Compare and Contrast how the western world views Islam and how Islam Essay

Compare and Contrast how the western world views Islam and how Islam views the Western World - Essay Example Biases and boundaries as well as educational differences create a specific understanding toward how one looks at both of these regions and how each responds to the cultural affiliations that are a part of this. The belief systems of Islam which Western culture is taught is one of the main differences that creates biases of this specific religion and culture. More importantly, the historical changes that have happened in recent years have created a strong association and sense of feelings about those from Islam and individuals that identify with this. Those in the Western world have created several boundaries and stereotypes to those that are Islamic and to those that are from the Eastern world. This is based on the identities and assumptions of those from this area as well as the lack of education and cultural understanding that is a part of this particular culture. One of the aspects that many in the Western world tend to disagree with is the treatment of women. Currently, gender associations in the west are based on independent and equal choices for men and women. However, most in the Western world are also taught that women in Islam are not given the same rights. The association with veils and the obligation for women to be caregivers when belonging to Islam is considered as one that is not equal and which creates inequality. Many parts of the Western culture will also state that this is a violation of human rights because of the way that women are treated. Marriage, divorce and custody laws all are a part of the viewpoint that Westerners have as well as how women are treated in relationships. â€Å"Islamic societies were, if anything, surely rather remarkable for their unequivocal placement of women under the control of men, and their equally explicit licensing of male sexuality and exploitation of women† (Ahmed, 521). While this is one of the main debates within Islam and the viewpoint of the Western

Teenage Prostitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Teenage Prostitution - Essay Example (India Today) The reasons why children work as prostitutes and why adults seek sexual favors from them, are multiple and interdependent. From information gathered during interviews with children, the following reasons seem most prevalent (Jain P & Kasturi 25) Almost all the girls interviewed mentioned poverty, lack of financial support from their parents and the need to eat and clothe themselves as reasons for getting involved in prostitution. Thus, in many ways, in addition to mere sexual exploitation, the children's poverty is exploited. Another way in which child prostitutes are victimised is their social exclusion and stigmatisation. Most girls become prostitutes to seek better living conditions and due to their desperate situation and/or lack of information -do not care about the consequences, which can include contracting STDs and HIV through unprotected sex. Child prostitution is also caused by changes from traditional values to those of a contemporary society. The consequences of rural to urban migration, and the subsequent reorientation of lifestyle can have far-reaching effects, most notably on the structure of the family. Fewer girls than boys enroll at school, and girls are more likely to drop out. For those who have the opportunity to go to school, conditions are basic and learning materials are in short supply. Many pupils have to travel long distances to get to the schools, which are overcrowded and under-equipped. Also, poverty and the need to contribute to the family's income often cause children to leave school to go to work instead. (Jain P & Kasturi 25) Because of their limited educational opportunities, many girls realise that their chances of obtaining good jobs are poor. Informal education and recreational opportunities are basically non-existent. All of these contribute to a lack of optimism with regard to the future (5) Social attitudes towards child prostitution Many girls testify to facing problems from their parents, their peers or members of the community because of the work they are doing. The social alienation can occur before the girls take up sex work. It is evident that the stigmatisation of the child who is vulnerable and at risk of getting involved in prostitution can be a factor in driving her towards prostitution. (6) Sexual abuse/violence and rape (7) Use of children as 'attractions' by owners and managers of bars, discotheques and restaurants Teenage prostitution is a growing phenomenon in the world. The reasons for this are multiple, but they include chronic family poverty owing to a lack of employment for adults and young persons; a breakdown in family support mechanisms; migration; gender inequality; and the impact of HIV/AIDS. Another contributory cause is the inadequacy of the education systems, which provide quality schooling for only a limited number of children. (India Today) Child prostitution is often dealt with exclusively as a form of child abuse. Although teen prostitututes