Comments on: Saudi Arabia and the 2008 Olympics

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:02:03 +0000

That’s a cute one, Andrea!

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:45:46 +0000

Finally ! thought of a Saudi women’s sport. Muttawa tipping!

By: Global Voices Online » Arabeyes: The Olympics, Pride, Equality and Hope

Global Voices Online » Arabeyes: The Olympics, Pride, Equality and Hope — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:26:57 +0000

[...] 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. [...]

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 16:24:33 +0000

I’m pleased to say that Reuters chose to carry this post:

http://www.reuters.com/article/blogBurst/investing?bbPostId=B6kcqoGH9Pf8Bzn7nRZ5sNNoB1kHNRXPANAgCz3jC7R6pW6ZW

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:56:36 +0000

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.

By: Tee or Tri : P

Tee or Tri : P — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:24:05 +0000

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?

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:46:04 +0000

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)…

By: Aafke

Aafke — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:18:38 +0000

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.

By: American Bedu

American Bedu — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 06:22:54 +0000

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…

By: coolred38

coolred38 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:14:06 +0000

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).