserable but you’d never know it.
Such a disappointment. Was it the only country with no females? It’s really sad. How do the women feel about it? I mean, why can’t things be done? Are they satisfied with the rotten status quo? Seriously, it gets to me. I will NEEVVVERRRR live in Saudi.
Oh God. It’s one of those days again : )
aaaaaaaa why is everything in italics? The only thing mean to be was the word ‘only’! And there’s only one only : P
Hi Teed…no; Saudi was not the only team with no females but I believe the only team INTENTIONALLY without females.
I’ve often wondered if it gets tiring always obsessing about vaginas and hymens and what they can possibly do to men. It must at some point.
I know you did a post about modest swimsuits, why are the women not able to compete in that category? Also while on the different sites about the swimsuits they had alot of conservative outfits for other sports. So whats the problem? I really enjoyed Saudi in US comments, LOL!, I’d love to see the women in the rest of the world do some of the things we do in an abbya and hijab. How about breast feeding!!!
Saudi females are not even allowed to play sport in schools let alone participate in the Olympics.
[...] Saudi Arabia and the 2008 OlympicsThe 2008 Olympics opened in Beijing with much fanfare and an incredible opening ceremony. I found myself glued to my seat from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the teams from all 204 participating nations enter proudly, … [...]
Anon,
If women only knew the control they could really have just for having a vagina. They would run the men and the world!
What is/are the reason/s given for women not being allowed to play sports at an all woman’s school?
what about the javelin throwing event? would that work for saudi women even if they were wearing the full abaya?
Honestly, I don’t see what the big deal is……
Ok, so they women as vaginas with legs…so what.
So “their” women can not participate in Olympic….big deal
Why would even want their women in Physical Ed?
They are too busy(muttawa) upholding Islamic Values. What they are doing has “NOTHING” to do with tribal traditions, right?
Like EQ said about an article by the religious clerics….It’s all a western conspiracy to get women out of the house and out of their veils. God forbid someone see a bit of skin. Then men may not be able to control themselves because of seductress who is exposing her hands. The “ISLAMIC” thing to do is keep them pregnant and barefooted.
A lot of interesting comments and views and humor too!
Teed, I hope one of our Saudi readers will take the time and answer your question about why sports are not allowed or not on the agenda at schools. My understanding is that it is due to the culture where females are just not expected to participate in sports.
Tina, I don’t see why a muslim woman could not wear one of the islamic swimsuits but again, at least in the Saudi culture, only “sanctioned” males (father, husband, brother, uncle) are even allowed to see a female relative dressed as such so in the Saudi culture, I doubt that swimming events would be viewed favorably for Saudi women.
Simplyme… I’ll tell my Saudi husband I’m supposed to be kept barefoot and pregnant! …. but wait a minute… I thought that was the motto of West Virginia?! (big laugh)
I have a few problems with the Olympics, but I won’t start ranting about China’s human rights abuses, or how the people who participated in that amazing display were shut up in a kind of work-camp for 10 months just so China could show off another display of mass-registration.
I love Saudi in Us’s Abaya-endurance event! ROTFL!!!!
And what a great new avatar! About time you got your own avatar
You should all check out Shahrzad’s cool blog; she has pictures of the Iranian women who are competing. One is a rower, one an archer, and one does Tae-Kwon-Do. which is a very cool tough martial arts sport.
http://shahrzaad.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/iranian-women-in-olympics/
Martial arts are an ideal sport for women as you need intelligence as well as muscles.
Women could also easily compete in sportshooting, and of course riding.
I am still of the opinion that women need to cover from their chests to their knees, so I cannot imagine any sport islamic women can’t do.
And I bet men won’t get far in the Olympic Abaya+niqab-endurance as they don’t have the stamina.
Oh my God, I’m a neurotic inverted triangle!!! : )
Let’s see, what could sports in school actually do for females? For starters, a healthier body! Our bodies are made to be used! And sports/exercise provides the best means for that purpose! Who sets the curricula? And do they get revised or is the 1947 version in place today???
Yes; I’m experimenting with avatars to see if they add more personality to the site or not. I wish I could get a selection of camel avatars.
When I speak to some of the young girls/young women in the family they have no concept of female PE programs. It is sad because as you said teed, it does help one keep a healthy body. But I think this is yet another cultural issue. Private schools and international schools (like the American and British schools) will have PE for everybody but the Saudi public schools will not.
Actually from my understanding…the all important hymen and its delicate nature is the reason girls are not allowed to do that much physical activity. Nothing but nothing should come between a new groom and his God given right to break through what no man has broke through before…and heaven forbid if her bike riding or skateboarding while she was young got to it first…sigh!
My friend here told me that girls are not encouraged to participate at all in sport just to reduce the chances of her hymen being ruptured or something equally horrendous…actually I dont think there is anything more horrendous…to Arabs…
teedimensionist,
“Oh my God, I’m a neurotic inverted triangle!!! : )”
At least you are not a square like Abusinan. And a pink one I may add. I just love the new avatars Carol
Aafke, thanks for the link to the avatar site. Whatever you do, do not give it to Abu, let’s see him be a square for a while. And yes, I like my new avatar, it was your quiz results that gave me the idea.
Saudi in US, the image looked vaguely familiar!
Abu Sinan, mail me for the link
Coolred38, bad news then: The idea that a hymen proves virginity is grossly outdated, some girls don’t have a hymen at all, or have one that ripped while walking or something.
oh you are so merciful Aafke, at least give him 50% of the beating I got over that orange with the funny ears on your blog
Aafke, you also forgot that there are specialized clinics all over the world now that do repair work for women that want to act as virgins to satisfy the special requirement for a future husband. Very sad..
Lol Saudi in US, you’re right, I actually look cool : ) And Carol, camel avatars? That would be hilarious! Hope you find them! : )
Coolred, if what you’re saying is true, I’ll shut up about this whole lack of sports in schools issue for the rest of my life because there’s no arguing with people who think this way. I mean, this mindset is here to stay. But then again, people thought Saddam would never die, and if he did (like after 3 million years) he’d be replaced by his sons who were worse than him. So hopefully some day children get the right to play at school where there are no perverted men watching them. Unless of course the women have also turned into perverts and then there will really be no solutions. Except for of course the different shifts of living they were proposing in Iran a few years ago. Men work/live/go out during the day and women do so at night and they change their shifts and we all live happily ever after! (It was a joke of course, but you feel bad that the state of affairs has caused people to be joking about these issues!)
Tee; you look cool and nerdy, which is a good thing here in blog-land!
Abu Sinan: you dó realise the generated avatars show your real, inner-self? That means you are a square, depressed PINK tv-screen-shaped computer nerd!
Is that mean enough Saudi? Yeah, there are clinics all over the world that do ”restaurations” so there is no reason to keep girls from sports now is there? If any little sports accident damages the all important hymen, you just restore it again befor marriage!
Yes Aafke, having a big head and pointy chin makes one like that
I wonder who these hymen-restoring doctors are and what goes through their minds. I imagine there would be few or close to none in Saudi who would take the risk (is it risky?) to perform such a procedure. This is one sad world we live in. The whole hymen=purity of mind/body/soul=true self=protect at all costs=restore in case of violation cuz otherwise you’d get violated in some other way, possibly leading to death and the tarnishing of your entire tribe’s reputation forever.
Maybe chastity belts should make a comeback. It’d save every body a whole lot of anguish, despair and disgrace!
I realize these matters are not funny and should be taken seriously because they trouble real people and have profound effects on their lives, but sometimes you just can’t help but get into make fun mode because it’s just beyond silly. We’re wayyy past the bury-your-girls-alive days, I mean come on people. Coolred38 mentioned on her blog that people like saying we want change but change takes time, and how long since those merry times?
I better go to sleep.
Goodnight everyone : )
I am pleased to see that at least one nation respect their women from being looked at like sporting whores to the world. Saudi Arabia is right as a Muslim nation. Women are to be adorned in modest dress, not half naked.
The Christian nations should practice the same modest practice for their women.
Some of the so-called Christian men can’t wait to see a half naked Saudi woman so they can lust after her.
I like being the pink stop sign with a big mouth full of teeth! I also like being the “orange thing” on Aafkes blog! They both suit me well!!! We had the “hymen” discussion on AbuS&S blog about a month ago. What I want to know is how does a man really know if the hymen has already been broken or not? Is there a class for men? Does some old-timer pull the young boys aside and tell them what it should be like? If a young girl broke her hymen in some way other than her wedding night would she even know? I think theres too much hymen hype going on!!!
While I don’t want to get too off-track here from the subject, in some marriages, it is considered a big deal to display the virginal sheet from the marriage bed after the wedding night. And yes, sadly hymen restoration has become a big business. I don’t know whether it is performed at all in the Kingdom (and that really wouldn’t surprise me if some doctors were) but elsewhere it is popular.
I don’t know though about all the nervousness of sports and breaking the hymen. I was a pretty rough and tough tomgirl with sports and horsebackriding and it certainly never affected the status of my hymen…
Honestly, I don’t think the lack thereof of Saudi women in the Olympics stems from concern over the hymen but more because of the cultural traditions concerned with modesty and reluctance for the woman to be exposed to unsanctioned members
Kim…..”respect” are you sure thats why the Arab culture of Saudi prefer their women to be covered up? Men have the annoying habit of lusting after anything, nothing…or everything regardless of whether “its” covered or half naked or somewhere in between.
coolred…and what about adding it does not necessarily matter if female or not…..
Anyway: the hymen-thing says nothing, some women don’t have a hymen, some bleed, some don’t, and there is no way whatsoever a man can tell wether a woman is a virgin or not. And lets not forget men are supposed to be virgins too, so can’t even compare.
And if they are not, then they have nothing to complain anyway.
It’s the result of excessive covering which makes men so ridiculously abusive towards women; if men are use to seeing ”halfnaked” women they can deal with them a lot better.
If you go to the lake in summer everybody is lying in the sun and I’ve never seen a man losing it, or harrassing women in the way I have heard from saudi women how they are harrassed while shopping, nine months pregnant with a toddler on their arm.
I believe in expressing myself, if a bloke’s ”emotions” do get the better of him I knock him down: educational, makes you feel much better about yourself, and has a very positive effect on the modest behaviour of other blokes.
Tina, I love the space-shape you have on my blog!
The real Aafke is back. I thought someone hijacked your id earlier
“I am pleased to see that at least one nation respect their women from being looked at like sporting whores to the world.” “Some of the so-called Christian men can’t wait to see a half naked Saudi woman so they can lust after her.”
I love a good laugh in the morning.. I swear, everytime I read something like this I think it must be some sort of joke, or sarcasm or irony or other reasonable explanation.. Blows my mind to think that every time I go for a run, I’m a running prostitute to someone.. somewhere.. amazing..
I’m with you Andrea. Kim, its disappointing that even regarding athletes and all their sporting achievement, you could come up with an expression such as sporting whores!!! Get a life. When I see athletes, male or female, all I see is strength, power and health.
And who are the ‘so-called Christian men’ who spend their time lusting after Saudi women? Call me naive, but I have a little more faith in men that to think they are lust mad maniacs (western men anyway, I’m sorry I don’t have any non-Western male friends). And sure why would saudi women get any attention if there are so many ‘sporting whores’ from other around?!!! Maybe you should be glad they are there as a distraction….
I’ve started doing triathlon’s recently, and run a lot now. Unfortunately I do get very occasional catcalls when out running but am happy to reside in a society where these catcallers are seen as losers with nothing better to do with their time, rather than restricting me from comfortably giving my body the exercise it deserves and needs, and taking pride in pushing myself to achieve some sporting success.
How I wish I could jog or even just go out unencumbered for a nice brisk walk here in Riyadh…. now if I lived in a western compound I could do so but I am in a traditional Saudi neighborhood/compound where if one even sees a woman out, she’s fully covered and veiled. (sigh) Yes; I will admit I miss feeling the air, wind and sun freely on my face here in KSA.
*one nation respect their women from being looked at like sporting whores to the world*
Missed that one before…
Damn, what about me then? Riding around the country-side, on my horse, on my bike, bare arms if temperature hits above 30”, hair all over the place, and I’m not even Olympic-level!!!
Unfortunately I have yet to see the men fainting left and right.
Heeee, actually I’m a lot hotter and cuddlier than all those overtrained skinny super-athletes, but I’m still getting no hits!
I conclude that the allure of a tiny bit of sporting skin is hugely exaggerated, and only in the minds of perverts.
Ah lets quit being funny.
I feel really insulted here! For all women, for all athletes!
Get a grip on yourself!!!!
Women athletes are just hard-working athletes!!!!!
NOT WHORES!!!!!!
Whores are women who, in our male-dominated societies are tricked/trapped/lured/forced into selling their bodies so that men who have no compassion, feelings, and morals can have sex with them.
All other women, not engaged in this trade, even if they are nudists and walk around totally naked, are not whores!!!!!!
And I don’t mind whores very much. I do mind the men who are demanding their services. As we all know many of those with the weirdest requests at brothels around the world, are the holier than thou, women-oppressing, no women at the Olympic games, Saudi hypocrites!!!! Not to mention the geriatric pedophiles who ”marry” 10 year old schoolchildren, and the bastard fathers who sell their infant daughters.
And what I really mind is stupid, ignorant, evil-minded people brainlessly daring to insult the 10 billion women of planet Earth who walk about as God has intended, free and unimpared, because they themselves are stuck into some perverted mindset.
End of rant.
Hijab is something from inside to outside. I actually know more than half of Saudi women are not happy to be rapped in Niqab and Abayah. They at least like to wear normal Hijab like other muslim women do.
And being whore is something related to personality of the person, not the way of wearing. Actually i saw there are whores in UAE and Qatar who wear Niqab to remain unknown!! It’s going to be slang there..
wrapped *
American Bedu, I can’t even imagine not doing that…I love nothing more than letting the wind whip at my head and my thoughts on a good brisk walk to clear my mind! I suppose I wouldn’t fare too well in the KSA
However that dish from the potluck party sounds delish, I would never come across something like that here in Ireland. I will have to go hunting for the ingredients and give it a try. Not sure that I will find pomegranate syrup though…
Thanks, your blog is very interesting, informative and enjoyable to read! I found it today and have been dipping in and out. It has kept me from my work though, I will have to be more disciplined tomorrow…
Well…if I went jogging Im sure a few people would faint…but then again could be for reasons other than my stellar physique and cool athletic gear(hey…we are talking post natal 5 children plus a forced sedentary lifestyle for 20 years…u bet I got some jiggly bits…sigh).
Mairead – I do endorse everyone trying Fesenjan! It is pretty easy to make and oh so delicious! The pomegranate syrup should be available at an Middle Eastern food store.
Coolred – I’ll look you up next trip to Bahrain…we can try jogging together there! (smile)
Shahrzad — Yes; I also know so many Saudi women who tell me if the culture and society permitted, they would likely only wear the hijjab sans abaya and niqqab.
Aafke – not to go off topic too much, but with prostitution legal in the Netherlands, it gives a whole different concept to the sexual act and where it is truly viewed as a profitable business and not to be confused with street-walkers who are usually selling their body in order to get their next fix…
Prostitution is legalised in Holland to give prostitutes some kind of legal protection. It doesn’t mean the majority of Dutch consider it ”normal”. This is a man’s world: Prostitutes are most often not working on their own: there almost always is a man or organisation behind them scooping up the profits. Many women are forced and beaten into prostitution, many have been sexually abused as children which, as we know, can damage the personality of children to a great extend, especially in relation to sex. Many girls, some very young, are lured away from their homes, especially from east-Europe and forced into it, or are being made addicts to keep them under control. They are sold off to pimps, none of the money they make comes to them.
And some do it of their own free will. As it is a ”fashionable” subject for documentaries I have noticed that many of those consider it a ”job” and sort of like a ”social” service, until they step out and then tell how it damages them inside to the point they become completely senseless and can’t bear even their boyfriends or husbands anymore.
The fact that prostitution exists, ( by the demand of men) still does not justify calling hardworking athletes, or any women who do not follow one view of Islamic doctrine in covering themself head to toe in fabric, whores.
And sorry about the rant, but if somebody chooses to denominate all women of the world outside their own religious circle a whore, I feel obliged to oppose.
Interesting…call me strange, but I think legal prostitution in the Netherlands, (for and against) would be a fascinating blog post to read (hint hint)…
I loved this post and all comments posted. I still haven’t found out why physical education/training is not part of the school curriculum in Saudi all-womens schools.
Anyone knows?
I do not know definitively and have always put it down to cultural reasons. However I can ask some of my sister-in-laws who are Saudi teachers and see what they say.
I’m pleased to say that Reuters chose to carry this post:
http://www.reuters.com/article/blogBurst/investing?bbPostId=B6kcqoGH9Pf8Bzn7nRZ5sNNoB1kHNRXPANAgCz3jC7R6pW6ZW
[...] American Bedu, an American who lives in Saudi Arabia, watched the opening with excitement. The all-men Saudi team, however, opens Pandora's Box and a barrage of questions. She explains: The all-male Saudi delegation entered looking very Royal and carrying the flag proudly and high. And yes, you read that right — all-male. Now come on…did anyone reading this post really expect that Saudi would have a female Olympic contender as part of their team…yet? Don’t forget, physical education is not even part of the regular program (if at all) for female students in the Kingdom. [...]
Finally ! thought of a Saudi women’s sport. Muttawa tipping!
That’s a cute one, Andrea!